If you've been watching relief carving videos on YouTube and thinking "I want to try that," you're in exactly the right place. Relief carving opens up a world of creative possibilities, from decorative panels and furniture embellishments to sculptural art pieces that bring depth and dimension to flat wood surfaces.
The challenge? With thousands of carving tutorials available online, finding quality beginner-friendly projects can feel overwhelming. Some tutorials assume too much prior knowledge, others skip crucial steps, and many don't clearly explain which tools you actually need.
That's why we've curated this collection of 10 exceptional beginner relief carving projects from some of the most respected wood carving instructors on YouTube. Each project has been selected because it teaches fundamental techniques, uses accessible tools, and provides clear instruction perfect for someone just starting their relief carving journey.
What Makes These Projects Perfect for Beginners?
Before we dive into the individual projects, let's talk about what makes a relief carving project truly beginner-friendly. The projects in this collection share several important characteristics that make them ideal for developing your skills without overwhelming you.
First, they all use readily available tools. You won't need specialized equipment or rare gouges. Our 12pc Beginner Set covers the vast majority of tools used across these tutorials, with a few projects incorporating tools from the 7pc Expansion Set or 4pc Fishtail Set for more detailed work.
Second, these tutorials feature experienced instructors who understand how to teach. Whether it's master carvers like Joe Dillett, Chris Pye, and Mary May, or passionate educators like Chiseled Outdoors, these instructors take time to explain not just what they're doing, but why they're doing it.
Third, each project teaches transferable skills. The techniques you learn carving a simple leaf will serve you when you tackle more complex botanical designs. The depth control you develop carving a dog will help you create any multi-layered relief composition.
Finally, these projects are genuinely achievable. You can complete most of them in a weekend or less, giving you the satisfaction of finished work that builds your confidence and motivates you to keep improving.
Understanding Relief Carving Basics
Relief carving differs from other wood carving styles in one fundamental way: you're creating a three-dimensional image that remains attached to a flat background. Think of it like a photograph that's been pushed out of the wood rather than drawn on it. The image stands out from the background, creating shadows and depth through varying levels of carving.
There are several types of relief carving, ranging from low relief (where the carved elements barely rise above the background) to high relief (where elements stand out dramatically and may even be undercut). As a beginner, you'll primarily work with low to medium relief projects, which are more forgiving and require less complex tool work.
The beauty of relief carving is that it combines artistic expression with manageable technique. You don't need to be able to draw to create beautiful relief carvings, you can trace or transfer patterns. And because you're working with a flat background as your reference point, it's easier to control depth and maintain proportions than it is in full three-dimensional sculpture.
Before starting any of these projects, make sure you have the basic supplies: a set of quality gouges and a carving mallet (our 15oz Precision Wood Carving Mallet is perfect for beginners), basswood or butternut for your carving surface. You might also want to review our Fundamental Gouge Cuts for Beginning Wood Carvers guide if you haven't already mastered the basic cuts, and check out our comprehensive relief carving video series for beginners, which covers the basics, like how to hold your tools and properly use a mallet.
The 10 Best Beginner Relief Carving Projects
Now let's explore each project in detail, including what you'll learn, which tools you'll need, and why each one deserves a place in your skill-building journey.
1. Beginner Carving of a Leaf with Joe Dillett
Watch it here: Carving a Maple Leaf
Why start here: This is one of the most elegant introductions to relief carving you'll find. Master carver Joe Dillett, with over four decades of experience, guides you through carving a maple leaf using a technique called "tool-specific carving." This approach teaches you to select the right gouge for each desired shape, rather than forcing one tool to do everything.
The maple leaf is an ideal first project because its organic curves and veining give you practice with flowing lines without requiring perfect symmetry. You'll learn how to create texture and depth through deliberate tool selection and controlled cuts. Joe's teaching style is patient and thorough, he doesn't rush through steps or assume you already know the basics.
