"Stuff is stuff — it's replaceable, more so when you can make it. So I don't fret about stuff." We connected with Naomie after she reached out to share a bit about her carving journey — and we're glad she did. She's a self-taught maker from a small town in upstate New York, just north of the Adirondacks, with a philosophy about wood, tools, and life that we thought was worth sharing. Here's a look at her story! Tell us a little about yourself and where you're from. I am 42, from NY state, a little town in the Champlain Valley — 16 miles from the Canadian border and just north of the Adirondack Mountains. I refer to...
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...
Alright, its that time of year! We're all scrambling to find the perfect gift. Or at least something that conveys we're thinking of somebody and have at least a general understanding of things they enjoy. If there's a wood carver in your life you've come to the right place, because I just did a bunch of the legwork for you. Yes there's awesome wood carving tools for the beginner or the seasoned carver. Yes there are educational and inspirational materials for the carver who already has too many tools. And yes, there's even funny merch for the wood carvers, whittlers, spoon carvers who seem to already have it all. I can guarantee they don't have this merch already. How you...
You never know where curiosity will take you. When 12-year-old Galip Ağirkaya picked up his first wood carving tool during a school vacation in Istanbul, he had no idea he was beginning a lifelong journey that would span nearly five decades. Driven by his curiosity and fascination with the craft, he started carving - and never stopped. Today, Galip is a master wood carver with 45 years of professional experience, teaching wood carving workshops, connecting artisans across continents and working to preserve one of the world's oldest art forms. His story is a testament to the power of passion, continuous learning, and the deep connections that wood carving creates across cultures. We're honored to feature Galip in our community spotlight...
There's something magical about wood carving outdoors. Well, let's be honest - there's magic in being outdoors whether or not you're carving. Being in nature, removed from the everyday bustle of life feels like one massive exhalation for my entire body. For those times you're looking for a relaxing, creative activity to do outside, carving checks those boxes. The fresh air, natural light, and connection to the environment where your materials originated create an experience that isn't necessarily better than carving in your home or workshop - just different. Over the summer, I go up to the Eel river with my family to stay in a small cabin. There's no electricity, no cell phone service, and no neighbors within shouting...
