Chip carving.

I recently handled a little blade I bought from Nic Westermann some time ago.

I've been meaning to have a proper attempt at chip carving and now I have the right tool I'm really enjoying the process.

You'll find how to pop your blade onto your own carved handle if you click HERE

I've been carving some nice little pocket spoons recently, around five inches long, just right for lightweight campers or cycle tourists.

The first thing you need to do is carve your spoon, leaving enough space at the handle to allow for your chosen design.

With a compass describe a circle.

Take the compass point off of the spoon and place the point anywhere on your circle.

Describe a semicircle dissecting the original circle.

Then place the point on one of the new junctions of circle and semicircle and proceed until you've drawn a simple flower shape.

With your sharp knife cut into the centre line of one of the petal shapes.

The blade should be vertical.

And draw down from petal end to end.

Then you need to cut obliquely into the bottom of your original cut from petal end to end, describing an arc as you do so, and keeping the knife point within the your original vertical cut.

And repeat the other side.

You should now have a clean petal shape.

Once you've finished, add a stem using the same technique.

Here's a little video I managed to take that shows the process.

I hope it's clear enough for you to copy the technique and have some fun.

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this little blade and the things I'm able to do with it.

All the best for now... J