What you'll learn: Tool selection based on the shape you want to create, creating natural-looking texture, working with organic curves, and understanding how different gouge sweeps produce different effects.
Tools needed: Gouges from the 12pc Beginner Set and a mallet.
Difficulty level: True beginner, perfect as your very first relief carving project.
2. How to Carve a Basic Flower with Mary May
Watch it here: Beginning Woodcarving - Basic Flower
Why try this one: With over 685,000 views since 2013, this is one of the most popular beginner carving tutorials on YouTube for good reason. Professional woodcarver Mary May has a gift for breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps. In this tutorial, she demonstrates how to carve a simple flower with overlapping petals, teaching you crucial concepts about creating depth through layering.
The flower design is forgiving, slight imperfections in petal shape actually add to the natural, organic feel. You'll practice making consistent curved cuts, understanding how overlapping elements create the illusion of depth, and refining edges for a professional finish.
What you'll learn: Creating overlapping elements, understanding visual depth and layering, making smooth curved cuts, and basic finishing techniques for relief carvings.
Tools needed: A #7 14mm gouge, #3 14mm gouge, #7 12mm gouge, and a V-tool, all of which are included in the 12pc Beginner Set.
Difficulty level: Beginner, but slightly more complex than the leaf due to the overlapping petals.
3. Beginner Carving of a Dog with Joe Dillett
Watch it here: Relief Carving a Dog - Start to Finish
Why tackle this project: This is a complete start-to-finish relief carving project that takes you through the entire process, from creating and transferring your pattern to the final finished panel. Joe Dillett's patient instruction style makes this seem less intimidating than it might appear at first glance.
The dog project introduces you to carving a subject with multiple distinct elements, the body, head, ears, and legs all require slightly different approaches. You'll learn about grain direction and how it affects your cuts, practice different types of cuts for different effects, and develop your skills with mallet work.
What you'll learn: Pattern creation and transfer, understanding layering for realistic depth, reading and working with wood grain direction, practicing various gouge cuts, and proper mallet technique.
Tools needed: Gouges from the 7pc Expansion Set and a mallet.
Difficulty level: Advanced beginner, best attempted after you've completed a simpler project like the leaf or flower.
4. How to Carve a Peach with Mary May
Watch it here: Carving a Peach in Shallow Relief
Why this is valuable: Mary May's peach tutorial demonstrates shallow relief carving, where the carved elements barely rise above the background. This is an excellent technique to master because it creates beautiful results with less intensive carving and is more forgiving of mistakes.
The peach's round form teaches you about creating the illusion of three-dimensionality on a nearly flat surface. You'll learn how subtle changes in depth and strategic use of shadows can make a two-dimensional carving look remarkably realistic.
What you'll learn: Shallow relief techniques, background angling to create depth, efficient bulk wood removal, crisp edge definition, and creative V-tool applications for texture.
Tools needed: Various gouges from the 12pc Beginner Set or 7pc Expansion Set.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate, the shallow depth makes it more approachable than deep relief work.
5. How to Carve a Simple Sailboat with Chiseled Outdoors
Watch it here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Why this project stands out: What makes this three-part series especially valuable is the instructor's transparency about his thought process. He doesn't just show you what to do, he explains what he's thinking while he works, which areas require extra care to avoid chipping or tear-out, and why he chooses specific tools for different tasks.
The sailboat is a great subject because it combines both geometric elements (the hull and sails) with natural ones (waves or water). This gives you practice transitioning between precise, controlled cuts and more flowing, organic carving.
What you'll learn: Roughing out and outlining complex designs, preventing chipping and tear-out in vulnerable areas, transitioning between different carving approaches, and combining geometric with organic elements.
Tools needed: Gouges from the 7pc Expansion Set and 4pc Fishtail Set, plus a Dremel for specific details (though this can be done with hand tools alone if you prefer).
Difficulty level: Intermediate beginner, the multi-part format gives you time to work through each stage carefully.
