Looking at a small block of wood and wondering what's hiding inside? Every whittler has experienced that moment of staring at a piece of basswood, trying to visualize what could emerge from those sharp corners and flat faces. It's exciting! For me, as a beginner, the possibilities in that moment are endless, until I begin carving and remember that I'm still at least a little constrained by my skill level.
Part of the magic of whittling is transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary using nothing more than a knife and your imagination. In this article I'm going to try to inspire you with some fun whittling projects that come from the humble cubes. Most of these were done using a 2x2x2 basswood block, but the size really doesn't matter as much as the shape.
So, whether you're searching for easy whittling projects for beginners or you're an experienced carver looking for quick, satisfying makes, hopefully these cube-based projects will give you the wood carving inspiration you need to get started.
What tools do you need to start whittling? For all these projects, you'll need just a few basic tools: a quality whittling knife (our 3pc Whittling Knife Set is perfect for beginners), some 2x2x2 basswood blocks, and cut-resistant safety gloves to protect your hands while you master knife control.
You can use a wood carving gouge or a hook knife for some of these (I used a gouge for the apple project, for instance, but the basic whittling knife kit should get you by for the most part.
Easy Whittling Projects - Beginner Tutorials Included
1. How to Whittle a Perfect Ball
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT8W6NIyqks&t=564s
There's something oddly mesmerizing about transforming a sharp-cornered cube into a perfectly smooth sphere. This classic project teaches you fundamental rounding techniques that you'll use in countless future carvings. In fact, I recommend starting here if you're a complete beginner, because you'll need this skill to complete many other whittling projects. Plus the process is meditative – gradually working away corners, then edges, then refining the surface until you hold a satisfying orb in your palm.
This project teaches you to "see" curves within straight lines. You'll develop the knife control needed to create consistent, flowing cuts while learning to work with wood grain in multiple directions.
2. How to Whittle a Moravian Star
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEiqI8f3XBI
This traditional ornament brings a piece of folk art history into your hands. Moravian stars originated in 19th-century Germany and have become beloved symbols of craftsmanship and tradition. Creating one from a simple cube connects you to generations of woodworkers who carved these same designs.
The project challenges you to work with geometric precision while maintaining the handmade character that makes each piece unique. You'll learn to create multiple identical points radiating from a central core – excellent practice for developing consistency in your cuts and spatial visualization skills. You can also turn your Moravian star into a cool ornament for you Christmas tree!
Prefer text and images over video? You can check out this link here:
https://woodchipchatter.com/2021/07/24/tutorial-how-to-carve-a-moravian-star-ornament/
3. How to Whittle a Folksy Apple
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6qFBrsebR8
I love this project. It's super simple and super fun. Master whittler Doug Linker has a way of creating whittling projects that are addictive - once you carve one, it's impossible not to carve another. And another...
The goal with this one isn't photorealistic perfection but rather capturing that folk art charm. I plucked a couple leaves from the back yard for the apple stems, and they currently live on a shelf in my bedroom, where they have the job of making me smile whenever I look at them.
A quick note, you'll want paints and a gouge for this one. I used a large U gouge from our Schaaf Tools 7pc Carving set to make the bite marks. You could potentially use a hook knife too if you didn't have the U gouge.
4. How to Whittle a Simple Owl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaY_zLKY4aI
Who doesn't love owls? These wise little creatures translate beautifully into whittled form, with their rounded bodies and distinctive features perfectly suited to cube dimensions. An owl teaches you to combine curved and angular cuts, creating contrast between the smooth body and defined wings and beak.
This project introduces basic animal carving concepts without overwhelming complexity. You'll learn to suggest details rather than carve every feather, developing the ability to capture an animal's essence with just a few well-placed cuts.
5. How to Whittle a Simple "Rubber" Ducky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUQXcU6PtVU
Another awesome Linker project. Whittling should always be fun, and rubber duckies definitely qualify. This playful project combines curves and angles in an approachable way while teaching you to carve recognizable forms from basic shapes. The duck's rounded body emerges naturally from cube dimensions, while the bill and tail provide practice with smaller detail work.
Kids love hand-carved ducks, making this an excellent project for gifts or family activities. You'll be surprised how much personality you can carve into such a simple form.
6. How to Whittle a Cute Hamburger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhrp6qX43PQ
Yes, you can whittle food! This goofy project is from the mind of Halfling Carvings. Lear how to whittle the bun, patty, maybe a tomato slice - err, ya a hamburger. You get it.
Experiment with different layers, different textures etc. Go wild with your burger, or keep it simple like the one in the tutorial. Just don't eat it.
Whittling Inspiration - No Video Tutorial
7. Three Interlocking Links
This classic puzzle project seems impossible until you understand the secret. Do you know the secret? Because I'm not sure I do. Anyways, this whittling project is a bit more advanced, but I included it here to give you some inspiration.
If you figure it out and want to create a tutorial video to help other beginners, get in touch with us.
8. Whittle a Kirby
http://youtube.com/shorts/5DrynZ-KYyg
So, I love these Kirbies. And I wish there was a tutorial. I'm planning on trying to carve one soon, and maybe I'll update this article when I do. In the meantime, you can use what you learned from the ball carving video, and add some feet and arms.
Funny (and slightly tragic) story about Kirby carvings. Our friend Brian from Carving is Fun carved the Kirby below and lent it to me for a product shoot. He asked me to send it back to him when we were finished because he like it. Well, once the photoshoot was finished, I wrapped the Kirby in paper and put it by the door so I wouldn't forget to take it to the post office.
A brilliant idea, except one of my housemates mistook the paper bundle for trash and tossed it, incidentally the same day that our trash was picked up by the city. I'm sorry Brian!
9. Whittle a Person in a Screen
I saw this carving by wood.youmind, whose Instagram account provides me with an endless source of carving and whittling inspiration. I decided to try to carve something similar, and here are some in-process photos of what I've got so far.
Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Skills
As you work through these beginner whittling projects you'll naturally develop preferences for certain types of cuts, forms, or details. Some carvers gravitate toward organic, flowing forms like apples and owls. Others prefer the mathematical precision of geometric patterns. There's no right answer – follow your interests and let your style emerge naturally. I've found in nice to try a wide range of different things.
Finding Inspiration and Community
The beauty of modern whittling is the incredible community of makers sharing their knowledge online. Whittling for beginners YouTube channels, like many of the links I've included above, offer step-by-step guidance for these projects and countless others. Don't hesitate to pause, rewind, and watch techniques multiple times – even experienced carvers learn new approaches from fellow makers.
Consider documenting your own journey through these projects. Share progress photos, ask questions, and celebrate both successes and learning experiences. The whittling community is remarkably supportive, and your beginner's perspective might inspire someone else just starting their journey.
Getting Started: Your First Cube Project
Ready to begin? Start with the perfect ball – it's forgiving, teaches essential techniques, and provides immediate satisfaction. Grab your whittling knife, a basswood blank, and your safety gloves. Take your time, work in good light, and remember that every expert carver started exactly where you are now.
Each shaving you remove brings you closer to revealing what was hiding inside that simple cube all along. Sometimes it's a perfect sphere, sometimes it's a wise little owl, and sometimes it's something entirely unexpected that emerges as you work.
That's the real magic of whittling – you never quite know what you'll discover until the last cut is made.
What will you carve from your first cube? Share your creations with us on Instagram using #SchaafCubeCarving, and don't forget to tag us to join our growing community of makers!
Ready to start your cube carving journey? Our 3pc Whittling Knife Set includes everything you need to tackle these projects, plus basswood blocks to get you started immediately. Protect your hands with our Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves while you master these new techniques.
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