As the release date of my book, Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon, approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey of writing this guide and share some insights into the process behind it.
The seed for this book was planted over four years ago, when Crowood Press approached me and asked me to distill the contents of my workshops into a manual for spooncarvers. Throughout this journey, I’ve taken thousands of photos striving to capture every detail and nuance of the carving process. It was a labor of love, and it certainly came with its challenges.
One of the steepest learning curves I faced was mastering the art of photography for sequenced layouts. I wanted to ensure that each photo not only illustrated the techniques I was teaching but also inspired readers to pick up their tools and start carving. Understanding how to best layout steps to convey the journey from log to spoon clearly was essential. My goal was to make every step understandable, so readers could easily follow along, regardless of their skill level.
The techniques and processes I teach in the book have been honed over many years of hands-on experience. I’ve taught countless students in my workshops, sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of carving simple wooden spoons. I had to find the right balance between detailed instruction and approachable language, making sure that both beginners and more experienced carvers would find value in the book.
I think one of the strongest aspects of the book is the troubleshooting sections which finish each chapter with detailed suggestions for how to overcome some of the most common and frustrating road blocks carvers face. This coupled with a really thorough exploration of the whole process from log to spoon, makes it a manual I can stand behind
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with excitement and hope for what readers will take away from Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon. My aspiration is that this book not only serves as a practical guide but also ignites a passion for carving in others. I want readers to feel empowered to explore their creativity and discover the satisfaction of transforming a log into a beautiful spoon.
Writing this book has been a transformative experience for me, and I can’t wait for you to join me on this adventure. Your support means the world to me, and I hope you find inspiration within the pages of Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date!