Carve: A Simple Guide to Whittling - by Melanie Abrantes (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Norwegian Wood meets How to Tie a Tie in this irresistible gift for DIY enthusiasts. Using just a tool or two (a pocketknife and a gouge), readers will learn how to whittle 12 small objects and utensils, from a coffee spoon to a pair of dice, that take just a few hours to finish--and in the process carve out a little peace and quiet for themselves.Carve is an accessible guide to a hobby made for unplugging and connecting with the outdoors. Beautiful lifestyle and how-to photographs inspire readers to carve simple projects that include a comb, catch-all tray, camping fork and knife, air plant hanger, pair of dice, and more. Woodworker Melanie Abrantes also includes information on choosing the right knife and wood and tips on personalizing and maintaining a finished piece with staining, burning, monogramming, and more"--

Book Synopsis

Whittle a beautiful spoon, comb, pair of dice, and more with this fresh introduction to a folksy craft. Carve modernizes a mindful hobby that people have turned to for generations to help them slow down, relax, and connect with the outdoors. Choose from a dozen projects with bespoke details, all are designed to be useful at home or while camping. And because these objects are small, they require only a few hours and a tool or two to complete. You'll also learn how to choose the right knife and wood, helpful information on techniques and safety, and tips for refining, personalizing and maintaining your piece. Whether you're headed to the woods or just to the porch, this pocket-sized guide will have you carving your own unique designs in no time.

Review Quotes

"Carve takes striking wood projects and teaches you how to make them at home with your own hands . . . The step-by-step photos make the end result feel attainable, and the gorgeous imagery makes you feel like it wouldn't even matter if it isn't."
--DesignSponge

Praise for Melanie Abrantes:

She loves to make objects that are as practical as they are elegant -- which is why we adore here."
--Brit + Co

"A crafty Jane-of-all-trades [who] specializes in handcrafting a plethora of one-of-a-kind goods, ranging from cork planters to wood bowls and vessels."
--Apartment Therapy

"[Melanie's] commitment to sustainably farmed materials coupled with her genuine curiosity keeps her one-of-a-kind bowls, plates, cups, and planters constantly changing."
--Better Homes and Gardens

About the Author

Named one of Country Living's 100 Most Creative People, product designer and maker MELANIE ABRANTES runs her own wooden spoon carving workshops in Oakland, California, and sells her designs in small shops and retail stores nationwide, including Urban Outfitters, Need Supply Co., and West Elm. She's been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Anthology, Domino magazine, Dwell, Sunset, and Bon Appétit.