6. Chase Carvings, Appliques, and Drawer Pulls with Joe Dillett
Watch it here: Elegant Chase Carvings for Furniture
Why explore this: This tutorial opens up a whole category of practical relief carving applications. Rather than creating standalone art pieces, you'll learn how to enhance furniture and cabinets with decorative carvings. This is perfect if you're interested in functional woodworking or want to create unique, personalized gifts.
Joe introduces three distinct techniques in this video. Chase carving, which involves creating decorative patterns and geometric shapes by removing small amounts of wood (similar to chip carving), appliques made on thinner wood pieces that are then attached to furniture, and carved drawer pulls where you transform commercial wooden pulls into imaginative designs. The corn-on-the-cob drawer pull Joe demonstrates is particularly charming and achievable.
While the video quality isn't perfect, don't let that deter you. Joe Dillett is a master teacher with a wealth of carving knowledge, and this tutorial covers techniques you won't find in many other beginner resources.
What you'll learn: Chase carving techniques for decorative patterns, creating thin applique carvings, transforming simple objects into carved art, and practical applications for relief carving skills.
Tools needed: 12pc Beginner Set and a mallet.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate, with projects ranging from simple chase carvings to more complex appliques.
7. The Three Hares Design with Chris Pye
Watch it here: Carving the 3 Hares in Relief
Why this is essential viewing: Learning from legendary master woodcarver Chris Pye is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. The three hares design is a classic motif that appears in various cultures, making it both historically interesting and artistically challenging.
What sets this tutorial apart is Chris Pye's demonstration of professional techniques like using a depth gauge to maintain consistent carving depth and his methodical approach to background removal. These aren't just beginner techniques, they're the same approaches professional carvers use for commissioned work.
The three hares design is more complex than some other beginner projects, but it's absolutely achievable if you work carefully and follow Chris's detailed instruction. The interlocking nature of the design teaches you about planning your cuts and understanding how different elements relate to each other spatially.
What you'll learn: Professional-level background removal techniques, using a depth gauge for consistency, planning complex interconnected designs, and maintaining precise depth control across the entire carving.
Tools needed: Various gouges (the specific sizes will depend on your design scale, but the 12pc Beginner Set combined with the 7pc Expansion Set will cover your needs).
Difficulty level: Upper beginner to intermediate, this is a great project to attempt once you've built confidence with simpler designs.
8. Six Fundamental Rules with Beginning Relief Carving Tutorial
Watch it here: 6 Fundamental Rules Every Beginning Wood Carver Should Know
Why this is different: Rather than focusing on a specific project, this tutorial teaches you the fundamental principles that underlie all successful relief carving. Understanding these six rules will improve every carving you create, not just the one demonstrated in the video.
These rules cover essential concepts like reading grain direction, understanding how light and shadow create depth, planning your cuts to avoid tear-out, and developing a systematic approach to relief work. Think of this as the foundation course that will make all your other projects go more smoothly.
While you can watch this tutorial independently, it's especially valuable to review before starting any of the other projects on this list. The principles taught here will help you avoid common beginner mistakes and understand why certain techniques work the way they do.
What you'll learn: Fundamental principles of relief carving, grain direction and its impact on your work, creating depth through light and shadow, systematic approaches to planning relief projects, and avoiding common beginner pitfalls.
Tools needed: This is primarily educational, but having your basic gouges from the 12pc Beginner Set on hand to practice the demonstrated techniques is helpful.
Difficulty level: Conceptual tutorial suitable for all levels, especially valuable for absolute beginners before attempting their first project.
9. Fantasy Medieval Light Post with Madcarver (Randy Stoner)
Watch it here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Why this inspires: This three-part series falls somewhere between tutorial and woodcarving ASMR. These are recordings from live carving sessions that Randy Stoner (known as Madcarver) did in collaboration with Schaaf Tools and Bear Woods Supply, giving you an unedited, unfiltered look at how an experienced carver approaches a complex project.
