The Modern Woodcarver

Discover the fascinating tradition of **Welsh love spoons** with master woodcarver **Bob Tinsley**. In this episode, we explore the history, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind one of Europe's most unique woodcarving traditions.From intricate chains carved from a single block of wood to centuries-old customs of love, marriage, and family, Bob shares what makes these remarkable carvings so special. We also discuss the differences be...

In this episode of the Woodcarving Podcast, I'm joined by Kelsey from Carved by Kelv to talk about her journey into woodcarving, how she developed her unique style, and why carving recognizable characters has become such a big part of her work.We discuss what it was like getting started, the tools and techniques that helped along the way, the importance of embracing the "ugly stage" of a carving, and how creating expressive charact...

This episode reveals how the finest artists turn their craft into thriving careers through passion, critique, and relentless growth.Imagine turning a childhood fascination into a full-time, successful art form. Alec Lacoste, a renowned woodcarver and author, shares how he’s navigated the challenges of mastering realistic sculpture, building a business, and handling criticism with grace. From his early days inspired by prodigi...

Discover the secret to turning your woodcarving hobby into a thriving community and small business—without flashy marketing or a big budget. Steve Hunter, a seasoned carver with 28 years of experience and a passionate YouTube creator, reveals how genuine sharing and strategic quality tools built his network, confidence, and even led to sales at local art shows.In this episode, you'll uncover how Steve’s accidental YouTu...

Discover how Pat Coffey’s 37-year journey into caricature woodcarving transforms simple wood into lively, humorous characters bursting with personality. From a rookie experimenting in basements with dog figures in 1989 to a seasoned artist whose work has captivated audiences at the International Association of Woodcarvers, Pat’s story reveals the secrets behind creating carvings full of storytelling magic.In this episod...

Most woodcarvers chase a story—they want each piece to feel alive, full of personality and character. Ray Pertt's whimsical, gritty style does just that, matching intricate drawings with carvings that seem to tell their own tales. But how does he bring such life to wood? And what if your work feels flat or stiff, missing that dynamic punch? Ray reveals his secret to unlocking movement and personality in every carve, regardles...

On todays episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with Jerry McNulty, aka The Whistling Whittler, he offers a fresh, spirited perspective that makes the craft approachable and fun for everyone—beginners and pros alike. In this episode, Jerry shares the surprising story of how a woodworking hobby sparked a creative renaissance, transforming him into a community-inspiring artist known for exaggerated characters, in...

Most woodcarvers don’t realize how much craftsmanship, innovation, and family legacy shape their tools—until they hear the story behind Badger State Blades. Ashton and Libby share how a simple comment about aging toolmakers inspired a new generational wave of handcrafted knives that are transforming the craft.In this episode, you’ll discover how their company evolved from a family breakfast remark into a thriving ...

Most woodcarvers spend years trying to unlock the secrets of their craft—Blake Lundsford reveals how you can accelerate your progress by embracing community, learning from others, and leveraging online resources. If you've ever felt that carving is a solitary, frustrating pursuit, this episode will change your perspective. Blake shares his journey from novice to influential community builder, the behind-the-scenes of running ...

Explore the art of developing a unique woodcarving style with David Young, whose background in math inspires his colorful, geometric creations. Discover how a simple whittling session sparked his journey from hobbyist to author and content creator. This episode offers insights into crafting a signature style, using bold colors, and visualizing shapes to enhance your carvings. Perfect for beginners and seasoned carvers alike, learn ...

Unlock the secrets behind Abigail’s extraordinary versatility in wood carving—from hyper-realistic animal sculptures to bold chainsaw masterpieces. How does she juggle such diverse styles, tools, and scales? And what lessons can her journey teach aspiring carvers about pushing boundaries without burning out?Most carvers stick to one style, one tool, one scale—Abigail challenges all of that. She reveals how her chi...

Join us on the Modern Woodcarver Podcast as we sit down with Josh Arroyo, a talented woodcarver specializing in character carvings. Discover how Josh's journey began with a simple gift of a knife and evolved into a passion for creating expressive, personality-filled pieces. In this episode, Josh shares his experiences, from the challenges of working with different woods to the joy of crafting miniatures and the influence of legenda...

Discover how a simple soap carving hobby evolved into a thriving craft that’s inspired thousands — and how you can turn your passion into a creative therapy.When Dan Gallagher started carving soap in third grade, he never imagined it would lead to a unique career in stylized golf ball characters and realistic animal sculptures. From his first polar bear out of Ivory soap to his intricate Star Trek Worf, Dan's work blend...

Most artful woodworkers challenge our notions of function — Jeff Baenen’s sculptural boxes are not just storage, they’re flowing, organic masterpieces that redefine craftsmanship.
In this episode, Jeff shares how he transforms traditional woodworking into breathtaking sculptures, blending precision joinery with an artistic movement rooted in nature and architecture. Discover how a 20-year journey from refinishi...

Unlock the secrets behind one of the most expressive, energetic styles in wood carving—bold caricatures with exaggerated open mouths that breathe life into every piece. Rod Gatlin, a master of storytelling through carving, shares his journey from a hobbyist to a renowned artist, revealing how embracing playful exaggeration and experimentation transformed his work—and can do the same for you.

In this episode, you’ll...

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with Marika and Sara — the creative force behind Estrapalla Woodworking — to talk about their journey from passionate makers to building a recognizable and growing woodworking brand.

Over the years, they’ve developed a bold, layered style that continues to evolve — most recently through their exotic wooden sculpted butterflies that have captured att...

In this episode of the Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with woodcarver Tom Par to talk about the art of character carving and what it takes to bring personality to life in wood.

Tom’s work is instantly recognizable for its expressive faces, playful style, and strong sense of character. We talk about how he developed his carving style, what inspires his work, and the process of turning a simple block of wood into somethin...

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with character carver Jonathan Creason to talk about bringing personality to life in wood.

Jonathan is known for his expressive character-style carvings packed with incredible detail and emotion. We dive into how he developed his carving style, his approach to capturing lifelike expressions, and the intentional cuts that turn a simple block of wood into a piece full of per...

In Episode 3 of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I’m joined by Noah Head, the artist behind WhittlersGreen and his unmistakable collection of Sasquatch carvings.

Noah’s Bigfoot pieces are instantly recognizable — full of personality, character, and a style that stands out the moment you see them. But developing a signature look like that doesn’t happen overnight.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How his carvin...