Carving a Gnome Woman From Wood: Step-by-Step Tutorial

[@jessicawaldo3369]

I always enjoy tutorials from the Bob Ross of carving! Your calm voice and easy going commentary makes carving seem so possible for everyone. Sure is appreciated!

[@whittling]

LOL! Bob Ross was so cool! I really appreciate that Jessica! I aim to help other carvers build their skills, experience some success, gain confidence, and of course “Enjoy the ride!

[@jeffsandyhamlin8426]

As a new carver, just a couple of years now, I appreciate the details and the pace of your videos. Your subjects are just what I need, and the difficulty level helps me be relatively successful right away. Thanks so much!!!

[@whittling]

Thanks for your comments, I'm happy to hear that the videos have helped you! Happy carving!

[@justcarverob9389]

Nice twist on the no eyes gnome love it I’ll have to give her a try stay safe just carve

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Rob! They're fun to carve for sure!

[@amyadams4579]

I love this little female gnome. I gert tired of doing beards and mustaches. The braids really set her off. Thanks for the carving.

[@whittling]

Hi Amy! Yes, we need more options instead of the same old facial hair! Happy carving!

[@GregoryMoreOFerrall]

Thank-you for posting a carving tutorial of a woman (my wife and daughter always asked me why I only carve men dwarfs - that is all I've learnt). Your carving and painting tutorials have really provided me with a means to relax over weekends. Excellent work, Jack and Sunni.

[@whittling]

Hi Gregory! Sunni & I are happy to hear that you're enjoying the channel. Carving the same old beard and mustache can get a little boring so I hope your wife and daughter will be pleased. Happy carving!

[@elsie6326]

I’m an almost beginner carver, meaning that I’m watching your video to transform a little block into a gnome for one of my first projects. I like your demonstration, thank you!

[@whittling]

Hi Elsie, It’s a great hobby and can be very relaxing. Thanks for your comment!

[@mymgb238]

What a fun project that can be transposed into many other carvings. You do a nice job explaining and bring out several tips I hope others see. Thanks,looking forward to next part of this carving

[@whittling]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate your comments! Part 2 has been recorded and is in the editing process now. Happy carving!

[@carolesheppard9443]

Anxiously awaiting part 2. I hope it comes soon.

[@whittling]

Thanks Carole, I’m preparing part 2, thanks for your support!

[@Desshepparteau]

I think your video format is easy to follow and it’s especially helpful when marking the block of wood that you show the actual carving to give a visual reference……I also like your explanations for everything. Thanks for all you to for us beginning carvers! 😊

[@whittling]

Thanks so much for your very kind comments, I really appreciate it! Happy carving!

[@judithchristian89]

I really like this little gnome woman, she is so cute. I'd love to win one of your carvings.☺

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Judith! Every comment is an entry in the drawing for the carving giveaway. Good luck!

[@phyllisstone3089]

I love this little gnome woman. She is adorable. I'd love to win one of your carvings.

[@whittling]

Thanks so much Phyllis! Your comment means you’re included in the drawing for my next carving giveaway!

[@SewWhittle]

Good to see you back. I’ve missed your videos. Please keep them coming. ❤

[@whittling]

Thanks! I appreciate your interest, glad you enjoy the videos!

[@poolrick]

Thanks for sharing. Your style works well with my aspirations as a new whittler. I just noticed you write/draw with your proper hand. Yet another reason why you're one of my favorites.

[@whittling]

Hi Rick, I’m always happy to hear from another lefty! Thanks for your comment! Happy carving!

[@PaulAryzer]

It is always great to see you back, happily carving. I think the gnomes are adorable (needles to say, I'll work on making my own). Thanks again for showing your creativity at a pace I can follow. Cheers, and I'll see you soon... (can't wait to see the making of the braids).

[@whittling]

Hi Felipe! Thanks very much for your kind comments! The braids became simple once I learned how to draw them. Happy carving my friend!

