You are special. Thank you for showing us "newbies" how to get started. I have to say that you and Paul Sellers are so inspiring to watch. I watch a lot of youtube to learn things, and there are some people I like a lot on the scene now, but I see the love you and Paul have for your craft and the God given gift you have to go with it, just over the top. Your teaching technique really hits home with me and I thank you for that. It's interesting how you both do different things with wood, but you are both such refined artists, but then, it's your life long experience. Mine is in music (all my life), but now that I've started learning and following this new passion in my life at 71, I'm seeing so many ways the two worlds relate. It's all art. I love my guitars and keyboards the same way you love your gouges, and I can already tell you, I'm starting to love my gouges as well! Thank you!!
This has to be one of the best videos I've had the pleasure to watch on UA-cam. You are a marvellous teacher. You have beautiful hands and a masterfully patient way of explaining how to use them. I have to admit that your tools are pretty cool also. Many thanks for sharing.
Hi! It is really nice to relearn some of the basics from another angle. Very clearly put together video, thank you! I did my first carving 12 years ago and finally going to have the first carving lesson as a teacher in couple of days.. :) Greetings from Finland
I want to say thank you for a great explanation of how to work the grain. For some reason I just didn't get it til you showed it. I want to use hand tools and Dremel tools but I see now, I don't have the correct hand tools. I will continue your lessons!!!
Hi Mary, first off thank you so much for this tutorial, you explain the tools and show us how to start carving so wonderful it seem so easy, but surely it's not. I' m using pine furniture leftovers, but it doesn't seem to carve as easy as the type of wood you are using in the video. Can I still try to learn on that and what chisel should I start with? Thank you very much.
I love watching your videos you are a fantastic teacher! I'm curious though, and maybe I just havn't found the video yet, but how does your clamps and table work/set up. I see they come from the bottom but not much else. That is one main issue I have with carving is finding a good way to hold the wood in place.
Hello Damien, Thank you! I am using bench dogs in an end vise. These are difficult to find these days. But if you don't have this set-up, you can attach your carving to a larger board with double sided tape and simply clamp the large board with bench clamps to whatever surface you are carving on. Remove your carving with a solvent that releases the double-sided tape (you will need to test solvents with tape that you use).
After my school I start working with a friend when I have 16 years its took me 1 years of practice how make a rosse🏵 and I work this for a factory for 13yrs
I love your videos and I haven't carved since I was a young teenager I am 38 now and I'm fixing to restart carving I have my carving tools coming in on April 20th so I'm relearning how to carve so what would be the easiest things for me to start carving?
Thank you for the demonstrations and resourceful information. Do you have a recommendation on basic setups such as carving tables, could I use an existing work bench and (holding carving piece)place some dog holes in the bench…or simply clamp materials? Again thank you.
Great video! Just getting started into the carving hobby, and just discovered your channel. All of my instructions have so far have come from Doug Linkers channel. As a side note, on the “safety hint” pop ups, safety is misspelled “saftey”. FYI I’m binge watching your vids now!
I like every Video i've seen, even bought a couple from your complete list + Carving the Dogwood Flower. ... My Problem is keeping the board securely mounted.!! ...Can you suggest a variety of alternatives to Rigidly Secure the board being carved. Thanks.
Is Cedar carvable? I love your videos. My fiance is a carpenter and I'm an artist. I am wanting to start carving. He brought me a piece of cedar from his work to do whatever I want with. if it's not ideal to carve I can always get a different type of wood.
+Savannah Allen Hi Savannah, Cedar can be OK to carve, but can get a little spongy. Sometimes soft wood is more difficult to carve that harder woods. And not all cedars are the same, so give it a try. Basswood is probably the best to start with. Happy Carving!
Is it possible to stencil a A6 stencil on to a 2.5 x 2.5 let me know when you get this please hopefully as soon as possible before I start trying to carve on my wood
Rocord Power have recently donated to myself a set of their carving chisels but I am unsure whereto start. Can you give me some pointers. I am a military veteran with very limited mobility. I do use a lathe and turn a lot though.
+John Grant The best place to start is making sure the tools are razor sharp. Check out my other videos on sharpening to get you started with this. Once they are sharp, the sky's the limit!
I am barely starting on carving. But I have restored myself a full set of chisels. Veiners, gouges, and almost all of the interesting shapes, are better sharpened by hand, as Mary shows on her tutorials. Thank you for your service.
You talk about being able to use either hand in carving (being ambidextrous) well what about people who, for whatever reason, aren't able to use one or the other hand. Are they just out of luck when it comes to carving?
You can definitely use one hand to carve. You would probably want to use shorter "palm" gouges, as these longer handles can be awkward and certainly less safe with one hand. You would just need to rotate the wood each time the grain directions change. Not a big deal, so go for it!
