About Chip Carving

More than a craft or folk art, chip carving is a specialized form of woodcarving. Knives are used to remove small "chips" of wood to create a decorative piece. Spoon carving, as it is also called, concentrates on two planes: the surface of the wood and the point underneath where the triangular cuts intersect. There are many pre-designed patterns that can be used to create a piece, or the design can be created free-form with chip carving knives.

Significance

Chip carving is a relaxing, Zen-like activity that reduces stress. Although an artistic endeavor, carving has also been taught and used as occupational therapy.

Art Form

Serious chip carving takes patience and practice. The triangular-shaped cuts made by the carver, combined with free-form lines of different sizes, create an infinite number of carving designs. Varying the shapes of the triangles, short and fat or long and narrow, can be the precursor to ornate jewelry decanters or breadboxes. The main woods used are butternut, mahogany and pine. With professional tools, wedge marks and relief carving can be added to the piece.

Fine Chip Carving

Fine chip carving concentrates on designs made of right angle triangles that are 1/4 inch or smaller. With a series of push and pull cuts, the decoration is formed. If the chip does not come off easily, it's important not to force it off. This can cause the wood to split, and the crisp edges chip carving is known for will be ruined.

Shapes

Triangles with long, tapered sides should be scored (cut a fine shallow line first) before cutting so points remain crisp.
Free-form lines add interest and movement to the carving. Pulling the blade and slightly rotating the wrist makes these cuts. This keeps the points tight but allows the middle to belly out.

Large Chip Carving

Some designs call for large triangle chips, but they are difficult to cut. Artists find it easier to cut three small chips and form them into one large one by cutting them into a central point.

Tips

Don't rest your hand on the work during cutting.
Keep your wrist straight during the curved cuts. Curve with your elbow, not the wrist.
If the design calls for a line of similar triangles to cut, make use of gang cutting. Cut all lines in one direction, then the next. This will create continuity in the work.
Keep your hand relaxed.
Use a chamois or a piece of terrycloth handy to catch chips. This makes cleanup easy.
Practice on scrap before you start on your piece.