Chip Carving

Chip carving has a long tradition in folk art and has accompanied all cultures from the past to the present day. The technique is as old as the craft itself: simple chips that transform into wonderful patterns.

Learning to carve using simple chip cuts is quick, and you can achieve good, visible results in a short time. You learn to understand the properties of wood and how to work with them correctly.

Technique

In chip carving, graphic patterns are first drawn directly onto the wood using a ruler, pencil and compass, and these are then worked out of the wood using mostly 45° cuts. The desired pattern emerges from the drawing.

You can acquire tool and material knowledge over time. To begin with chip carving, all you need is a small workspace, pencil, ruler, compass and preferably a linden wood board. For about € 25, you should be able to purchase such a beginner's kit.

Chip carving can be learned by anyone and practiced well into old age — that is the beauty of this art.

Further Reading

• Relief Carving
• Figure Carving
• Ornament Carving