Carving can be a really fun hobby but a little overwhelming if you're not sure where to start. So we created a Starter Guide to make it easy!
If you're a beginner, these are the perfect tools, kits, and workshops for you!
TOOLS
MIKIKICHAN KNIFE
The Mikikichan is a great starter knife because its small blade enables you to achieve a great level of control as you use it for general craft work and wood whittling. Best for soft woods and small projects. Made of Japanese blue steel, it also comes with a leather blade cover for safe storage.
The Mikikichan is a great starter knife because its small blade enables you to achieve a great level of control as you use it for general craft work and wood whittling. Best for soft woods and small projects. Made of Japanese blue steel, it also comes with a leather blade cover for safe storage.
JAPANESE STRAIGHT CHISEL
Whether you're a beginner or experienced carver, this is an excellent tool to use when removing small amounts on the exterior of your project. Sharpening it is also easy, so you can use it either on hard woods or soft woods. Available in two sizes for small or larger projects.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced carver, this is an excellent tool to use when removing small amounts on the exterior of your project. Sharpening it is also easy, so you can use it either on hard woods or soft woods. Available in two sizes for small or larger projects.
JAPANESE SPOON GOUGE
With the spoon gouge, grooves can be cleaned and round shapes carved out. Yasuki blue steel laminated with soft steel is used in this tool. Handles are made of Japanese Cypress, which is both soft and light to handle, perfect for beginners. Available in three sizes for a variety of projects.
With the spoon gouge, grooves can be cleaned and round shapes carved out. Yasuki blue steel laminated with soft steel is used in this tool. Handles are made of Japanese Cypress, which is both soft and light to handle, perfect for beginners. Available in three sizes for a variety of projects.
BENCH HOOK
A sturdy and well made bench hook made from plywood and cork that can accommodate various sizes of projects. Perfect for beginners to secure your project. It will help keep your hands safe from cuts or dings!
A sturdy and well made bench hook made from plywood and cork that can accommodate various sizes of projects. Perfect for beginners to secure your project. It will help keep your hands safe from cuts or dings!
TOYO TOOL BOX
We love an organized working station! This sturdy Japanese steel tool box is sleek with one compartment, perfect for holding all your tools. We also have multiple sizes - a mini Coral tool box that will hold all your pencils and drafting tools and a large Black multi-level tool box for the serious carver.
We love an organized working station! This sturdy Japanese steel tool box is sleek with one compartment, perfect for holding all your tools. We also have multiple sizes - a mini Coral tool box that will hold all your pencils and drafting tools and a large Black multi-level tool box for the serious carver.
KITS AND BUNDLES
THE FUN STARTER PACK CARVING BUNDLE
Our favorite set we have for a new carver! This bundle includes our best-selling Beginner Spoon Carving Kit, Hand-Dyed Canvas Tool Roll, and our book "Carve: A Simple Guide to Whittling"! This is our starter recommendation because it comes with tools, an instructional guide and two blanks to practice with.
Our favorite set we have for a new carver! This bundle includes our best-selling Beginner Spoon Carving Kit, Hand-Dyed Canvas Tool Roll, and our book "Carve: A Simple Guide to Whittling"! This is our starter recommendation because it comes with tools, an instructional guide and two blanks to practice with.
BOWL CARVING KIT
Learn how to carve a bowl with this easy kit! Supplies such as a 9 mm spoon gouge, a 3 mm gouge, a 9 mm straight chisel, a 12 mm bowl gouge, an 18 mm bowl gouge, a carving knife, and a tool roll are included.
Learn how to carve a bowl with this easy kit! Supplies such as a 9 mm spoon gouge, a 3 mm gouge, a 9 mm straight chisel, a 12 mm bowl gouge, an 18 mm bowl gouge, a carving knife, and a tool roll are included.
LEARN WITH US
MEL'S CARVING CLUB
Want to fully delve into your new hobby? Join our club! Every other month, Mel's Carving Club subscription boxes will arrive at your door with a new carving project. Each one includes a wood blank, instructions, wood butter, sandpaper, and an exclusive freebie! Learn how to carve amazing projects as Melanie teaches you tips and tricks to improve your carving.
Want to fully delve into your new hobby? Join our club! Every other month, Mel's Carving Club subscription boxes will arrive at your door with a new carving project. Each one includes a wood blank, instructions, wood butter, sandpaper, and an exclusive freebie! Learn how to carve amazing projects as Melanie teaches you tips and tricks to improve your carving.
IN-PERSON SPOON CARVING WORKSHOP
Melanie leads an In-Person Spoon Carving Workshop once a month for students who want to learn how to hand carve their own wooden spoon using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. If you're a beginner, this is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of hand-carving a wooden spoon.
Melanie leads an In-Person Spoon Carving Workshop once a month for students who want to learn how to hand carve their own wooden spoon using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. If you're a beginner, this is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of hand-carving a wooden spoon.
DIY TUTORIAL VIDEOS
Have some blanks but aren't sure what to do with them? To improve your carving talents, watch a Melanie Abrantes Designs Carving Tutorial! Following Melanie's skills in our DIY tutorials can help you make your own projects.
Have some blanks but aren't sure what to do with them? To improve your carving talents, watch a Melanie Abrantes Designs Carving Tutorial! Following Melanie's skills in our DIY tutorials can help you make your own projects.