Mary, I am new and about to start my first project. My project has 4 levels of relief, do I begin at the highest relief or the lowest (background)? Also, trying to subscribe to your course. Thank you
I’m 10 minutes in and the lady has still not made a single cut into the wood. She holds the chisel and the material and then describes what she would do. I reckon just do it, I want to watch you actually doing it and not describing how you do it. I’m not trying to be mean, i’m just trying to give feedback 👍🏻
Miss Mary May you are the epitome of grace and skill
You are special. Thank you for showing us "newbies" how to get started. I have to say that you and Paul Sellers are so inspiring to watch. I watch a lot of youtube to learn things, and there are some people I like a lot on the scene now, but I see the love you and Paul have for your craft and the God given gift you have to go with it, just over the top. Your teaching technique really hits home with me and I thank you for that. It's interesting how you both do different things with wood, but you are both such refined artists, but then, it's your life long experience. Mine is in music (all my life), but now that I've started learning and following this new passion in my life at 71, I'm seeing so many ways the two worlds relate. It's all art. I love my guitars and keyboards the same way you love your gouges, and I can already tell you, I'm starting to love my gouges as well! Thank you!!
Thank you for posting this video. I shall attempt to carve a house number this weekend. You have given me the confidence.
Thanks Mary just starting out at 86 and looking forward to addng tto my knowledge and skill levels
Your explanation of grain, direction and working with and across the grain was excellent and appreciated.
That carved frame over your right shoulder in this video is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the very useful tutorial.
I can't believe how many videos you've made, thank you so much Mary May. You helped me finally find my art.
This has to be one of the best videos I've had the pleasure to watch on UA-cam. You are a marvellous teacher. You have beautiful hands and a masterfully patient way of explaining how to use them. I have to admit that your tools are pretty cool also. Many thanks for sharing.
Bruce Penny
Bruce Penny VC in
Thanks so much! Enjoy!
So helpful and so easy to follow, keep doing what your doing
lindo seu trabalho
Hi! It is really nice to relearn some of the basics from another angle. Very clearly put together video, thank you! I did my first carving 12 years ago and finally going to have the first carving lesson as a teacher in couple of days.. :) Greetings from Finland
Thanks Mary, some very important techniques there. I did this 50 years ago, and had forgotten several of these important moves.
I love the way you explain everything. Helps a lot.
Greetings from Belgium
I love watching your videos you are a Beautiful and fantastic teacher!
What a lovely introduction, you're a fine teacher, thank you.
Tony
I want to say thank you for a great explanation of how to work the grain. For some reason I just didn't get it til you showed it. I want to use hand tools and Dremel tools but I see now, I don't have the correct hand tools. I will continue your lessons!!!
This is amazing!!! Your understanding of the wood is incredible 🙌
Your videos are golden,i cant thank you enough for this!!!
Now I know a good wood for basic Carving..thank you so much.. from Philippines
Really useful advice, I'm really inspired to carve now, can't wait
Wonderful video. Thank you.
Question: Do you only carve with gouges? Ever use knives?
Beautifully well illustrated carvings. Loved it. Thank you
I´m learning a lot from you, Mrs. May. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.
+Marcelo Freitas Glad to hear it! Merry Christmas to you also!
I’m glad you started at the beginning “as if we’ve never picked up a gouge” - because I’ve never picked up a gouge…. 😵
Hi Mary, first off thank you so much for this tutorial, you explain the tools and show us how to start carving so wonderful it seem so easy, but surely it's not. I' m using pine furniture leftovers, but it doesn't seem to carve as easy as the type of wood you are using in the video. Can I still try to learn on that and what chisel should I start with? Thank you very much.
Best video ever! Now I'm definately sure that I will start woodcarving. Thank you, Mary.
Thanks! Happy to get you "hooked"!
I love watching your videos you are a fantastic teacher! I'm curious though, and maybe I just havn't found the video yet, but how does your clamps and table work/set up. I see they come from the bottom but not much else. That is one main issue I have with carving is finding a good way to hold the wood in place.
Hello Damien,
Thank you! I am using bench dogs in an end vise. These are difficult to find these days. But if you don't have this set-up, you can attach your carving to a larger board with double sided tape and simply clamp the large board with bench clamps to whatever surface you are carving on. Remove your carving with a solvent that releases the double-sided tape (you will need to test solvents with tape that you use).
Thank you very much for these valuables videos. What about a review of some of the books that share the workshop with you?
Vincent from France.
After my school I start working with a friend when I have 16 years its took me 1 years of practice how make a rosse🏵 and I work this for a factory for 13yrs
I love your videos and I haven't carved since I was a young teenager I am 38 now and I'm fixing to restart carving I have my carving tools coming in on April 20th so I'm relearning how to carve so what would be the easiest things for me to start carving?
A brilliant video thanks for sharing your amazing talent 😀
Thank you for the demonstrations and resourceful information. Do you have a recommendation on basic setups such as carving tables, could I use an existing work bench and (holding carving piece)place some dog holes in the bench…or simply clamp materials? Again thank you.