[@mattvergauwen5307]

Looking forward to part 2! I'd love to see a demonstration of one of those leaf hats in a future video. Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@whittling]

Hi Matt, I’m working on part 2 and I’m planning to demo the regular hat and the leaf hat too! Stay tuned!

[@harolddryden4220]

Would love to win this for our seniors carving class. We are watching the video last week and for the next couple weeks, carving along with it. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorials!

[@whittling]

Hi Harold! So happy to hear that you’re using this project for the carving class. I expect to have part 2 of this video series completed soon! Happy carving!

[@harolddryden4220]

So glad to hear part two is coming! Couple of my old ladies in the club were freaking out, saying, we can’t finish this without his help! I will calm them down and share them. Part two is coming! Thank you much!

[@whittling]

@@harolddryden4220 Yes, we'll get it wrapped up in part 2. Please say "Hi" to the class of carvers for me. 👍

[@harolddryden4220]

I will definitely do that! Thanks for your help. We have close to 20 carvers and many are watching your tutorials!😊

[@whittling]

@@harolddryden4220 WOW! That's great! I'm sure your class appreciates you for sharing your knowledge and skills with them! Thanks Harold! 👍

[@olegunderson]

So appreciate the detail you go into on your carving, am attempting to follow along as you carve the gnome lady,

[@whittling]

Hi Ole! I hope you have fun with this gnome lady project. Happy carving!

[@terryrailton5199]

Thank you. What a good idea to have an image alongside what we are trying to make. Particularly in the early stages. Brill!

[@whittling]

Hi Terry, that’s Sunni’s idea and editing magic. She does all of the heavy lifting for these videos!

[@bssn9469]

Yes! Thank you cousin Jack, much appreciated!

[@whittling]

My pleasure Cousin Brandon! Happy carving!

[@jerryclark2363]

Thank you for sharing

[@whittling]

My pleasure Jerry, thanks for your comment!

[@kevint8532]

Nice change of pace with a female figure. Have to do one of these for my daughter. Good job. Thanks,

[@whittling]

Hi Kevin, Yes, it’s kinda nice to carve a figure without whiskers now and then.😄 Thanks for your comment and happy carving!

[@JenDewar-i1g]

Thanks for the video, looking forward to part 2!

[@whittling]

Thanks Jen, I’m working on part 2. Happy carving!

[@garymetz9852]

love the leaf hat!!

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Gary!

[@tommiethigpen66]

I love this one Jack! You cracked me up with your humor🤣🤣🤣. Sometimes I wonder if I’m the only one who thinks out loud. They are all super cute, looked like you used metallics on the patriotic one, and man…your green lady is awesome!!! The choice of colors 😳😳😳 are just wow! You really showed off on that one. I’ve never cared anything about the green man carvings, but your little lady changed my mind! You need to make her a boyfriend! Thanks much!!

[@whittling]

Thanks so much Tommie! Yes, I did use some metallic paint on the patriotic one. I need to add some stars and she’ll be ready for the 4th. I like the idea of making a boyfriend with a leaf hat. I really appreciate your support and encouragement, thanks again Tommie!

[@phyllisstone3089]

Hi Tommie. I hope you are doing well. Take care.

[@night126]

This is a great video. I am carving my own unique chess set and these would make perfect pawns.

[@whittling]

Great idea, these are small and simple so they should work well as pawns. Thanks for your comment!

[@donbendinelli3355]

I really enjoyed your video and teaching style. I have watched Doug Linker and Ddalo and have added you to my watch list. I feel it's always good to watch several different folks because even though the technic is similar, the styles are different and that's how you learn. Thanks again

[@whittling]

Hi Don! Welcome to the channel! Yes, there are many great resources available like Doug and Ddalo. Thanks for your comment and happy carving!

[@andrewgward7]

Thank you for the video, I really enjoy your carving designs😁.

[@whittling]

Thanks Andrew, much appreciated!

[@randyhinshaw9977]

Well I got her started but didn't get her done yet ! The video ended! Patiently waiting for the next video

[@whittling]

Hi Randy, Part 2 is in the works, thanks for your comments and your patience! Happy carving!

