ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Wood carving

Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a wooden toy or a wooden spoon? They were likely made by cutting and shaping, or carving, a piece of wood. This is what we call wood carving.

Wood carving is a type of art or craft that involves using sharp tools like knives, chisels, and gouges to shape a piece of wood into a desired shape or design. It can be used to make sculptures, furniture, and decorative objects, among other things.

The first step in wood carving is choosing the right type of wood. Some woods are soft and easy to carve, while others are harder and require more skill and patience. Different types of wood can also have unique color and grain patterns that affect the final look of the carved object.

Once the wood has been chosen, the carver will sketch out the design or shape they want to create on the wood, and then start cutting away the excess wood around the edges using a knife or chisel. They may also use gouges to hollow out or shape certain areas of the wood.

As work progresses, the carver will continue to refine and shape the wood, and may switch to finer tools like sandpaper or rasps to smooth out rough surfaces and add subtle details. Finally, the piece may be finished with a protective coating or stain, depending on the desired look and use of the object.

Wood carving can be a challenging but rewarding hobby or profession. With practice and patience, you can create beautiful and functional pieces out of a simple piece of wood.