Best Hobby Ever (Introduction to Woodcarving Series) 

you got me carving- I'm 68, the only down side to it is that my wife catches me napping with wood chips on my lap lol

That first "little guy" is cute and should be at the very top of the shelf.👍😁

It's refreshing to hear that you only started carving 4 years ago. Watching your channel; I just assumed you had been doing it your whole life. It's never too late to start!

Several years ago, researchers tested the brain waves of folks who do handwork, primarily knitters and crocheters, but then it expanded to folks who carve, or build, or make baskets and other 'handwork.' What the researchers discovered is that folks who do intricate handwork, develop brain waves of deep relaxation. The same level of brain waves that Tibetan monks achieve in their deepest meditation. Handwork is theraputic; it allows you to clean out the stress of the day, focus on something productive and when you are finished, you have something Tangible as part of your stress management.

The best teachers I've had in life didn't teach me the most, they inspired me the most!

Doug 1 year ago in Nov. I was injured on the job and was off work for a month. I also don't like to sit still. So I decided that while i was off that I would learn something new to fill my time. I wasn't much of a RU-vid watcher but decided to watch for entertainment. One of the first thumb nail i remember seeing was yours. It was your snowman video. So 1. I dabbled with wood projects on and of my whole life so that peeked my intrest and 2. My wife loves snowmen. So I watched, got a piece of scrap wood and followed along. I was hooked. I carved a few Chtristmas presents (Brutus buckeye, snowmen, Florida gators, your climbing man) ect. That helped bc I didn't get any money until the 3rd week in January. I believe God has put you and your videos in my life. I am so Thankful for you. I'm glad to hear your heart is here and with the younger generation. Keep up the good work.

Doug don't sell yourself short you are a GREAT teacher I have enjoyed your videos for awhile now and have seen my skill and love for carving increase. Thanks for sharing you hobby with me! I now am teaching one of my grandsons how to carve. Again thanks for sharing Doug!!!!

I've been carving for two weeks now thanks to your tutorials, 6 pieces, 9 finger cuts. If an Oscar could be given for best, most useful, fun and satisfying RU-vid channel, it would belong to you.

I am 62 years old and you Sir caught my attention to carving! Thank you!

I am eighteen years old, saving up for some simple tools and some wood. The younger generation is here as you said you would like to see.

Your wish to get other people carving has worked for me! I did a rough carving in a box about 30 years ago with a cheap set of tools from the craft store, and smoothed some wood branches with a kitchen knife but never found a good carving knife, and moved on. When searching for gnome gardens the other day, your gnome carving video came up and now I’m binge watching your beginner series and I bought a knife. I also bought a wizard kit for my friend so we can try it out together. Can’t wait for the mailman to bring the tools. Here we go on a new adventure! Thank you for sharing what you do!

Doug, you are the reason why Alex got into carving in July 2018. Since then he has carved many of your tutorials and now developed his own style. You are a great teacher and humble person. As his father and former freelance photographer, I enjoy your style of shooting and editing along with the variety of video subjects. Watching your progress and Alex's progress along the way makes me grateful to you for doing what you do.

Teachers who are still learners make great teachers!

Doug, I have to say that as a new wood carver, I have gained so much information from your carving series that I cannot express my gratitude enough. I am inspired and developing my abilities more and more everyday. Thanks again for taking your time to educate us.

Hi Doug,I retired about 4 years ago and for the first year apart from holidays i just sat on my computer all the time.I had been a sailmaker to trade but hated ships,Alas sailmaking never made me a fortune.Then i came across a video on youtube from a guy called Doug Lineker and thought i will give this a go and lo and behold i am now a convert.I try my best to copy what you do in the world of carving sometimes they work out alright and other times they are a disaster.Not having the best knives is a problem as i really can`t affford them but i make do.One thing is sure i won`t give up so thanks mate for all the help over the last 3 or 4 years.

I met you through Sean James/My Self Reliance. He suggested checking out your channel..I had always wanted to be a carver knowing I would probably cut off my thumbs-so never started. Watching you have fun with it fulfills my desires enough, I need my thumbs.

Don't ever say you don't or can't teach! You are a great teacher and inspiration! I used to carve in my 30's and stopped. Life got in the way. I am almost 60 now and happened onto one of your videos. I have started carving again thanks to you and your amazing RU-vid channel. I appreciate all you do and the effort it takes to make the videos. Thank you for inspiration to resume something I enjoy so much!

