From Log to Luxury: Hand-Carved Spoons

Now? He’s hooked! (pun semi-intentional)

It started with some small spoons, some long spoons, some “hobbit spoons”. Now he has made kuksas, fruit bowls, trays for jewelry + smoke, and some of the sweetest spoons I’ve had the pleasure of eating with.

When I asked Austin what his favorite part about carving was, he laughed and got quiet,

“I can’t even think of where to start. There's something about chipping down all these shavings from a chunk of wood and discovering a spoon inside, I just love it."

I have been amazed watching his progress in carving by hand. At first he had three very simple tools, a sloyd knife, a hook knife and a hatchet. After working for a short while with different woods and designs, he decided to branch out his tool collection—collecting various shapes and sizes of knives. Now he is back on the train to simplicity, seeking to slim down his tool selection to quality essentials. Maintaining a few tools in prime condition allows them to glide through the grain, working with you instead of for you.

This pattern of quality work produced from quality tools applies as well to our own bodies and minds. When we have clarity and sharp focus, we can accomplish tasks mentally. When we have ability and balance, we can accomplish tasks physically. Sharpening the focus of our lives has been a goal we are turning towards. This goal means spending more time doing the things that nourish our minds bodies + souls. For Austin, this means spending as much time as possible experiencing nature, supporting himself through woodcraft + taking time to learn how to do things himself.

For more shared information on Austin’s creations, tips on spoon carving or woodwork, feel free to comment below, check out his Etsy account OmForestCrafts or ask him on his Instagram @nitsuasa. Thanks for stopping by!

Please follow along on our journey towards self-sufficiency and unshakeable contentment.
Till next time, be sweet, stay wild! -- @coyotom