Whittlers have been sharpening more than just their knives this summer—Facebook carving groups have been buzzing with creativity, camaraderie, and downright impressive work. From fantasy spoons and folklore birds to cartoonish busts and wood-turned bookmarks, July and August brought a flood of standout carvings. Whether you’re a seasoned carver or just getting your feet wet in wood shavings, these 17 highlights from across the community are sure to spark your imagination and maybe even your next great project.
A Summer Showcase of Talent, Tools, and Whimsy from the Online Whittling Community
Tools of the Trade – by John Abbott
Sometimes, a great carving starts with the right tools—and John Abbott’s post is a testament to that. Featuring a classic wood spirit carving alongside a sleek set of Badger State Blades, this image speaks to the joy of both craft and craftsmanship. The new knives, with smooth wood handles and sharp curves, look as good as they perform. Paired with the expressive, flowing beard of the spirit figure, it’s a reminder that the right tools aren’t just accessories—they’re creative partners.
“My spoon is a fox” – Volodymyr Hrynevych
This sleek, hand-carved spoon is more than just functional—it’s pure woodland whimsy. With the bowl shaped like a fox’s head and the handle flowing into its tail, this clever design blurs the line between utility and art. The smooth finish and balanced shape show off both technical skill and playful imagination. It’s no wonder this post earned hundreds of reactions and sparked dozens of comments. This is whittling at its most charming.
Standing Tall: The English Setter by Bartłomiej Kaczmarek
Posted in Whittling Club, this meticulously carved English Setter is a tribute to lifelike form and texture. Crafted from linden wood, the figure captures the dog’s signature stance with striking accuracy—alert, elegant, and full of character. At 20 cm long and 14 cm high, it’s both a detailed study and a display-ready piece. The layered fur texture and gentle facial features bring out a true sense of motion and breed personality. Kaczmarek’s craftsmanship proves that even small sculptures can leave a big impression.
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Seven Dwarves, Endless Charm – by Ddalo Carver
What do you get when you mix sharp carving skills with a splash of color and a dash of magic? This delightful lineup of hand-carved gnome-like figures from Ddalo Carver. Posted July 13 in Whittling Club, the group of seven colorful characters shows off not only technical precision but personality in spades. Each figure has a distinct posture and outfit, and the smooth paintwork adds storybook flair. The progression shots, from rough-out to painted finish, make this post a mini masterclass in whimsical wood carving.
The Dragon Moon Welsh Lovespoon – by Andrew Railton
If carving is storytelling through wood, then Andrew Railton’s Dragon Moon Lovespoon is an epic tale in applewood. Completed July 11, this 29 cm masterpiece intertwines myth, tradition, and flawless craftsmanship. With Celtic knotwork, a coiled dragon, and the full moon tucked behind its jaw, the design is both fierce and poetic. The lovespoon tradition meets fantasy art here, and the result is a breathtaking blend of symbolism and skill. It’s no surprise this piece quickly turned heads in the Whittling Club.
Work in Progress: The Lizard by Rick Trabal
One of the best parts of the whittling community is watching pieces come to life in real time. Rick Trabal shared his nearly finished lizard carving—a sleek, naturalistic figure already full of detail and promise. With the body and limbs shaped and textural work starting to show, it’s clear this lizard is on its way to becoming a standout. Rick’s promise to share the painted result adds extra anticipation. This post is a reminder that even unfinished work can inspire and connect carvers at all skill levels.
Bear on a Spoon – by Matúš Bálint
Some carvings are bold, others are detailed—but Matúš Bálint’s bear-topped spoon is simply adorable. Displayed like a forest relic against a grassy backdrop, this whimsical piece balances careful texturing with playful character. The bear’s expression and upright pose give it charm, while the blending of carving and natural spoon form showcases Bálint’s precision. This one is a reminder that great whittling doesn’t always roar—it sometimes smiles quietly from a rock.
Phoenix Rising – by Igor Hrśak
Some carvings tell stories in a single glance—like this fiery phoenix pendant by Igor Hrśak. Hand-carved from apple wood, the detailed feathers, flowing tail, and poised wings give the piece both elegance and energy. The reddish finish adds warmth, but it’s the dynamic pose and expressive lines that make this pendant feel like it’s in mid-flight. This is wearable art with mythic power, and it’s clear from the reactions that this phoenix has truly risen in the eyes of the community.
