Sunday, July 20, 2008

You Can Always Whittle

When I'm a little white-haired old lady, who will no longer be able to hoist large boards onto my table saw or band saw, nor have the energy to handsaw them, I will carve, make decorative boxes, and whittle.

Recently, I bought a book entitled The Little Book of Whittling, by Chris Lubkemann, that clearly explains how to make simple letter openers, spoons, birds, forks, chickens, and tiny canoes, among other things useful or amusing.

Whittling is something that intrigued me as a kid. I remember using one of my dad's pocket knives to sharpen sticks, carve designs in them, and make sling shots. I never progressed beyond that, but I do remember having a great time. And feeling cool. Like Opie Taylor.

So, until I can get back to working with bigger tools (in exactly 23 days), I'm going to fiddle around with whittling. Today, I'm making a spoon or a whistle and then I'll show the neighbor kids how I made it, which will no doubt amaze them.

And they'll think I'm cool. The coolest brown-haired, middle-aged lady on the block.

13 comments:

Shazza said...

Kari you ARE cool!

That book is kind of cool too. I did the same thing...I "borrowed" my Dad's pocket knife and carved something into many different wooden surfaces. I made a little sail boat once...put a little paper sail on it and watched it float away!

I wish I had a cool lady like you in my neighborhood when I was growing up!

Kari Hultman said...

Shazza, an adorable little Cape Cod just went up for sale in our neighborhood. You could hang out in my shop anytime! : )

Vic Hubbard said...

You know if you start whittlin' regular, You gonna hafta git yerself
a Hound dog and a big ole cement pond.
(incidental music plays)

Shazza said...

Ah...send me the real estate agent name...I'll look it up.

We can whittle away on the porch while M and the Presby girl read lots of books.

Sounds like nirvana!

Anonymous said...

Kari,
I am heading off on vacation to Maine in a few weeks. (mine is a real vacation, no hospitals) and I wanted to bring something woodworking along to occupy my lazy afternoons in the sun. I picked up this same book and one on chip carving. Finally a woodworking style that I can take with me. Good luck with your whittlin'

Anonymous said...

Kari,

Cool! I may just check into it, to keep amongst the books I will use exclusively in just a few years ; )

I believe you *have* found a way to stay busy with something woodworking!

Identity Mixed said...

I actually have a "little old man" that's about 4 inches tall. Some friend of my grandfather's whittled him. He's so cool!

Kari Hultman said...

Vic, you forgot the cutoff breetches!

David, it is a fun activity....and goes hand-in-hand with boyscouts. Have a great time at camp. : )

Shannon, I'm with you on needing to take some sort of woodworking with me on vacation. Chip carving is also a lot of fun. I hope your vacation is a lot more enjoyable than mine was!

Al, I bet your grandkids would get a kick out of things you could whittle for them. They already know you're the #1 Grandpa, but this will put you over the top!

IdentityMixed, there is something about a handcarved or whittled piece. That could be a type of woodworking to teach your boys when they're old enough.

Vic Hubbard said...

And hair extensions, so you can have those braided pony tails. I'm a little small, but I could be Jethro.
Wait! Didn't Elly May beat him up a lot?

Kari Hultman said...

If I'm Ellie May, and you're Jethro, does that make my partner...Granny?

Vic Hubbard said...

She better not see that comment! She'll kick your rear!

Woodbloke said...

Have enjoyed a meander through your blogs, very interesting stuff and I like the sort of projects you get stuck into. Have a look at the 'Blokeblog' to see wood related witterings from across the pond. Hope you're feeling better now - Rob

Kari Hultman said...

Thanks, Rob!