Whether you’ve never carved a spoon before or you’re a seasoned pro, you may find yourself wondering: why spoon carving? What is it about chipping away at, carving, and smoothing a piece of wood into a kitchen utensil that can be so satisfying? Let us offer some insight.
Easy and accessible
Spoon carving is an accessible craft. All you need are some basic tools, wood, and the desire to learn something new!
Learning the basics of spoon carving does not involve a huge time investment. To really hone in on this knowledge does, however, require some amount of dedication. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself itching to carve. Noticing improvements in your work can be all it takes to spur you on to continue creating!
Not sure where to start out? Here at The Spoon Crank, we have plenty of spoon carving kits, spoon blanks and spoon templates perfect for every stage of your carving journey.
Mental benefits
Taking up spoon carving can have a great impact on your mental well-being.
Modern times have us using our hands and numbing our minds more than ever – we’re constantly typing, scrolling, and tapping. Despite how often we find ourselves doing so, we have nothing to show for this time apart from a growing digital trail. Spoon carving can provide relief from this – by picking up some simple tools, your hands and mind can be occupied by something ‘real.’ Rather than consuming content, your mind can focus on the present moment. Think of it as a form of meditation.
If you really want to maximise the benefits of spoon carving, consider taking the craft outdoors. Spending more time outside has been associated with mood improvements and feeling more connected to nature.
Some people will naturally gravitate towards creative outlets, like spoon carving. Not convinced that craftiness is part of your DNA? The good news is that spoon carving has no rules. Whatever your hands do and your mind feels, goes. You’ll create some pieces you adore and others maybe not so much. It’s all part of the process. Either way, there is something so satisfying about expressing yourself and seeing this take the form of a physical object.
Read the interview with Graeme Hamilton about The Therapeutic Benefits Of Wood Carving on our blog.
Be part of a community
Whilst spoon carving can be enjoyed solo, there’s no denying the fact that having some company whilst getting creative can be great fun too. Take some time to scope out groups and workshops in your local area (or treat yourself and go a little further afield) – we have a selection of fantastic workshops here.
Traditional crafts often have large communities behind them – spoon carving is no exception to this. As a result, you’ll benefit from shared knowledge, be inspired, and form new connections. In a highly competitive world, taking a step back to collaborate and offer support to one another can be uplifting.
Sustainability
The process behind creating hand-carved spoons is slower and greener in comparison to the mass produced items we are used to. Spoon carving contests the ‘throw-away’ consumerism that has unfortunately become all too familiar today.
Having an awareness of and appreciation for the production of a hand-carved spoon can encourage individuals to take steps that contribute towards a more sustainable future. How? It’s thought that an environmental consciousness is sparked in those who produce and consume hand-crafted items. Without access to nature’s resources, it would be impossible to continue producing and enjoying eco-friendly, durable, and unique items. To ensure that we can do so, the environment must be put first.
So, there you have it. Spoon carving is a fun, mood-boosting, social activity that encourages you to appreciate nature and slow down for a minute or two. Give it a go: we’re sure you won’t regret it.
Images by: Jack Fazey
