Hey everyone! I'm just starting out with woodspirit carving and I have a bunch of basswood pieces that are quite large—about 2.5 x 2.5 x 4 inches or bigger. I've noticed most tutorials focus on smaller pieces, like those used for walking sticks or only about 1x1 inch. Is trying to carve on a bigger block a good idea? I'd really love to get started tonight but need some solid tutorials or guides that break down the process step-by-step. Any advice or resources from more experienced carvers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, and have a nice evening!
3 Answers
I recently started watching Doug Linker on YouTube and while he mostly covers smaller pieces now, his older videos might have some great tips for larger blocks. Also, don't forget to explore Pinterest for proportion guides and inspiration!
Alec LeCasse makes some really informative videos. I focused a lot on form and proportion when I started, especially for faces. Eyes can be tricky, so I practiced them separately first. Just some thoughts to consider!
If you're looking for something specific, check out Ddalo's woodspirit videos on YouTube. He has a fantastic tutorial that deals with blocks similar in size to what you have. You'll have a blast carving!
Thanks a ton! I’ll definitely check him out. Funny enough, I think he was the first woodcarving channel I subscribed to, but I only paid attention to his gnome projects. Appreciate the help and have a great weekend!

Awesome, I’ll dive into his older content too! I actually found some cool smaller channels with good tips, and Pinterest has been super helpful for figuring out proportions. Thanks for the advice!