[@BifWood]

Congratulations on your 5,000 subscribers! I really like this carving!

[@whittling]

Thanks Cousin Doug! You’ve been with me since the beginning and I really appreciate you!👍

[@tawnyakellar-lewis5712]

Thank you for sharing your work. I would love to be entered in the giveaway for one of your pieces. Looking forward to part 2 of carving the gnome lady

[@whittling]

Thanks Tawnya, I appreciate your comment. You’ll be included in the drawing. Part 2 is in the works!

[@yooperwoodcarver5396]

Thank you for the video, and the incredible carvings.

[@whittling]

Thanks! Happy to hear you're enjoying the channel!

[@randymcdevitt4875]

That was a tough piece of bass wood! Good job carving through it! Thanks for the videos.

[@whittling]

Yes, it was a tough one and trying to carve with my arms extended out in front of me is always a challenge. Thanks for your comment Randy! Happy Carving!

[@MCHoffman-x4o]

Love the expression on her face, and am excited to learn the braid trick!

[@whittling]

Thanks very much! I really struggled with braids until I learned how to draw them. Then, the braids became much easier.

[@timothycarritte3821]

Thank you very much for the instruction video. I admire your skills with a utility knife. Always awesome work.

[@whittling]

Thanks Timothy, the old utility knife works pretty well. I appreciate your comment very much!

[@mikezunner6568]

Love the way you carve

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Mike! Happy carving!

[@kevinessery6008]

Thanks for sharing Jack, your videos are really informative, Many Thanks

[@whittling]

Thanks Kevin, much appreciated!

[@bjpasco]

Nice job with this project . like your techniques. Just a utility knife and homemade one? wow

[@whittling]

Thanks very much! I have plenty of other knives and I use the utility knife most of the time. It works very well. Happy carving!

[@HildaHickey]

I love your videos. and have been wanting to carve a gnome to give my daughter who has a little gnome garden. I believe this video is the one I want to pattern after. Thank you!.

[@whittling]

Hi Hilda! I’m glad you like the video. I’d love to see a picture of your carving in the gnome garden! Happy carving!

[@HildaHickey]

@@whittling thank you Do you plan to video the second part of your gnome?

[@whittling]

@@HildaHickey Hi Hilda! Yes, I've recorded Part 2 and now it needs to be edited. I expect to have it posted by the end of the week.

[@HildaHickey]

@whittling awesome! I will send you a photo of my finished gnome. I am carving it on a pine stick. That stuff is hard! Lol. I ran out of basswood of that size but I have ordered more, so I will carve it out of the basswood.

[@whittling]

@@HildaHickey Yes, pine can be difficult. Looking forward to the pictures!

[@shadowfox929]

Really enjoy your work. Thanks for sharing.

[@whittling]

Hi Dave! Glad you’re enjoying the videos! Happy carving!

[@trevormichalsky1984]

Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@whittling]

My pleasure Trevor! Part 2 will be coming soon!

[@bradtate158]

That is a nice carving.

[@whittling]

Thanks Brad!

[@woodcarver179]

This is going to be fun.

[@whittling]

That’s what I like to hear! Happy carving!

[@jimrees3939]

Nice session, this is my first time at trying one of your carvings and really enjoying the experience. I'm guessing I'll be doing many more.

[@whittling]

Hi Jim, I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying the video! Thanks for your comment. Happy carving!

[@jackharper4098]

This a great carving. You make it simple to understand.

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Jack!

[@npr8412]

Thanks for the lesson you rock

[@whittling]

My pleasure, glad you like it!

[@ОлегКутумов-ъ4г]

Привет из Иванова ,отличная идея и урок

[@whittling]

Здравствуйте Иванов! Большое спасибо! Удачной резьбы!

[@andytarap8136]

Would love to win one of your carvings! This one is on my to do list for sure, thanks for the awesome content 😀

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Andy! I’ll include you in the giveaway drawing. Happy carving!

