If you have been carving wood for very long, you have probably experienced carver’s block. Just like writer’s block for writers, carvers block is a time when wood carvers find it difficult to carve.
A couple months ago, I found myself smack dab in the middle of carvers block. I couldn’t seem to carve anything that made me happy to look at, much less show anybody. Everything that I attempted to carve turned out to be out of proportion or the wood tore while carving. Every cut I made, seemed to be wrong.
I posted a question to other veteran carvers on the Woodcarving Illustrated wood carving forum, asking for advice. The responses that received seemed to be fairly obvious, but some were things that I hadn’t thought of.
Here are some of the tips that I received:
1. Go back to a previous project that you found fun.
2. Take time to explore other things.
3. Make sure your tools are sharp and in working order.
In my case, I made sure my knife was sharp and began working on a previous Santa ornament that I enjoy carving. Do this helped me regain my confidence and get my focus back.
Currently, I have been devoting time to getting his website updated and running smoothly. Hopefully, when I get my knife back out, I am able to put it down. I am already feeling withdrawals.
Just remember, the Number 1 tip to wood carving is to Practice, Practice, Practice!