Beginner Wood Carving with Knives
Experience Level: ANY
Instructor: Ryan Barnard
His Website
Class Size: 10 Students
Sessions: 1 sessions at 6-7 hours
This course will be via Zoom.
Course Description
There are many ways to shape and carve wood into beautiful patterns and sculptures in both round and flat surfaces based on different traditions from around the world. This course is intended to introduce students to carving with knives in the whittling carving traditions. In this class, students will learn how to sharpen carving knives, how to safely hold and carve the work piece, and finishing techniques to carve a Moravian Star and a Comfort Bird.
Module 1: Introduction to Sharpening (1 Hour)
In this module students will learn how to sharpen carving knives using diamond sharpening stones and leather strop with a brief overview of different sharpening mediums (Water Stones, Oil Stones & Diamond Stones as well as stropping techniques for honing).
Module 2: Carve a Moravian Star (1.5 – 2 Hours)
In this module, students will carve a Moravian Star, learning how to make both slicing and chopping cuts safely with both hands. Originally, children were taught to carve the Moravian Star as a means to learn geometry and mathematics. These fun carvings look beautiful and make delightful holiday ornaments, especially when painted!
Module 3: Carve a Comfort Bird (2 – 3 Hours)
In this module, students will learn how to read the grain direction in wood and how to carve with, against, and across the grain, as well as how to carve end grain. They will also use undercuts to create definition and shadows. Comfort Birds are designed to be held in hand and rubbed to ease anxiety and grief, making them a thoughtful gift for individuals experiencing difficulty
Tools & Materials Needed
Tools:
Pencil
Sharpie Marker
Course Sharpening Stone (200-600 Grit) like this, like this OR like this
Fine Sharpening Stone (1000-2000 Grit) like this, like this OR like this
Leather Strop with Green Honing Compound like this (comes with carving kit)
Detail Carving Knife like this OR like this
Sloyd Carving Knife like this OR like this
Detail Sanding Sticks like this OR like this
Sandpaper 80-400 Grit Assorted
ANSI 7 or Higher Cut-Resistant Gloves like this
Materials:
2” x 2” Carving Block like this
1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x 3” Carving Block like this
(Basswood, Butternut, Pine, Cedar, Poplar, and Aspen work well for whittling)
Mineral and Beeswax Finish like this
Course Dates
Date: October 25th, 2025
Start Time: 11:00 AM CST (9:00 AM PST / 10:00 AM MST / 12:00 PM EST)
End Time: 6:00 PM CST (4:00 PM PST / 5:00 PM MST / 7:00 PM EST)