Doug you are my Gene Messer. Thanks for sharing. I've been carving with you and your videos for a little over a year now. It's great fun!

Glad to hear, I built so many houses bridges, hospitals . Busted my back went to work as an inspector. Did that for 6 year 4 more operations on back gave up on everything. Picked up carving 2 years ago and I have a life again. Best thing I ever did . my grandson showed me RU-vid and I got better at it . Thanks

I found you by accident. I'm an English woman from the shires with a fine arts degree I've learned more from you about knives and wood and the joy of making than all my lecturers...and past teachers. Thank you, looking forward to many more videos to come 😁

A huge thank you !!! I started following you with the bush craft and then came the carving. I am a retired trim carpenter and cabinet maker and I followed you and tried my hand at carving and now I'm hooked. I watch for your videos all the time and now my carving magazines. My family and especially my grand kids love that I'm doing it. Thank you so much. I think this new idea is great. I wear your T-Shirt proudly and drink my coffee from one of your mugs. Again thank you for the inspiration.

Just keep making these videos and I shall keep watching From bushcrafting to your carvings you have a lot of skills with wood and serenity in the woods

I'll be honest Doug, I came to your videos from Joe and Bushcraft side.. I watched 2 of your carving videos and ended up ordering a knife set and some basswood and spent an hour and a half the other night carving from memory, as I don't have the internet at home. I think through your videos I found my new hobby along side starting to bushcraft... Thank You

Thanks Doug, I found your videos a couple of days ago and like you I can't sit still ( drives my wife mad) I am so inspired I sent for my first Knives and gloves and can't wait for them to get here to start carving. If I get half as good as you I will be well pleased. I'm 79 I just hope that my tools get here quickly Ha! Ha!

Fishing, paddling and carving? Keeping your hands busy? You mean, it’s not just me?! AWESOME!!!

i started carving only about a year ago , i love your videos and watch them over and over . thanks for sharing .

Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts on carving and life. You are an inspiration.

Doug your videos are spot on!!! A Woodcarving Series is an awesome idea! Thanks for making your videos!

Another interesting video. Give that little fella pride of place on the shelf..he's awesome!

I was diagnosed 5 years ago at age 60 with Adult ADHD and I too have to keep my hands busy.....I have wanted to carve my whole life, I am Capricorn and wood,driftwood and rocks are my passion but I always thought I was too busy and would learn to carve in my older years so I came across you and last night I ordered knives and strop and will try now.....You are an EXCELLENT teacher and nothing long and drawn out, like talking about paint you honestly said just craft paint and you say what works best without trying to sell something like so many youtubers do.....Your camera work shows everything you do and easy to follow, you are calm and straight forward and you inspire others to jump right in and try.....Carving is definitely your calling and in my eyes you are Perfect at it, I thought you had been carving your whole life so perhaps in 4 years I will have a few done.....I have bought wood spirits in younger years because I was so fascinated with them and Just Love em.....I was at Dollywood years ago and I was watching a carver and I said My gosh how do you do that and know what to do and He Simply said "You take away the wood that don't belong" .....and you explain how to take away that wood while you are doing it.....God had our paths cross and you are so down to earth and so full of passion for carving that your explanations are worth Gold to me, I understand! which usually I have to hear something 10 or more times to even begin to understand, Mom use to say, You gotta draw Teresa a picture if you tell her something of course they never knew of ADHD and I never either so I grew up very inferior..... I am comfortable spending time with myself and Carving will fill that void of being an introvert so to speak, it truly looks easy to take away the wood that does not belong.....Thank you for Sharing your Passion Doug, this Old Lady gets it!

I started carving because of you. I am terrible, but I enjoy it. I like carving the simple "wood spirits" and then leaving them in random places for people to find. Thanks for the inspiration. Peace.

You are the reason I purchased knives and timber, I followed along one of your videos and gave my son my first carving, that was about a year ago. Thank you for sharing your love of everything. I love your videos, I love your variety, you are awesome!

I looked at wood carving several years ago. Bought some wood and knives and they sat in a box. Several months ago I found your channel, and with your great help, I am now carving and having fun with it! My 15 year old son has even started carving too. Thanks for your great videos. It's like having a teacher in the room with me!

That's my exact reason for wanting to get into actual carving i'm always cutting on a piece of wood while camping or sitting on the porch relaxing from Today's World

Awesome story Doug, keep on going. I’m 35 and have loved wood working since I was a little kid helping my dad. I’ve got two boys 8/11 that have loved watching and seeing the stuff I’ve carved. Both boys are interested in wood carving and have done a small little widdle a them selves. You’ve been my inspiration!

