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.
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.
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.
This video sums up green wood carving perfectly. I started 3 months ago and am in love with it! There's something so special about going back to our roots and having a connection with the tools we use to make something we use everyday.
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...
I made my first spoon out of birch the other day, and you're right! I'm hooked now! It was extremely enjoyable and rewarding and now my kitchen has a beautiful new spoon added too it that looks nice and will be used almost every day! I've already started the next one and have several good logs and branches that I was able to collect from my backyard that are just waiting to be turned into a piece of art. Thanks for the video and tips. They will be be super useful and help me quicken the carving process. Great job. Have a good one!
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.
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!
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.
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.
So pleasing and relaxing to watch you work and listen to your philosophy. A year ago I watched a tree surgeon take down an ancient apple tree in the nearby park and when he said he was going to dump the timber to landfill I bought the wood from him. Now I know what I'm going to do with the branches. Thank you for this video, like the guy below I'm going to watch it again and again.
Woah! You put out such a lovely video to watch. Love the passion and calm of Peter. Just starting wood carving and these are great tips. Thanks a lot! :D
My second time carving something, I made a spoon out of european beech endgrain firewood using only a bunch of dollar store hobby knifes, a file and some sandpaper. I know, this was a pretty dumb Idea, but besides a few cracks and a few assymetries it turned up pretty good and was great fun. Your video helped me a lot and as soon as posdible I will carve some spoons the proper way. :)
@Jutta Beckmann I think you did make your spoon the ‘proper’ way - for that spoon - for that time ... especially since you said it was great fun! Satisfaction seems to be key. Carve well.
I love carving spoons and really enjoyed your explanation of the "zen" of it. I have tried to explain it to others and get a blank stare in return........next time I will show your video to help others understand. Thank you for your wonderful video and enthusiasm for the art.
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!
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.
So true. About two months ago I picked up a piece of wood, and had this desire to make something for my grandson. He wasn't planned and I thought I will never have a bond with this child. Boy was I wrong! I carved him a spoon, thinking it is unusual, and someday he will cherish the spoon when he uses it, knowing it came with love from his grandfather. Spoons are something magical. They seem like something simple, but try getting along without them. Sorry for boring you with my story. Just felt like telling it.
This video is the definition of sweetness. Your spoons are great ! It's good to try every type of wood you can. My favorite so far is "box-wood", "buis" in french. The pattern of the veins are amazing, it's extremely soft to the touch, and is very solid. It also is a bit heavy, but I like to feel the wight of the spoon in hand. The downside is that it's a bit hard to carve, though I've never done it on green box-wood.
I've made a small teaspoon from cedar and a scoop from bamboo so far. I just purchased a kit with a gouge, hook knife, and carving knife so I'll start making larger more ornate spoons soon. Great video by the way!
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.
Wow !!!! Thanks for sharing this video. Nice art, the spoon is beautiful! I was seeing in Amazon the tools that I need, I would love to make spoons for me. I will continue watching your videos! 😃
Very cool, I couldn't have put it to words. I like when we go for a weekend camping trip to do one. Especially if I'm camping with someone I don't usually Camp with.
My man that was so therapeutic and satisfying watching that my carving tools are on order and I can't wait to have a go. Your channel is subscribed to. 👍👍🤘🤘
I have a burger flipper that great grandpa carved from a clump of firewood.. It has finally split & I need to recreate a new one, It has lasted 50+ years..G/Hk
Thanks a lot for the lesson. I have whittled a few spoons but never employed as many appropriate tools as you demonstrated. I have been using cuttings from a fig tree for my wood. You are correct, the spoon sucks you in every time.
Maybe, but at least you get some wood with every cut. When it comes to fishing, I do it for the fish. I guess it's like gambling. That is your problem. Haha Just one more hand.
beautiful. the art and the finished product. I just acquired some wood from nature today. I don't have all of the tools. Just a basic set for beginners. I am shopping for more to complete some beginner projects. Nice vid. Thanks!
Great job...wish I had the nack..to make your own wood utensils...so much healthier than using metal. I really admire your skill...so effortlessly and precise. People will pickup these skills as we move back to natural living...carpet weaving...basket weaving...pottery, blacksmithing...whip plaiting..glass blowing.etc
Wowww, what a wonderful and interessting spoon carving video. Thanks a lot!! Recently i made a video about spoon carving with a tin can lid... Greets from Switzerland Felix
Thanks for the knowledge, I have done about 6 spoons so far, and am totally addicted, thanks for the green wood tip, I started a spoon yesterday out of an old oregan board, very brittle difficult to get a clean line.
Beautiful work. I've recently started with scrap branches from my neighbors apple tree, and a few pieces of maple from my wood pile. Ever one is a different experiment in working the wood at hand.