[@NWMarshalLaw]

Ran acrossef a reference to your tutorial in a fb group. It was timely as I have been considering braids. Love your process and instructions. Will be incorporating some of your tips. Look forward to finishing the tutorial.

[@whittling]

Hi Marshall! Thanks for checking out the channel! I struggled with braids until I learned the simple method to draw them. Happy carving!

[@ohryhorchuk]

Great video! Thank you

[@whittling]

Thanks Oleksandr! Happy carving!

[@jwatt65]

Very nice, thank you!

[@whittling]

My pleasure, thanks for your comment!

[@johngenduso340]

Great design to complement the gnome man!

[@whittling]

Thanks very much John, I really appreciate it!

[@nedward4]

Great video!

[@whittling]

Thanks Ed!

[@griffinkessler5002]

Brand new enthusiast, gathering supplies to attempt my first carving project. Just subscribed to your channel and intend to start with this Lady Gnome. Thank you so much for your content and how to DIY with dimensioning and design details.

[@whittling]

Hi Griffin, Thanks so much for subscribing. The little lady gnomes are fun to carve for sure. Since this is a new hobby for you, remember to be patient with yourself. Happy carving!

[@griffinkessler5002]

@@whittling Thanks cuz, I'm now looking for a complementary Hillbilly like gnome for the bottom half of Ms Lady gnome's blank. Expecting a detail knife in the mail today, and some Basswood sticks hopefully early next week. You make it look entirely possible. Thanks for having me. Peace.

[@whittling]

@@griffinkessler5002 My pleasure Griffin, I'm happy to hear that you're enthusiastic about carving. I really appreciate your comment, thanks Cousin!

[@oldncarvingJohn]

Sir this is the first time I have watched you carve. You are brilliant. Clear explanation of process and your demonstration is perfect. I am new to carving and you give me confidence. If you by chance were to draw me out I would be happy to pay the shipping. I live in Western Australia so it will be a bit. Thanks once again. I will be looking at your previous videos to learn more. 😀💗

[@whittling]

Thanks very much John! My aim with the tutorial videos is to help beginners experience success and gain some confidence. When you say “draw me out” are you asking for the drawing/pattern for the carving?

[@oldncarvingJohn]

@@whittling No. I was referring to the carving you are giving away. I wiould pay for the shipping cost.

[@whittling]

Understood, no worries John, I always pay for the shipping and I’m happy to do it!

[@tiziuentalhesemmadeira]

Incrível seu trabalho parabéns estou aprendendo muito com vc

[@whittling]

Oi! Fico feliz em saber que está gostando do canal! Obrigado pelo seu comentário!

[@michaelmchugh9746]

Good content with good explanation. Looking forward to more.

[@whittling]

Thanks for your comment Michael, I appreciate that very much!

[@thebigyank1]

good stuff, Hi from the Netherlands, enjoyed making a few of your carvings.. Keep up the great work, really enjoy the tutorial...

[@whittling]

Hi Mark! I’m always happy to hear from my carving cousins around the world! Thanks so much for your support and encouragement! Happy carving!

[@joeyblackmon8747]

Great

[@whittling]

Thanks Joey!

[@rl1491]

you're an absolutely amazing teacher. Do you do this professionally?

[@whittling]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate that! Carving is just a hobby for me. Although I just this week listed some carvings for sale.

[@rl1491]

@@whittling Good luck to you!

[@whittling]

Thank you!@@rl1491

[@adamflores7849]

Nice video. Thanks Cousin.

[@whittling]

Thanks Adam, much appreciated Cousin!

[@buckeyeflyer1]

Nice carve. Your right, that piece of basswood does look somewhat hard.

[@whittling]

Thanks! Yep, every once in a while there's a tough block in the box. Combine that tough block with extending my arms out in front of me and I've got myself a carving challenge!🙂

[@randybradley7427]

Very nice work like the way you explain what your doing. I like your style of teaching.

[@whittling]

Thanks Randy I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying the channel. Thanks very much for sharing your comments!👍

[@indianatone218]

Gr8 work ive liked and subd you ,greetings from Wales UK .

