Meet the Carver: Ron Staebell
We recently caught up with Ron Staebell, a passionate new woodcarver whose thoughtful perspective and creative spirit shine through every project. From a Valentine’s gift for his wife to an upcoming violin for his granddaughter, Ron’s journey into carving is rooted in family, faith, and a lifelong appreciation for working with his hands.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how long have you been woodcarving?
My name is Ron Staebell. My wife, Esther, and I live in Bixby, Oklahoma (near Tulsa), but we both grew up on farms in South Dakota—Parker and Brookings. We have two grown sons and three grandkids. They, along with my faith, are my top priorities.
I work as a corporate credit manager and am nearing retirement. I also taught business classes as an adjunct professor for 15 years at a local university. I recently took up woodcarving as my retirement hobby. I’ve always enjoyed working with wood—back in my younger days, I loved shop class, framed homes, and did remodeling work during college. My dad got into furniture making after retiring from the farm, but I didn’t want to invest in all the tools required for that, so I decided woodcarving would be the path I’d take.
I was inspired by the MadCarver and some of your videos—especially relief carving, which struck me as a true art form. Having worked behind a desk most of my life, I find carving to be incredibly soulful—almost meditative. It brings a sense of peace after a stressful day.
Do you have a favorite type of wood to carve? Why?
I really like basswood. It’s easy to work with, has a tight grain, and as a beginner, I don’t have to worry about knots or splintering. I’ve also started working with an old cottonwood tree, and I’ve found it to be enjoyable as well.
What are a few woodworking tools you couldn't live without?
I absolutely love the Schaaf Tools 12-piece set. A local carver told me not to invest in cheap tools because they make carving harder and could kill your interest. He was right. From the very first cut, the Schaaf tools felt perfect for what I was doing. That experience confirmed what he told me.
Schaaf Tools aren’t the cheapest out there, but they’re a great value. The quality is on par with more expensive brands. In fact, a woodcarver at a local store told me Schaaf tools were just as good as a set he was selling for double the price—he was impressed when I showed him mine.
I also use a scroll saw to rough out the larger shapes before I fine-tune them with my carving tools.
Is there a project you’ve completed that you're especially proud of?
Easy—that would be the heart-shaped bowl I carved for my wife as a Valentine’s gift. She uses it for her rings and other small items. I thought carving the bowl part would be tough, but it was a breeze with the right tools. She was impressed—and that’s what matters most.
Are there any woodcarvers or artists who inspire you?
Definitely the MadCarver. I love watching his videos. His projects are true works of art, and that’s what I aim to create as well. Carving little people or Santas doesn’t really inspire me. I want the time I spend carving to produce something that tells a story—just like the heart bowl I made for my wife.
Right now, I’m planning to carve three inspirational pieces for my grandkids (ages 14, 11, and 7). I hope to finish them by Thanksgiving—something meaningful to inspire them as they grow into adulthood.
What have you learned about yourself through carving?
I’m a Type A personality—always pushing forward from one project to the next. Carving has helped me slow down and focus. It’s a good reminder that we’re made for more than just work. Work shouldn't be our identity.
God created us to create. Carving is one way to express that—bringing something new out of something old. It’s a way of recycling wood into something beautiful and useful. I’ve learned to let that creativity come out. The result is peace in a hectic world, and (hopefully) something beautiful added to it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in carving?
Same advice I was given—don’t invest in cheap tools. Quality tools make all the difference and will keep you from getting frustrated. I’d also say, don’t limit yourself to what looks easy. Push yourself to try new ideas. As the saying goes, “A mind once stretched by a new idea never returns to its original form.”
Thanks so much to Ron for sharing his story. If you’re a carver and have a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let us know—you never know who you might inspire next.
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