Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon – Three Months In!

Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon – Three Months In!

It's been an incredible journey since the release of my book, Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon, published by Crowood Press. Now, three months after its debut, I wanted to share some reflections and the wonderful response it has received from the woodworking community.

The Response Has Been Overwhelming

Since its release in late 2024, the reception to Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon has exceeded all my expectations:

  • Carvers from around the world have sent in photos of their first spoons crafted using the 25-step sequence outlined in the book, including photos from the beaches of Australia!
  • The over 400 detailed photographs have been especially praised for making complex techniques accessible to beginners
  • I have been receiving messages from carvers using the templates in the book to carve their own spoons, particularly the Gratitude Spoon has been replicated a great deal! 
  • Experienced carvers have reached out to share how bowl finishing techniques and the chapter on finishing cuts has really helped refine their approach

From the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been hearing from readers about their experiences:

"Fantastic book. Full of photos for every step of carving a spoon. Includes recommended tools for different budgets, species of wood, axe work, carving methods, and final finishing/decorative work. I think it would suit all skill levels"
"This is really an impressive book full of detailed advice with clear instruction of techniques from an obvious expert. An added bonus is the templates to give you creative ideas for many types of spoons, many different types of cuts and, most enjoyably, cultural significances of form and function which I found fascinating. Plenty in this book to keep you busy and entertained for ages."

"I have to say that the quality of this book is higher than all of the others I have. The cover and pages feel great. I love Alex’s quote from Kahlil Gobran, one of my favourite writers -
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky”. The list of all of the tree species with common and latin names is superb, and to be able to see the pro’s and cons of each is invaluable for those starting out. The book takes you through wood selection, the principles of grain and how to work with it. Tools, including axe blocks, knives, axes etc. Alex has not missed out anything. If you have a question I am sure you will find the answer in the book. The colour photo’s are of high quality and clearly show what is being demonstrated. The four templates are perfect for those of us just starting out and give a base to move on from. To say I am happy with this book is an understatement. I’ll go as far as to say buy it, you need it, you won’t regret it."

What I've Learned

Publishing this book has been as educational for me as I hope it has been for readers:

  • The universal appeal of working with one's hands transcends borders and backgrounds
  • The therapeutic benefits of spoon carving resonate deeply in our fast-paced world
  • There's an increasing hunger for traditional crafts that produce something both beautiful and functional

Looking Forward

Based on the feedback and questions I've received, I'm now developing:

  • Supplementary video content for visual learners
  • Advanced technique workshops for those who have mastered the basics
  • A community platform for readers to share their creations and support each other via the Maker's Mark Newsletter - Sign Up Here!

Get Your Copy

If you haven't yet experienced Spoon Carving: From Log to Spoon, copies are available through:

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project, shared their creations, and spread the word about the joy of spoon carving. 

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