The Simple Art of Spoon Carving

Windsor chairmaker Peter Galbert blows off steam by picking up a carving knife and whittling spoons. See how he creates his elegantly simple designs from start to finish in an online video.

[haerdy]

"just one more cut" ...and the cut goes on for hours...

so true, so honest, so real.

[Sam-tgii]

The narration added so much value to the video.

[dawncheriewoodworth]

I absolutely know how relaxing carving can be. I can sit for hours on one simple carving in utter peace. The world falls away and all there is is you, your wood and your tools. There is nothing in this world more satisfying than the smell of greenwood, the feel of it, watching it take shape and finally holding it up and saying, "It's done." We need more artisans in this bustling world. We need to get back to the simple pleasures of making something with our own two hands.

[glendathegoodwitch]

I see that making spoons is addictive. Listening to him talking about making spoons was also addictive. Thank you -- I loved this!

[TheMord]

I've been carving spoons for over 20 years, and even had had the extreme & lucky pleasure of spending a week and a half at Wille Sundvists' farm in Northern Sweden, learning from him on a one-to-one basis, a magical experience. He was so down to earth, and humble.
Love your presentation, and everything you said is so true.
Spoon carving always has an allure, and is most meditative.
The spoon carver looks at the world differently, at branches differently. One who does not spoon carve does not really understand - why do you need to make yet another spoon? But, it's not the need for a spoon, but for the creative & designing process, and of looking at a branch as a painter looks at a blank canvas...

[paulcook]

Good Lord, started with a log, ended up with a spoon. Excellent commentary, interesting tools and a great end result. There’s much more to this than meets the eye.

[paulmood]

I could have watched him carve 20 more. Who needs the “calm” app when you have this.

[sheilaroach]

Thank you! Beginner here and you have me so excited to make a spoon!!

[raspberrycrusader]

This video has the kind of quiet, meditative air that matches that of the act of spoon carving. Having carved just one small spoon, I already understand the utter focus and concentration that is required in order to make the continuous decisions about where to carve and how much material to remove. Carving is an absorbing hobby and this video ably captures that sensation. Thank you.

[arkas]

I have seen many constructions with spoons but only you chose the right part of the wood. I know very well the difficulties of processing the branching of a trunk but the density of the wood at this point and the result give masterpieces.

[semperfidelis]

This is so lovely.
I can't think of a more fitting word to say other than lovely. Incredibly beautiful. It must be fantastic just to touch them. You're so fortunate that you have this gift.
If I had them I would put them on display in a beautiful way even as a centerpiece. They're absolutely lovely.

[pogchog]

I love when I get odd little videos like this on my recommended. So calming yet puts a spark of desire into me.

[TheSMEAC]

Great video that did a great job of both capturing the subject, but the director and editor did a phenomenal job of capturing Peter’s personality and genuineness. He’s one of the top 3 most influential woodworkers in my life and “Chairmaker’s Notebook” changed how I looked at and work with wood forever. Thank FW for the video and I do hope you’ll revisit Peter more and more.

[yawner]

This is the video that first got me interested in spoon carving. I'll always be thankful to Peter Galbert for this one.

[Masterofne]

People always joke and ask me "are you every going to make a fork?" I love making spoons! Favorite thing to do in my shop.

[ScrapwoodCity]

Hand carving a spoon is so artistic on it's own! Beautiful video!

[phewbee]

I think I have watched this 6 times. I really like the video and the philosophy. I have not been carving for very long but I don't think I will ever stop.

[sheilamayer]

How wonderful that there is someone still creating and making something as simple and beautiful as wooden spoons!

I totally understand how you can keep saying to yourself, “Just one more cut, ” over and over. I am finding myself saying that a lot as I spin wool on my Louet S10 spinning wheel. “Just spin this next little bit up, ” is in my head all the time as I spend an afternoon or evening working up more handspun yarn. Yes, its very addictive!

[carolaparedes]

I love carved spoons, different woods, different forms, different colours, . Your job is beautiful.

[crescentwalker]

What he said is true, one you start carving spoons, they're is no way to stop. And that one last cut during the carving process may go on for hours. I've been carving spoons a little over a year and it is the most soul-sarisfying hobby I've found yet, and produces a functional roll for the kitchen. Thanks for a great video!