A few weeks ago I completed my New Year’s Resolution for 2015 – to make a spoon for each week of the year. This was by far the best new year’s resolution I had ever done. I can’t even remember any of the previous ones.
I had carved around 3-4 spoons before starting this project, so I knew the basics, but I was still a novice. I made all the spoons using hand tools only – an axe, a carving knife, a hook knife, some chisels, sand paper and oils. I did this because I wanted to improve my knife skills and wood working ability, it meant I could work on the project wherever I was and partly because I didn’t have access to any machinery or power tools.
The fact that I was making one spoon per week helped me stick to the resolution, rather than giving up or losing interest. Making one a week was a challenge for me, and I fell behind schedule a few times, but, if I made enough time to carve I would produce a spoon.
I have never done an activity that completely removes you from your surroundings in such a way as whittling. I found myself looking at my watch realising I had been whittling for 2-3 hours when it had only felt like 30 minutes or so. Often I would go into this ‘flow’ state of mind as some people call it. It’s a therapeutic and meditative activity that I would recommend to anyone.
What did I take from the year other than 52 spoons?
Patience. Whittling a spoon is a process that goes hand in hand with patience. In a strange way, the more patient you are, the quicker the spoon is usually made.
You can never rush a spoon. Following on from the previous point, you can’t rush a spoon. There were a few occasions where I was in a rushed mood and just wanted to get the spoon finished for the week and often I would either cut myself or break the spoon.
Dexterity and hand skills. I can now handle and axe and knife better than I ever could, and I feel like I have picked up an important life skill.
Appreciation. Of people who make things out of wood, especially by traditional means. And of trees, they are bloody fascinating
Knowledge. Of how to carve a selection of different woods and carving techniques.
Routine & Focus. The benefit of a good routine became apparent to me. I’m not saying you should live your life like an army sergeant is breathing down your neck, but I found that having this weekly routine of mine was a real focus.
So, all in all a really fulfilling new years resolution, that has taught me an awful lot. I now also have 52 spoons, of which many I am selling. There’s one photo of each spoon below.
If you are interested in buying a spoon they are all £20 + shipping costs. (There are several spoons that are cheaper, check the text below the image). I will give £10 from each spoon to charity, which will go towards fundraising for my upcoming adventure later in the year, more on this soon.
Firstly email me with the spoon number you’d like and you’re address, and I will confirm the order. I can post worldwide. Once I have confirmed, send funds to my paypal using the same email, which is: mountchris@hotmail.co.uk. Once funds are received I will post the spoon out.
I will update the post when each spoon has been sold. Check the text under the photos to see whether it is available.
Happy spooning 🙂
Hi Chris,
John Hobbiss from Chorley Lancs here. My daughter, Anna, bought spoon No 23 for my birthday and it is now sitting happily on the top of my desk. I think that it can stay there as an ornament, rather than go to work as a paella server, which I see is what it was designed for.
What an interesting project carving those 52 spoons must have been, making you an expert, not only in woodcarving, but also in the different types of wood and indeed in spoons themselves.
All the best,
John
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Good to hear from you and glad you like the spoon 🙂
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What an amazing range of spoons you carved, all beautiful in their own distinctive way. I am at the start of my spoon journey, just hope I can eventually create with as much skill as you.
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Keep practising and be patient… that’s my main advice. Looking forward to seeing your creations!
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Brilliant work! So creative and unique.Chris, is spoon 45 and 31 still available?
Best,
Mel
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Hey Mel, actually they are 🙂 I’ll speak to you tomorrow about them
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Love the designs
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