When Ben was four years old, we gave him a hammer, a two by four and a couple dozen nails. He was content for a long time, hammering away in the basement on his little workbench that I had picked up at a Montessori school sale.
He has always enjoyed all things artistic but really seems to have found a niche working with wood. He has made several projects over the years including a little table for his sister, shelves, wooden toys, bird houses and a mail organizer for Mike. Here he is sanding some wooden figures in the wood shop in our garage.
This fall he has focused on woodcarving and has completed two projects thus far. The first is a snowman ornament. Second, is a Christmas stocking that he mounted on a pin backing. He is planning to give both as Christmas gifts. They still need painting or staining but I had to show them to you all because I think they are super. :)
Very few tools are necessary to begin carving wood. Ben uses a Flexcut KN12 knife and wears a thumb guard. He also finds it helpful to use a non slip rubber pad (similar to those used to open jar lids) to hold the wood in place so the project does not move around while working on a table.
It is a good idea to start learning under the direction of an experienced carver. Ben took a beginning woodcarving class at a local woodcraft store, for one afternoon. The class was intended for adults but the instructor was welcoming to well behaved, older (ten and up) children who were serious about learning to carve.
There are also woodcarving clubs in most cities who meet monthly or more often. Many of the members are retirees who are more than happy to pass along their knowledge and experience working with wood to younger carvers. It is helpful to see other people's work by attending woodcarving shows where local artists can exhibit their wares on display or for purchase.
If you are interested in exploring woodworking or woodcarving with your children, I have listed some books in my right hand sidebar.
