A few weeks ago, I asked our community a question — actually, two questions.
What are you working on right now? And what's something you finished recently that you're proud of?
I shared that I had two projects sitting on my own workbench that I hadn't touched in a while: a whittled whale and a relief carving of a character (Vin) from the Mistborn series. I needed motivation, and I figured the best place to find it was this community.
You delivered.
We received dozens of responses — photos, descriptions, works-in-progress, finished pieces, and a few people who haven't started yet but are ready to. The range of skill levels, subjects, and styles was genuinely humbling. And for what it's worth: I finished the whale.
Below is a look at what the Schaaf Tools community has been making. Whether you're an experienced carver or someone still thinking about picking up a tool for the first time, we hope this inspires you.
Meet the Carvers
Chris E.
Chris is currently bringing Krusty the Clown to life — yes, from The Simpsons. He shared photos of the in-progress piece, and once Krusty is done, a grizzly bear is next on the list. The range of subject matter is what we love about this community.
Chris S.
Chris has a project just on the edge of finished — it just needs paint and oil and it's done. Chris, we're holding you accountable. Finish line is right there.
Dan P.
Dan just completed a carving based on a Mike Bloomquist pattern using Schaaf fishtail gouges, and also tried kolrosing for the first time — on a pair of skis and a sled. Kolrosing is a traditional Scandinavian technique of incising fine lines into wood and rubbing in pigment, and Dan's first attempt looks great. Two techniques in one project is ambitious.
Dianne
Dianne is working on a carved flower using a new Schaaf chisel set, but that's just the current project. She also whittles spinning tops, stars, dice, and what she calls 'bookshelf bears' — small carved bears designed to sit on your shelf. She's also planning a camping trip with whittling on the agenda. Carving in the outdoors? That's the dream.
Gregg J.
Gregg is planning something deeply personal: a relief carving of his mother's farm barn, based on her own pencil drawing, onto a basswood bark-edged plank roughly 10–12" wide by 12" long. He's waiting on a wood shipment and a new Schaaf fishtail set before he starts. The patience to plan a project like this before diving in is a skill of its own.
Jim N.
Jim shared a collection of current and recently finished pieces, including a striking horse and rider carving. The level of detail in Jim's work is remarkable — this is the kind of piece that stops you mid-scroll.
Keith J.
Keith just completed his very first relief carving. First. Ever. And it's impressive. If you've been on the fence about trying relief carving, let Keith's debut be the thing that pushes you over.
Larry K.
Larry sent in photos of multiple finished pieces, including a figure emerging from a honey pot that has to be seen to be believed. Larry's work has a warmth and personality that makes each carving feel like a character, not just a craft object.
Marc D.
Marc has three works in progress running simultaneously: a small lake trout, a set of mushrooms, and an unfinished second spoon. The lake trout photo he sent is beautiful — clean lines, great form. Three projects at once is either inspiring or a cautionary tale, depending on who you ask, but Marc, it looks like you've got it handled!
Matt W.
Matt is carving a pair of parrots out of a cypress knee — an irregularly shaped piece of wood that grows from the root system of cypress trees. Working with natural forms like this requires improvisation and a good eye for what's already in the wood. Matt's piece looks like it belongs in a gallery.
Mike D.
Mike is working on his third maple fish bowl, hand-carved with traditional chisels and a mocotaugan (a curved knife used in traditional woodworking). The fact that this is his third iteration of the same concept tells you everything — he's refining something, chasing a vision. The craftsmanship is evident.
Mike S.
Mike is doing something special: relief carvings of Bellamy-style eagles — one for each son and grandson who has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. These aren't decorations; they're heirlooms. This might be the most meaningful use of wood carving we've ever heard of.
Mitch
Mitch recently finished two Van Kelly roughouts, which he carved and painted. The painted finish gives them a completely different character than raw wood — vibrant, storybook-like. Mitch clearly has a painter's eye as well as a carver's hands.
Naomie W.
Naomie shared with us an impressive collection. Spoons and utensils carved from locally sourced maple, lilac, cherry, apple, padauk, and purple heart — including a set of chopsticks with shell inlay. She's also rearranging her workspace to accommodate a newly gifted lathe and building a wheeled carving bench. Naomie is building a studio, and we are here for it.
Paul K.
Paul shared photos of his latest project: carved rolling pins with decorative patterns pressed into dough. One of them was his very first carve. His first carve is a functional, beautiful kitchen tool. That's a heck of a place to start.
Scott S.
Scott is working on a horse carving using a fishtail #5 gouge and plans to paint the border when it's done. The composition has great energy — the kind of piece where you can feel the movement even in a still photo.
Tami W.
Tami completed a carved log cabin for her grandson. The detail is extraordinary — a full cabin with realistic timber walls, windows, and a covered porch. Grandkids who get gifts like this don't know how lucky they are.
Tim C.
Tim carved the first of several spoons from elm tree trimmings taken from his church. There's something we love about carving wood with a known history — timber that came from a specific place, a specific tree. Tim's spoons carry that story.
Timmy B.
Timmy is working on a grizzly bear carving and shared a great in-progress shot. Bears are a rite of passage in wood carving — they demand both power and patience. Timmy's is shaping up beautifully.
Amy S.
Amy is ready to dive in — she's got basswood, cedar, and a brand-new Dremel 4000 waiting to be put to work. She's taking her time exploring what the tool can do before committing to a first project. We love this approach. Amy, we'll be watching for that first carving.
Louise F.
Louise is a beginner planning to start her very first project: a comfort bird. Comfort birds are small, hand-held carvings designed to fit in your palm — simple in concept, satisfying to make. Louise, you picked a great first project. We can't wait to see it. (By the way, I thought of my project as a sort of comfort whale).
Heath M.
Heath hasn't had much shop time lately — work and family have taken priority — but he's planning to move his shop home this spring. When he does, the goal is a full set of kitchen utensils, starting with a ladle. We're rooting for the home shop move, Heath.
Your Turn
This community never stops surprising us. From first-ever projects to pieces destined to become family heirlooms, what you're all making is a reminder of why we started Schaaf Tools in the first place — to make this craft accessible to anyone who wants to try it.
If you're working on something right now, we want to see it. Tag us on Instagram @schaaftools or reply to our next email. And if you haven't started yet — the door is open. We have beginner kits designed to get you making something real on day one.
Keep making things. Create something awesome!
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