Small world we live in after all Doug. I to am a finish carpenter here in Vermont. I can't count how many handrails and banister's I've installed over the years. I came to your channel for bushcraft, I'm now a carver! Thanks so much. I also own a packboat. Your influence is greater than you imagine sir.

This'll be a fun series. A guy from work is starting to carve, I bet he'll enjoy the series as well.

I wanted to carve since I was a kid. Wanted to whittle. I tried a few times the past few years had no idea what to do. Books didn't help. I found one of your videos and Sharonmyart and I realized wow I can do this. Suddenly 6 hours will just fade away and I'm left with something I created finding my own style and watching things come out of the wood. I love it. I'm 42 have always been a dissatisfied crafter until I found carving!! Now my son wants to learn. He's 17. Thank you!!!!!

Thanks Doug keep on reeling us carvers in, and we will keep watching and learning, maybe we can teach you a thing or two, Ha Ha Regards from John in England.

Thanks! I started carving because of you. Great hobby 🤙

Super excited about this. So many questions but I will wait until that specific video comes out. I'm sure they will answer my questions. Looking forward to them all!!

Looking forward to this series! Your recent owl video was a breakthrough for me (Was doing the 5 minute owl). 👍

Hi Doug, As you know I just got started carving a few months ago per you giving me the inspiration I needed. I am almost 82 now, and spend most of my time in a lift chair. I too have a terrible time sitting and doing nothing so you getting me started carving and using my hands has been a real blessing. So far I have carved a bigfoot, 3 bears, a fisherman, a lumberjack, and 8 roosters ie., chicken sticks. Thank you so much, your a real inspiration, and a very good teacher. You get your points across,, and are easy to learn from. God Bless you & yours.

Thank you so much for this I ordered my knifes and wood. At 78 this will be my next hobby and new love. I hope the Lord will grant me some years to create some little people. Thank you again.

Thank you for your videos Doug. I also stumbled on your videos and have now taken up carving. I enjoy completing something quickly and having a giggle at what I’ve created. What a fantastic hobby. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I think Ugly Little Man should have a shelf of his own as he's your first ever carving. I literally learned to carve my first character from you, it was the 10 minute wizard and it was coming up to last Christmas. My daughter saw him shouted Santa and I've only seen him once since then because she was taking him to show and tell a few weeks back. You say you aren't a teacher when I think you are. You have a wonderful gift of being able to clearly show and discribe what needs to be done in every step and it makes it so easy for people to pick up a knife and piece of wood and end up with something beutiful. I think some of the best teachers in the world are still learning, the moment someone thinks they know it all is the moment they should stop teaching as they can change from a great teacher who still wants to learn and share new skills and techniques to someone who thinks they knew it all and are no longer interested in new ideas. Thank you for being willing to help new wood carvers create their first chips, including myself 😊👍👍👍👍👍👍

I am 59 yrs. old. I love to be creative. I use to carve fruit but it didn’t last so all I had was pictures of my carvings. After seeing your videos I carve wood and love it! Your videos are very inspiring. Please keep it up.

I think your first carving deserved a spot on the shelf. Never forget where you came from.

You have been an inspiration to many of us new carvers. Thanks.

I just gave my brother two tom ellis knives, a glove, some wood and a link for him to learn from you . Im 61 and wished i had found whittling earlier in my life. Thank you for feeding my soul and in turning on other wood be carvers

Doug I never would have thought of Carving or whittling untill I saw a video of yours that just popped up on you tube. I watched it and liked it then i watched a few more... now I've got knives, strop, paints, GLOVE and if only I had lots more time to be whittling. I made a few wooden friends from Bass wood and just love chipping away. ALL THANKS TO YOU.

I found your channel recently and I’ve binged on it, watching some of them 2-3 times. I’ve painted for many yrs and worked on restoring furniture, so carving is right up my alley to learn. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks Doug I am 55 and just now found out what I want to do when I grow up... You are the reason I just started carving. Thanks so much for your time and efforts you have put into the videos. I am excited that you are doing more videos. Again thanks.

I came across your videos on accident. but now i cant stop watching , the videos are addicting , I recently bought my first knife and basswood pieces and i cant wait to start .. thank you Bill

Keep up the videos Doug. I am not a carver. . But enjoy them .. Norbert was outstanding. Love the camping and kayaking. ... coffee... need more coffee video's .. keep it up.. all the best from Australia

you got me carving too! I can't stop. my husband laughs at the little caricatures i have produced. thank you, and you are a great teacher, having fun

hello Doug. i got my first set of knives today because of you. I'm ready to get started carving and im really looking forward to your series. thanks for sharing.

