Wood Carvings and Crafts

Craft is a magical word that refers a set of activities that require skill, dedication and innovation for the workers to make an item. It is a combination of new ideas and the necessary skill to make the idea stand infront of the eyes. A craft item is basically developed for utility with added beauty.

Technical crafts use the techniques and methods that have been in use for many decades. They use tools that have been designed centuries ago. Handicrafts are made with hands alone and they don’t require any machine to do the work. With modern handicrafts certain parts of the craft items are machine made combined with the work of craftsmen. Handicraft items are always an attraction for the labor involved as well as the uniqueness of the item.

To make a craft piece, the apprentice must have the required skill to handle the tools to make the required design, speed and patience. These qualities will help an apprentice to make masterpieces of certain types of crafts. When the craft item involves more labor then it is sure to get applause from the fans. Many items like textiles, metals, wood, glass, pottery are all used in making craft pieces.

Wood carvings

Wood carving is a favorite hobby for some people. Those who look at these people will definitely feel envy for the great skill gifted by God. Though these skills are god gifted for some, you can also practice wood carving provided you have the interest. Skills can easily be developed through practice. When you want to become painter you have to start painting on the board. When you practice more and more you will become a great painter. This is true for any art. With proper guidance you can greatly develop your crafting skill.

To carve your favorite design on the wood you have chosen, your tools must be sharp and your wood must be smooth so that carving tool slides as if it were placed on a piece of silk. When you have this silky movement you can carve fine designs on your wood.

When you have decided to make wood carving you have to decide what type of wood you are going to use. There are many different types of wood to choose from. The wood is generally strong because of the tensile strength. The density, weight and durability differ with different types of woods. Certain types are vulnerable to fungus attack while certain types can last for centuries.

The size and shape of the wood must be such that your design fits well in that wood. You can get a piece of wood in your desired shape and size from craft shops to make a home made wood craft for yourself. You may leave the wood in the natural shape or cut it to suit your needs.

After cutting the wood you must sand the surface smooth. This step is very important since you need a smooth surface for carving your design. The thickness of the wood must be uniform after smoothing the surface. When your wood becomes slant the final piece won’t sit well on your wall.

Basically you need a chisel to carve your wood. First trace your design on the smoothened wood. Then use your chisel to carve the background. Then start carving the interior designs. Various chisels, veiner and gouge are all available in the market which you can buy to carve your favorite design.

Many wood carving guides are available on the internet. You can register with these sites and start learning wood carving. Some websites offer online purchase of your carving tools while others suggest the shops from where you can buy the tools. When you develop wood carving as your hobby, you can decorate your home with hand made crafts and you can also make money by selling your handicrafts.