The fantasy medieval light post is admittedly more ambitious than most beginner projects, but watching Randy work through it is incredibly educational. You'll see him make decisions in real-time, work through challenges, and apply techniques for creating depth and perspective that you can adapt to simpler projects.
Even if you're not ready to tackle a project this complex, watching these videos will give you a wealth of wood carving inspiration and help you understand what's possible as your skills develop. Randy's approach to roughing out the design and building up layers of depth offers lessons you can apply at any skill level.
What you'll learn: Advanced approaches to creating depth and perspective, professional roughing and shaping techniques, how experienced carvers think through complex projects, and inspiration for what's possible with dedicated practice.
Tools needed: Gouges from the 12pc Beginner Set, 7pc Expansion Set, and 4pc Fishtail Set, plus a mallet.
Difficulty level: Advanced, but valuable viewing even for beginners.
10. Choose Your Own Adventure: Additional Relief Carving Ideas
Beyond the nine detailed projects above, YouTube offers countless other relief carving tutorials worth exploring. As you develop your skills, consider branching out into these areas based on your interests.
For those interested in wildlife, search for tutorials on carving birds, fish, or woodland creatures. These projects often teach you about creating realistic textures like feathers or scales. If you're drawn to botanical subjects, explore tutorials on carving roses, oak leaves, or grape clusters, each offering unique challenges in creating organic, flowing forms.
Geometric and architectural relief carvings provide excellent practice for precision work and clean lines. Look for tutorials on Celtic knots, Greek key patterns, or architectural rosettes. And don't overlook functional relief carving like carved signs, house numbers, or decorative boxes, these projects give you practical applications for your developing skills.
The key is to choose projects that genuinely interest you. Your enthusiasm for the subject matter will carry you through the challenging moments and keep you motivated to develop your technique.
For more wood carving inspiration, you can check out 13 Easy Wood Carving Ideas.
Building Your Skills Progressively
Maybe this shouldn't be your first relief carving project
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is jumping to complex projects before mastering fundamental techniques. While it's tempting to start with an ambitious carving that inspires you, you'll have a much better experience and achieve better results if you build your skills progressively.
Start with the simplest projects on this list, the leaf and the basic flower are excellent choices. These teach you fundamental tool control, help you understand how different gouges create different effects, and give you quick wins that build your confidence. Complete at least two or three simple projects before moving to intermediate difficulty.
As you work through beginner projects, pay attention to which techniques feel natural and which need more practice. If you struggle with smooth, flowing curves, do several projects that emphasize that skill. If your depth control needs work, focus on projects that help you develop that specific ability.
Don't rush to finish projects. Relief carving rewards patience and careful work. It's better to spend an extra hour refining your carving and achieving clean, crisp details than to hurry through and end up with rough results. The process of carving should be enjoyable, not stressful. If you find yourself frustrated, take a break and return with fresh eyes.
Document your progress by taking photos of each finished project. Looking back at your early work after a few months of practice will show you just how much you've improved, which is incredibly motivating during moments when progress feels slow.
Essential Tips for Relief Carving Success
Beyond choosing good projects and building skills progressively, several practical considerations will significantly impact your relief carving success.
First, always secure your workpiece properly. A carving that shifts mid-cut is dangerous and ruins your work. Use clamps, a bench hook, peg board or a non-slip mat to keep your wood stable.
How to Hold Your Work While Wood Carving
Second, maintain sharp tools religiously. Dull gouges require excessive force, increase the risk of slips and injuries, and produce poor results. Our Diamond Sharpening Stone and Leather Strop Block are essential for keeping your edges razor-sharp.
Third, work with the grain whenever possible. Relief carving sometimes requires cuts in various directions, but when you have a choice, cutting with or across the grain produces cleaner results than cutting against it. Fourth, use proper lighting. Good light helps you see the subtle shadows that indicate depth and reveals areas that need more work. Position your light source to create shadows that help you evaluate your progress.