Hi Doug, I’ve been watching you for a long time now. I began carving at 9 while growing up in Cherokee NC. I grew carving more and more difficult pieces, but got really involved in my work traveling. I am now 72 and retired from that work and since I have been following you, I have decided to pick it back up again. Keep up the great work you are doing, and thank you!!!

You got me into carving, thank you! Without your instruction I don’t think I would have stuck with it.

Never change Doug love your simple carving just outstanding! THANK YOU 🙏

Another carver has been born here - thank you for your channel and everything you share

Sitting here carving a duck decoy watching/listening to Doug talk carving. Good day. We all evolve as a carver if you don’t we stagnate and don’t improve. Looking forward to the series. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Doug, your Videos have realy started something exciting in my life. I am 76 years old and am still an ardent woodworker. I have just started my first carve with my pocket knife and looking forward to some progress and more of your videos. Keep going, your the best.

Doug, thanks for sharing your videos! Ironically, my name is also Doug. Many years ago I was a trim carpenter but, have always dabbled in wood projects. My wife and I started camping a few years ago and I found out about bushcrafting through looking into camping. Just about a month or two ago I was researching how to carve a spoon and came across whittling and wood carving videos. Which brought me to your RU-vid channel. I since bought a starter wood carving knives set and wood. I've made a HORRIBLE looking spoon and a simple heart I gave to my wife. I hope in 4 years I can be half as good as you. Thanks for the inspiration! God Bless.

Doug. I have neuropathy and arthritis in both of my hands and I am only 35. You're videos are AWESOME and inspiring to me because it's hard to carve with pain, but because of your humble, positive & genuine approach, I feel that I can still enjoy this craft. You've reached me here in Florida, so you're definitely getting across. I can't wait for your next vid! Thank you!

As long as you keep making videos Doug, I’m gunna keep watching. Look forward the next one and Keep up the good work Sir. Yours carvingly Mark, from across the pond 🇬🇧

Oh man Doug, i would put him at the top of the shelf, the first one would be my prised carving👍😁.

Hi Doug, i have been watching your video's for about a year now and also have been carving the same amount of time, im getting alot better but im really looking forward to your series, that's a really great idea, thanks, Scott.

Can see and hear your joy when talking about wood carving Doug 😊👍. Look forward to the series. Take care and God bless ✌️

I am a wonen of 69 and watch your video's 3 years now. I am from Holland and live now in france. My man gave me toonsoort, but the wood i have is very hard to carve But you inspire me to look for softer wood. Go on like this i enjoy.

You got me carving too- I'm 70, also a retired finish carpenter. Had to do something , and you filled the bill. Thanks Doug

My grandfather carved little things for his grandkids, unfortunately he past away before I was old enough to pay attention. I found your videos and started, I've carved a few things, but I want to say thank you for these videos and you are awesome at explaining how you do it. Thank you

I find myself constantly looking for things to fill my time. Today I carved a necklace and a small fork from a piece of wood I found because I watched your gnome videos last night. Thanks for the inspiration I am a fan

I’ve discovered the joys of carving at 62 even though I’d always chipped and pipped whenever I could with my dad and after he passed! Hands are riddled with arthritis and right hand is algodistrophic after a motorbike accident years ago. But who cares, Wood awaits. I’m very into hiking poles, hoping to make a little business to round off a crappy pension. Thanks very much for all your super info that has helped me believe in myself and what was a dream. Keep on doing what you’re doing, yeah!

I am glad you did this Doug because it hooked me and you created a woodcarver in me.

I really appreciate your videos. I will be 67 tomorrow. I spent my working life as a brick layer. I used my hands and my body to make a living. I few years ago I became disabled, and can no longer use my body for much of anything...but I still have my hands. Your videos have inspired me not to give up completely. I can still use my hands and I’ve always been handy at woodworking too. Thank you so much. Your videos have a very long reach beyond just would carving.

Doug, you are a great teacher. Thank you for sharing your videos and your encouragement. As a new carver I appreciate your instruction and advice. Thank you!

Thanks for ALL that you do! I have been whittling since I was young, now that I have retired I have found your videos and whittling has become carving! The only drawback is age related,I don't learn as quickly as I did in the past. So thanks for your generosity and your willingness to share,from Mesa,Az.

