Calm Carving | Making A Free-Form Cup From An Elm Log Using Only Hand Tools

Dear all,

I am very excited to bring you this new episode of Calm Carving. This cup hi-lights the current peak of my carving ability. After chasing this shape for a long time and developing the techniques with my hand tools, I am happy to finally be able to make them reliably enough to document the process.

The shape is inspired by the organic forms of a butternut squash harvest. I have been drawn to the bulbous shape of cups for a long time and have seen some styles in turned and thrown methods, but I was really able to visualise how to achieve the carving of this when studying the curves of a squash.

The reason why this shape is so hard to carve is because unlike other methods of wood carving, or even ceramics, I had to hollow first. Trying to visualise and create the shape of the overall outcome just by hollowing is not a small task, I then had to evenly sculpt its exterior with the axe and the knife to a consistent wall thickness. There is a good saying (I’m not sure where it originated) but it says something along the lines of “if you want something that you do not have, you are going to have to do things that you haven’t done before”. Although hard and very taxing on the mind and body, I am so happy with the overall ability to be able to do this!

The elm wood is incredible. The grain ran through this shape like a sunset and whilst carving, it passed through my hand tools nicely. I love carving fresh green wood, and this is a wonderful example as to why. If this wretched seasoned timber, I simply wouldn’t be able to unravel this shape. The peril of carving green wood is that this may crack. I intend to dry this piece slowly, wrapped in a tote bag, bundled up with wood chips and wrapped inside another tote bag where it will be placed in a cool, dark place in the home, away from heat, away from a draft and light (in a cupboard in the garage, basement or under the sink). It’ll stay there for about two weeks before I remove it from the bag for a couple of days and then I’ll introduce it to the home once I am convinced that the wood is dry and stable.

Once it is dry, I will then apply some further finishing cuts if I feel that the piece needs it and then finally, I will apply some lacquer using the wiped urushi method. I have been wanted to explore the sophistication and the beautifully rich heritage of lacquerware and ahead of a trip to Japan later in the year, I wish to try out some techniques that have been shared online for myself. I am very aware that I have a very naive approach to a heritage of craft, but from research, this style of lacquer will enable me to seal and cure ring ring porous woods and continue my explorations of the cup and vessel.

There were some lovely carving moments during these two days and I felt a nice release of energy when carving.
Once again, I have really enjoyed documenting this process and sharing it with you all and I look forward to producing more videos. If you do have any questions, please do pop them below and I will do my best to reply. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support.

Tools:

Axe: James Wood - Socketed Axe Head
Adze: Josh Burrell - 35mm Radii Hand Adze
Adze Sheath: Old North Nature
Hook Knife: Nic Westermann 40mm Twca Cam (prototype)
Loop Knife: Belzeboo Crafts Ovate Loop Knife (custom)
Knife: Adrian Lloyd 3.5" Slöjd Knife
Detail Knife: Dave Cockcroft (Dave The Bodger) Finishing Knife


Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:15 Sawing & Splitting
01:11 Initial Axe Prep
02:07 Rough Hollowing
03:35 Bulbous Hollowing
05:55 Axe Work To Blank
09:36 Knife Work
12:41 Detail Knife Work
14:00 The Finished Outcome
14:51 Project De-brief & Thank you