A British style greenwood spoon

judsoncarroll4 · April 17

A twisted, knotty piece of wood I axed out yesterday made a decent spoon. I'll refine the lines after it dries a bit and probably do some carved decoration on the handle. Overall, I'm pleased as is a very comfortable eating spoon.

judsoncarroll4 · April 19

I tried carving some decoration with a technique called kolorosing. To do this, you etch in a design with the tip of your knife, holding the blade like a pencil. Then, you rub some cinnamon or coffee into the design. It darkens as you oil it. It is really going to take some practice to get the hang of this technique! I tried a Celtic knot pattern, which may not have been the best for a first try. But, with practice, I hope to get all the lines symmetrical and the cuts the same depth so the lines are equally bold.

Torey · April 19

Very fine work for a first attempt!

I hadn't heard of this technique before.

I will have to spend a bit more time looking at branches and limbs when I am out foraging. Although, I'm not sure how my arthritic hands would feel about taking on a new project.

judsoncarroll4 · April 19

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921501#Comment_921501

Honestly, it is tough on the hands. But, using a camp or carving xe to do most of the work helps a lot. I did over 80% of the work on this one with just an axe. That cut the time and effort down dramatically for previous spoons.

Lisa K · April 19

Very cool, you are very talented!

judsoncarroll4 · April 19

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921504#Comment_921504

THanks!

jowitt.europe · April 20

@judsoncarroll4 it is important that it is handmade. In my opinion handmade things should not be perfect. I mean, they should not look like machine made: smooth, symmetrical, etc, etc. I like the ornament very much. The twisted lines. Is it a Celtic design?

judsoncarroll4 · April 20

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921507#Comment_921507

Thanks, Jolanta. Yes, I figured I'd put a Celtic design on a British style spoon.... a subtle act of rebellion.

water2world · April 23

@judsoncarroll4 I thinks this spoon is my favorite!! I also like the Celtic design! lol

SuperC · April 24

@judsoncarroll4 the detail for the Celtic design is pretty great for your first time.

I learned from you to use coffee or cinnamon to rub onto the grooves to make the design pop!, and stand out before oiling.

Amazing whittler!

judsoncarroll4 · April 24

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921561#Comment_921561

Thanks! Kolorosing is a very cool technique. To me it looks like the old carvings sailors would do on whale bones and such. It looks antique. I like it.

Michelle D · April 24

I love it! You are so talented @judsoncarroll4. It is wonderful to always see the new things you make.

judsoncarroll4 · April 24

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921566#Comment_921566

Thanks!

judsoncarroll4 · April 25

I am working on a different handle design... what do you think? It is still green and wet, I will refine the facets it in a couple of days.

marjstratton · April 25

I've tried doing Celtic knot designs. It does take a lot of practice and patience. All in all, you have made a couple of very nice spoons.

annbeck62 · April 25

I don't even think I could end up with a useable spoon, so I'm impressed.

Michelle D · April 25

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921572#Comment_921572

Looks great!

SuperC · April 25

The latest has a thick handle as you may have work yet unfinished. And like you stated, it is green and wet still.

I wonder what the carvings will look like....

judsoncarroll4 · April 25

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/921598#Comment_921598

That is something I am considering. Yes, this handle is thicker and wider. But, I have very big hands and it feels very comfortable in my hand. I would probably make it smaller, like the last one, for another person. But, I like this size for me. I will probably play around with this design a bit.

vickeym · April 29

Very nice looking. You are so inspiring. Can't wait for the snow to melt so I can find or cut some wood to start practicing on.

judsoncarroll4 · May 1

I had a very twisted, knotty piece of otherwise really nice American holly left over from the spoons that I didn't want to waste. So, I just experimented to see if I could make anything useful. I ended up with two butter knives (or jam spreaders) and a gumbo stirrer. I angled it so it can really get into the corners of the pot to keep the roux from burning and put a scoop in it following the natural twisting of the wood. I am really pleased with these!

Michelle D · May 6

I love the butter knives. How fun!

A British style greenwood spoon

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