I turned 70 this fall and got interested in carving just this month. I would love to start. I've even looked on line for local classes with no luck. I.m looking forward to your videos. I'm glad I lucked upon your page.

Doug,you are a inspiration for me to keep my carving going!!! Great video as always.

You got me into woodcarving with your relaxed laidback videos. I’m 23 years old and pretty lonely so i have a lot of free time where i dont know what to do. But thanks to your videos i feel like im doing something fun, i only started yesterday but its this feeling that i haven’t had in a long time. Just wanted to thank you ;)

You are an inspiration. I love watching any of your videos. They are fun, relaxing and I often carve whilst watching your adventure videos. I have learnt to carve caricatures from you. I have always wanted to but never managed it. Now I carve every day for a couple of hours and it is how I wind down at the end of the day. Thank you 👍😎😊

You got me started and I am 70 +, thank you so much.

This will be a most interesting series to watch. The glasses on the older gnome gentleman are meticulously done.

I would like to thank you for sharing your woodcarvings and your progressing technique .I had never carved anything . I am a carpenter by trade but I have carved about 20 small pumpkins sort of based on your video . And several wood spirits all started by stumbling upon your RU-vid Chanel. And now have carved 3 little people . You have inspired me thanks so vary much for sharing

“ya don’t know if you want to be a wood carver until you see someone wood carve,” i find it so admirable that he’s so grateful to have stumbled onto that video when so many more people are doing the same with him. doug, your videos are beautiful and i’m grateful that i’ve recently stumbled onto your videos. ordered a few tools and i should be getting started soon!

Bought my first knife this week. Following some of your videos to practice and learn. Thank you! Love the hobby!

Hey Doug. I carved one of your little owls that you did a step-by-step tutorial on. I LOVE it! It's kinda like your first little man you carved.....far from perfect, but damn proud of it. I carry my owl everywhere I go as my goodluck piece. Thanks Doug!

I’ve never cut a piece of wood in my life and I’ve never seen a wood carver. To me, whittling is something old men did on the porch in the movies. Your videos are so inspiring, that I found a Woodcraft store near me and I’m planning to have a day there with the kids to get them off the iPads for a while. 😊 Thank you so much for the videos

I am excited about this new series. I have been a woodworker all my life, really, I was probably 6 years old when I bent my first nail. And since then (I'm now 70 years old) have been a carpenter, cabinet maker, and furniture builder. Because of your snowman video I picked up a knife and made my version of it. Now I need to take the time to continue and will watch this series as inspiration and instruction.

I recently started carving. It’s been a sort of tactile meditation. Keeps me off of screens, very enjoyable.

Thank you for a honest down to earth video. You got me to start carving again after I had a stroke. I had to start from square one, but who cares. Thanks again and looking forward to your next video!!

I got you pegged now Doug! You're the Johnny Appleseed of carving! Have enjoyed everything in all your videos. Thank you. Sincerely

WOW !!! Great intro Doug 🎥👀❗️ I climbed on board the carving train with you 2 years ago. Thanks to Amazon Prime I was able to send back a series of knives that didn't work for me until I bought a Helvie from Helvie. What great people. I started with So You Want to Carve a Bear. Tried everything including my Stihl Chainsaw which made an unusual "piece of firewood" I'm 72 so I don't fit the demographics you want to reach but I am really 24 at heart. Keep up the good work. Your videos are perfect, I stop them step by step and follow along. Never do you hide any steps or cuts. Congrats to being able to follow some of the old masters at this craft and simplifying their art for the rest of us. I'm an engineer by education and like many others, we are basically lazy and will work our asses off to find easier ways to do things... that's where all the patents come from 😉 Many thanks for making this unexpected hobby so easy to take up !!!!

I just started wood carving and absolutely love following your tutorials!! So easy to follow!

Great video! I think you’re a great teacher and I look forward to future videos

Your a good communicator Doug, the way you explain your knowledge is easy to understand and very positive. When you can’t do something it can seem magic that it’s done at all, your can do attitude shows that it’s possible. Thanks for making the effort to share your skills 👍

Love watching your videos and am looking forward to your new series.

Fellow carver here Doug... brother-in-law got me into it prolly 20 yrs ago. use mostly bass wood, some bark, diamond willow sticks, etc... got away from it for a while but easing back into it. Love the videos and recognize the talent. Keep em coming...

I think this was a great introduction video Doug.. Look forward to more.