The Art of Whittling: A Woodcarver's Guide to Making Things by Hand

Description

Whittling is more than just a way of busying idle hands - it is a pastime for those who love the texture of wood and a way of life for those who feel a special connection between people and trees. This beautiful and practical guide to the art of whittling offers the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and a means of getting back to basics and creating unique items from scratch. Inside you will learn about the ancient art of whittling as one of the earliest forms of artistic expression; the different types of wood to use in your work; the simple tools you need to get started; and the various cutting techniques. The Art of Whittling also preaches the idea of Danish hygge - translating to coziness and being with friends and family in a warm atmosphere. Here, author Niklas Karlsson gives us an insight into why the Danes are considered the happiest people in the world - and how you can bring some hygge into your own lives. More than just a manual, this book offers a contemplative view on a skill that is more popular than ever.

Niklas Karlsson is a Swedish woodcarver who crafts unique utensils that he sells via his blog: ahardslojdlife.se. Growing up he spent his holidays in the south of Lapland and bought his first carving knife from a mail-order catalogue as a child. Inspired by Barn the Spoon, who runs a spoonshop in central London, Niklas now runs workshops in his native Sweden and appears at the International Carving Festival Taljfest. He is, according to interior designer Andreas Nobel, 'an ethnologist, archaeologist, historian, designer and craftsman in one and the same person, who through the study of ancient handicraft objects transforms his expertise into new selfmade bowls and troughs. In this way Niklas Karlsson gets knowledge and feeling for past lives and culture.'