by Danelle Karth

Created on: September 03, 2010

There are several types of carving that produce very beautiful results in wood. With these different types the methods, the tools, and the results all differ. Both traditional carving and chip carving are used around the world, but their look and appeal are very different. Knowing the difference can help you to choose which type of carving that you are interested in.

Traditional carving.

While traditional carving often includes more than one type of carving, we often think of it in a similar way. Many times traditional carving is seen as a three dimensional piece of art. Many pieces of traditional carving are very artistic in nature and sculptural. They make great pieces to stick on the mantle. The carving stands out. Sometimes pieces of traditionally carved items are done in a way that they are flat on one side such as architectural carving. However, the prominence is the standing out. These forms are often smoothed and rounded.

Tools for traditional carving can include knives, but chisels and mallets are more commonly used. Items are sanded smooth and often finished to a high gloss. The objects stand out. While nature is a common element in traditional carving, anything can be carved.

Chip carving.

Chip carving has been used throughout the ages to adorn objects and architecture. These pieces are never sculptural and have a very specific look. Rather than carving the piece out of wood, chip carvers use tools to carve a pattern into the wood. It is always a two dimensional carving.

To make a chip carving the carver will use knives to slowly chip away small pieces of the wood. These are often small triangular shapes of wood. A pattern is then established to decorate the piece. This is common in architectural work and vessels such as bowls and jewelry boxes. Often the pattern created is geometric in shape and has repeating elements.

While sanding is required to finish the edges of the piece, the carved out section won't be sanded smooth because it is now inside the wood. These pieces aren't usually finished to a high gloss either.

There are lots of different types of carving done around the world. The type you choose will have to do with the tastes you have in the art, the tools you wish to use, and the images you desire to create. It is often recommended that you try a little of each type of carving before settling on one particular time. Getting a basswood box is a great way to give chip carving a try!

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