[@whittling]

I appreciate the like and thanks for subscribing! Cheers to all of the carving cousins in Wales!

[@rjvcescobar]

Love this project...have you authored any book with patterns. Love your videos ❤

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Roberto! I haven’t produced any books yet, it’s something that I’ve been considering though. Happy carving!

[@raymeyer3365]

Saw your video after I tried my first braid. I like your braid better 6:52

[@whittling]

Hi Ray! I hear ya’. I struggled with braids until I learned how to draw them. Happy carving!

[@alisdairgibbons257]

great video thanks for doing it

[@whittling]

My pleasure, thank you for your comment!

[@penonfireandcarvings]

Hey there new to the channel

[@whittling]

Hello and welcome to the channel! Happy carving!

[@stevewalls3365]

very nice

[@whittling]

Thanks Steve!

[@saito125]

Just found your Insta channel and now I subscribed here too. Awesome piece! I'm gonna try this carving soon. Did you use basswood? Looks like a harder block if so. Cheers from Brazil!

[@whittling]

Welcome to the channel and thanks for subscribing to my instagram page! Yes, it was a tough piece of basswood. What type of wood is available for carvers in Brazil?

[@grahamthompson2022]

I am very new to carving and I love this project. Can I ask about scaling? I mainly have 1 inch and 2 inch blocks. If I were to try this with 1” would I just reduce each measurement by 1/3 to keep the proportions? Many thanks for the clear instructions and video, it really helps a beginner to clearly see what you are doing 🙏

[@whittling]

Hi Graham! Good question, yes, using a ratio is the way to adjust the measurements to scale. Thanks and happy carving!

[@grahamthompson2022]

@@whittling Thank you so much 😊 Pleasure to subscribe and I look forward to going through your videos

[@whittling]

@@grahamthompson2022 Thanks for subscribing Graham!👍

[@grahamthompson2022]

@@whittling My pleasure 🙏

[@whittling]

Hi Graham! I sent you a message on Instagram, please check it out when you have a moment.

[@wjess3569]

Looks like a fun project. Do you resharpen your blades or just toss them?

[@whittling]

Thanks! Yes, I hone the Lenox Gold blades. Because they have a titanium plating on the edge they tend to last longer than a standard utility blade.

[@glenlien8346]

What style utility knife and blade do you use?

[@whittling]

Hi Glen, I use the Lenox Gold blades because they enable me to adjust the blade for a longer cutting edge and because they’re titanium coated edge lasts longer than most blades.

[@glenlien8346]

Thanks Jack……haven’t thought of carving a Gnome woman but have one started and will work your braid pattern in. Those family and friends who have my male Gnome carvings are in for a nice surprise. Great idea… Thanks again, Glen

[@whittling]

@@glenlien8346 Happy to hear that Glen. The little gnome women are fun to carve. Enjoy!

[@ricksmith3011]

I'm new to this fun wood carvings hobby I hope it to be relaxing and many hours of enjoyment for me.... please enter me in this also

[@whittling]

Hi Rick! Yes, its a great hobby for sure. Thanks for your comment, you’ll be included in the giveaway drawing.

[@Richard-Puppyk]

Nice work, but never would I carve with that kind of blade and handle. Much too dangerous for the blade to snap (break) and possibly hurt myself

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Richard. I appreciate your concern, I do my best to keep my tools sharp. I believe that a sharp tool is safer than a dull one. Happy carving!

[@sofiaketner1424]

"mills" is short for milliliter not millimeter.

[@whittling]

Interesting, and good to know. Thanks Sofia!

[@ricksmith3011]

i would love to have a carving with a Christmas colors Please keep me in mind my wife lost her wiener. Dog few weeks ago he was 14-15sept he was our joy.... she's wanting a Weiner dog carved

[@whittling]

Hi Rick, sorry to hear about your dog. Having a loss like that can be heartbreaking.

[@fishermanblues1234]

Great video!

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Bob!