Spoon Carving Trends in 2024
Ever wondered what's simmering in the world of wooden spoons? Dive into the hottest trends reshaping this timeless craft, from daring decoration to sustainable sourcing, here are some of the hot topics you might encounter this year1. Templates On The Rise
When I carved full-time, I made great use of templates to create batches of spoons with the same design. Templates are a great way to quickly and confidently get a design onto wood. While traditionalists might scoff, spoon carving templates are gaining traction, especially for beginners. These offer pre-printed shapes to trace onto wood, making initial cuts easier and reducing anxiety for newcomers. However, some argue they stifle individual expression and limit learning the craft's core skills. If you're interested in templates, The Spoon Crank is a great resource for them.
Some templates available on the Spoon Crank at the time of publishing this article.
2. Beyond Utility
I love the functional utility of spoons. It's the thing I encourage beginners to think about first, before making a single cut. That said, once you've got the basics of function design down, there's a lot of room to have creative fun with your spoons. And decorative carving is pushing boundaries. Spoons are becoming canvases for intricate animal figures, geometric patterns, and even pop culture references. Think whimsical foxes adorning handles. Personally, I think Naama Lila is doing great work with decoration on spoons that remain functional.3. Sustainable Sourcing
Carvers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, favoring sustainably sourced wood from local arborists or reclaimed trees. This focus on responsible material sourcing adds an ethical dimension to the craft. Growing a community around finding local sources for carving material is a great facet of spoon carving, and leads us nicely to the next trend. 4. Community Carving
The internet has fostered vibrant online communities of spoon carvers. Platforms like Instagram and Youtube enable carvers to share tips, techniques, and even host virtual carving hangs, building a strong sense of connection and mutual learning. Rise Up and Carve hosts a Zoom chat anyone can join 24/7 to digitally hangout with fellow carvers. 5. Carving with Intent
Carvers are infusing their spoons with personal stories, memories, or symbolic meaning, making them more than just utensils, but cherished keepsakes with a soul. Liesl, aka Rivchica Warrior is has been going strong for a while with the messages her kolrossed spoons carry. Bonus Trend
Keep an eye out for the growing interest in historical carving styles and regional traditions. Carvers are rediscovering and adapting techniques from cultures around the world, adding a unique cultural dimension to the craft. Derek Brabender has been creating some beautiful recreations of 'tourist spoons' carving in throughout the 18th Century by Scandinavian immigrants to the United States. Remember, these trends are just a snapshot, and the beauty of spoon carving lies in its individual expression. It's important to remember that the beauty of wooden spoon carving lies in its accessibility and personal expression. There are no hard rules, and the best trend is the one that sparks your creativity and allows you to carve spoons you truly love. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious beginner, don't be afraid to experiment and carve your own unique path in this rewarding craft! Which of these trends are you already doing? Let us know in the comments.
