Why A Spoon?

This is an excerpt from my book The Art of Spoon Making

So why the heck would any one want to carve a spoon?  That is a valid question. There are a lot of people who enjoying carving of all sorts, whittling trinkets and nick knacks such as wooden chains or balls in a cage. The reasons I carve spoons are based on the simplicity and functionality of the item. It is not as complex as carving a chain or a ball in a cage, in fact it is probably much easier. Spoons however, can still be impressive and beautiful. Spoons can also be used. Unlike the above trinkets, a spoon can do more than just sit around and gather dust. A spoon is usable in many different aspects of kitchen work, whether your kitchen is around a campfire, a truck tailgate, a cramped apartment, a spacious sun-filled house, or on Top Chef on the Bravo Channel. A well-carved wooden spoon adds conversation to any setting. But why a book on spoons and why do I carve spoons instead of chopsticks, spatulas, stir sticks, or forks? Without a doubt, chopsticks are much easier to carve. Similarly, forks are much harder to carve. Spatulas have their own unique qualities and are very similar to spoons, only flat. Spoons are minimalistic. The simplicity and diverse use of spoons is what attracts me to carving spoons. I have carved spatulas, ladles and forks. By far the most diverse is a spoon. With the exception of uncut chunks of meat, most of what can be eaten with a fork can be eaten with a spoon plus more. 
For the beginning carver, spoons are a good place to start. They are simple enough for people to be successful. They are basic enough to be useful in a wide range of situations, whether displayed or used for serving or eating. The simplicity does not limit the elegance or beauty that can be achieved from such a simple object and this, again, allows the beginning carver to be successful. The steps that I have delineated below are easily alterable to carve other items, whether those are hair sticks, ladles, spatulas, etc. Experiment and have some fun

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admin Written by:

A little bit less of a nomad now, Jared still likes to refer to himself in the third person.

2 Comments

  1. Jason
    October 29, 2011
    Reply

    Would like information on how to get a copy of your book. Thanks.

    • admin
      November 17, 2011
      Reply

      I have not yet found a publisher for the book. I anticipate looking sometime next year as I have other projects on my plate right now. I appreciate your interest and will post on my blog when it becomes available. Thanks

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