Finally, protect your hands while you're learning. Our cut-resistant safety gloves provide ANSI-ISEA A9 cut-level resistance, perfect for beginners still developing tool control. Even experienced carvers occasionally slip, don't let a preventable injury sideline your carving journey.
Common Questions About Relief Carving Projects
As you explore these projects, you'll likely encounter some common questions. Let's address a few of the most frequent ones.
How long does a beginner relief carving project take? This varies significantly based on the project's complexity, your skill level, and how much detail you want to achieve. A simple leaf might take 2-4 hours, while a more complex project like the dog or sailboat could take 10-20 hours spread over several sessions. Complex carvings can take weeks and even months to finish. Don't try to rush through projects in a single marathon session, relief carving requires focus and precision that diminish with fatigue.
What's the best wood for practicing relief carving? Basswood is the gold standard for beginners. It's soft enough to carve easily, has minimal grain to fight against, and is affordable enough to use for practice. Butternut is another excellent choice with slightly more interesting grain. As your skills improve, you can experiment with harder woods like cherry or walnut, but these are unforgiving of technique mistakes.
Can I create my own relief carving patterns? Absolutely! Many carvers trace photographs, use clipart, or create simple line drawings to design their patterns. Start with simple subjects and clear outlines. As your skills develop, you'll become better at visualizing how a flat image will translate into a relief carving. For more guidance, check out our article on how to transfer patterns to wood for carving.
Do I need a lot of expensive tools to start? Not at all. Our 12pc Beginner Set covers the vast majority of tools you'll need for beginner and intermediate relief carving, along with a good carving mallet. As you advance and develop preferences for certain types of projects, you might add specialized tools like those in the 4pc Fishtail Set, but you can accomplish excellent work with a basic set of quality gouges.
Taking Your Relief Carving Further
Once you've worked through several of these projects and feel comfortable with basic relief carving techniques, you'll be ready to explore more advanced concepts and styles. Consider diving deeper into specific areas that interest you most.
If you enjoyed the decorative furniture applications in Joe Dillett's chase carving tutorial, explore traditional furniture carving styles like Chippendale, Queen Anne, or Arts and Crafts designs. These historical styles offer proven patterns and techniques you can adapt for modern applications.
For those drawn to figurative relief carving, study human and animal anatomy to improve your realistic representations. Understanding the underlying structure of your subjects will help you create more convincing depth and proportion in your carvings.
Experiment with different relief depths. Try very low relief where elements barely emerge from the background, then contrast that with medium relief where forms stand out more dramatically. Understanding how depth affects the visual impact of your work will help you choose the right approach for each project.
Consider combining relief carving with other woodworking skills. Relief carved panels can enhance cabinets, boxes, picture frames, or architectural elements. This practical application of your carving skills makes wonderful gifts and can even turn into commission work if you're interested in selling your pieces.
Finally, connect with other relief carvers. Join online communities, attend local woodworking clubs, or take in-person classes when available. Learning from others' experiences, sharing your own discoveries, and having a supportive community makes the carving journey more enjoyable and helps you improve faster.
Your Next Steps
You now have a curated collection of 10 exceptional beginner relief carving projects, each offering unique learning opportunities and taught by respected instructors. The question is: where will you start?
If you're completely new to relief carving, we recommend beginning with Joe Dillett's maple leaf tutorial. It's approachable, teaches fundamental concepts, and will give you a beautiful finished piece in just a few hours. From there, progress to Mary May's basic flower to practice layering and depth, then tackle the dog project to experience a complete start-to-finish relief panel.
Remember, every master carver started exactly where you are now. The difference between a beginner and an expert isn't necessarily talent, it's hours of practice, patience with the learning process, and the willingness to work through challenges. These 10 fun wood carving projects will give you a solid foundation in relief carving techniques and the confidence to tackle increasingly complex work.
What carving inspiration will you bring to life first? Share your project choices and finished carvings with us on Instagram using #SchaafCarver, we'd love to see what you create!
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