One Chisel, Infinite Pattern – by 陳瞬
In a brilliant display of control and precision, 陳瞬 (Chen Shun) transformed a block of wood into a seamless woven pattern motif—using only one chisel. The design mimics interlaced ribbons and is a common decorative element in traditional woodcraft. What elevates this post is the clear step-by-step process shared through photos, paired with a tutorial link. It’s educational, inspiring, and a masterclass in minimal-tool carving. Perfect for those looking to level up their detail work with limited tools.
Wild Trio in Basswood – by Mateusz Borowiec
Mateusz Borowiec’s animal carvings took Facebook by storm—and for good reason. This striking boar, lynx, and wolf set is sculpted from basswood, with the wolf and its base carved from a single piece of wood. The detailing is exceptional, from the lifelike fur textures to the painted lynx’s naturalistic coat. Each figure radiates personality and movement, turning a tabletop into a forest scene. With thousands of reactions and nearly 200 comments, this post was one of the summer’s most admired carvings—and a masterclass in multi-animal storytelling.
Cozy Snowman Charm – by Stuart Lee
Inspired by Ddalo’s whimsical style, Stuart Lee’s snowman carving brings holiday warmth to the middle of summer. With a patchy scarf, red mittens, and an oversized hat made of stacked barrels, this character is bursting with personality. The smooth paintwork, clever proportions, and soft textures make it feel like a children’s book figure come to life. It’s a fun reminder that inspiration knows no season—and a great example of how the whittling community shares styles across creators.
“Another Doodle” – by Jerry McNulty
Sometimes the best carvings come from simply letting the knife lead—and Jerry McNulty’s caricature bust proves it. Titled with casual charm as “Another day another doodle,” this expressive face with exaggerated lips, tousled hair, and a bow-tied shirt is full of personality. The rough, unfinished textures give it a spontaneous, sketchbook feel in wood. It’s a great reminder that not every project has to be serious—some are just for fun, and that joy shows in every cut.
The Pup Bookmark – by Bartosz Nieśpiał
Who said bookmarks have to be boring? Bartosz Nieśpiał’s cleverly carved dog-shaped bookmark proves they can be both adorable and functional. With expressive eyes, upright ears, and little paws peeking over the page, this pup has all the charm of a pocket companion. Paired with a compact whittling knife, the photo says it all: great ideas don’t need to be big to be brilliant. It’s an imaginative reminder that wood carving is as much about fun as it is about form.
Duo from the Bench – by Tutu Cristian Ionut
Sometimes all you need is inspiration and two blocks of wood. Tutu Cristian Ionut carved this charming penguin and owl duo, drawing from Doug Linker’s popular tutorials. The penguin, shaped from cherry wood, is smooth and stylized, while the owl—carved from basswood—features geometric feather detailing and a quirky posture. Together, they show how different wood types and simple forms can still pack personality. It’s a gentle nod to learning, experimenting, and sharing the joy of small-scale carving.
Raven and Runes – by Gilbert R Donald
Few carvings strike the balance between mystery and mastery like this raven perched on a journal, hand-carved by Gilbert R Donald. Intricately feathered and deeply textured, the bird rests atop a cover inscribed with “Odin” in runes—a subtle nod to Norse mythology. With its rich black finish and commanding posture, this piece feels both ancient and alive. As one of Donald’s personal favorites, it’s a darkly poetic sculpture that reminds us how wood can tell legendary stories.
Mountain Goat Kuksa – by Akın Duman
Whimsy meets function in this brilliantly carved kuksa cup shaped like a mountain goat, handmade by Akın Duman from ayous wood. The detailed face and curved horns blend seamlessly into the vessel’s bowl, turning a traditional form into a rustic piece of sculpture. Every line and expression in the goat’s features shows patience and creativity. It’s the kind of work that blurs the line between everyday object and art—and a perfect closer to this inspiring summer showcase.
Santa with a Wink – by Angel Nunez
What’s more joyful than one hand-carved Santa? Two of them—both winking. Angel Nunez captured the subtle art of facial expression in wood with this cheerful duo. With flowing beards, rounded noses, and festive hats, each Santa shows off personality and precision, especially in their playful winks. The side-by-side photos and progress shots offer a peek into the sculptor’s process and decision-making. It’s a great reminder that small changes in carving can bring big life to a figure
Final Thoughts
From bookmarks and birds to spirits and Santas, this July–August roundup proves that creativity never takes a break in the whittling world. Across continents, carving styles, and skill levels, each of these makers added their unique voice to the grain—and the community responded with encouragement, admiration, and more than a few tutorial requests.
Feeling inspired? Maybe your next project will make the fall roundup.