Great video! Just getting started into the carving hobby, and just discovered your channel. All of my instructions have so far have come from Doug Linkers channel. As a side note, on the “safety hint” pop ups, safety is misspelled “saftey”. FYI I’m binge watching your vids now!
Loved your video, couldn't wait to get started. I didn't realize how expensive the basic tools were. Is there an alternative.
I like every Video i've seen, even bought a couple from your complete list + Carving the Dogwood Flower. ... My Problem is keeping the board securely mounted.!! ...Can you suggest a variety of alternatives to Rigidly Secure the board being carved.
Thanks.
Is Cedar carvable? I love your videos. My fiance is a carpenter and I'm an artist. I am wanting to start carving. He brought me a piece of cedar from his work to do whatever I want with. if it's not ideal to carve I can always get a different type of wood.
+Savannah Allen Hi Savannah, Cedar can be OK to carve, but can get a little spongy. Sometimes soft wood is more difficult to carve that harder woods. And not all cedars are the same, so give it a try. Basswood is probably the best to start with. Happy Carving!
Great work! A lot of great advices!
I just got my frist wood carveing set of tools snd im very excited to use them but dont know what to make?
I am headed outside to carve!
Great video! Thank you!!!
Is it possible to stencil a A6 stencil on to a 2.5 x 2.5 let me know when you get this please hopefully as soon as possible before I start trying to carve on my wood
Ah... colored pencils. nice idea, I will have to try that
Is cedar wood a good wood to use for carving as a beginner let me know please if you see this thanks
gracias desde colombia, muy importantes sus enseñanzas
What is the best wood to use and size length and Breath in mm let me know please
Is it best to draw your design on the wood before carving it out let me know as soon as possible please thanks
Hi, I took Mary’s class last summer and we always started by drawing our designs before carving. Happy carving!
What size of wood is it you use can you also let me know this please thanks
thank you! that was very informative and absolutely wholesome :)))
"Cut toward your buddy, not your body"
(Eric O @ South Main Auto)
Where is the best place to buy BASSWOOD??
What if you are wheelchair bound? Do you think a person like that can carve?
Rocord Power have recently donated to myself a set of their carving chisels but I am unsure whereto start. Can you give me some pointers. I am a military veteran with very limited mobility. I do use a lathe and turn a lot though.
+John Grant The best place to start is making sure the tools are razor sharp. Check out my other videos on sharpening to get you started with this. Once they are sharp, the sky's the limit!
+Mary May I have a Sorby sharpening system and it does an amasing job on my turning tools. Especially with the diamond belt.
I am barely starting on carving. But I have restored myself a full set of chisels. Veiners, gouges, and almost all of the interesting shapes, are better sharpened by hand, as Mary shows on her tutorials.
Thank you for your service.
You talk about being able to use either hand in carving (being ambidextrous) well what about people who, for whatever reason, aren't able to use one or the other hand. Are they just out of luck when it comes to carving?
You can definitely use one hand to carve. You would probably want to use shorter "palm" gouges, as these longer handles can be awkward and certainly less safe with one hand. You would just need to rotate the wood each time the grain directions change. Not a big deal, so go for it!
Gracias. Gran lección.
i been use cedar a lot not to bad
Such a talent! Nice! Is it a hobby for you or you making a living from this??
+Csaba Facsar Thank you! It has been my full-time job for over 20 years.
Is that a 6 v 13 sweep? Pfeil? chisel? I am having a hard time due to all the different ways of numbering the chisels.
very nice video.but did you tried to use any machine like dremel ..etc
Were you buy the tools
Where can you fet the wood?
Mary, I am new and about to start my first project. My project has 4 levels of relief, do I begin at the highest relief or the lowest (background)? Also, trying to subscribe to your course. Thank you
What kinds of wood do we use for carving ?
Really very nice video
have you worked cedar?
Очень хорошие уроки, привет из России.
Could u please explain me the word "grain" ? cause u mention that so much in this toturial.
Just avoid mahogany and sapele altogether because they're being overexploited and on their way to endangered
What brand chisels do you use??
She uses many kinds, depends on which, fish tail, v, or curve.
thank you
its very nice
thank sister u r great
If its easier to cut across the grain why cant you just draw the pattern across the grain?
parabens
Beutyfull¡
She talks like the mother of carving, but works like a apprentice.
explain
Muy buenos, gracias Mary :) :) :) (Y)
Very nice work can you give me a job please
I’m 10 minutes in and the lady has still not made a single cut into the wood. She holds the chisel and the material and then describes what she would do. I reckon just do it, I want to watch you actually doing it and not describing how you do it. I’m not trying to be mean, i’m just trying to give feedback 👍🏻
actual tutorial starts at 17:30, wow she loves to hear herself talk.
Great videos, thank you!