Fixing Common Beginner Woodcarving Mistakes -From Bad To Better

[@nelly5954]

I gotta say Doug, some of the carvings you call "bad" make me seriously doubt my own standards. Guess I just gotta practice.

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

good luck

[@davidvitale9338]

I thought the same thing. But look around the room - Doug has hundreds and hundreds of carvings. This doesn't include the trial runs and stuff he pitched. His hand and eye is so well trained now, he can see garbage where we see art. A blessing and a curse LOL!

[@RAUL7487]

Same here

[@Bruuski]

I'm sure your first carving is just fine. I've been carving 20 yrs. My first carving was a penguin that still stands unpainted right up in front on my carving shelf. Criticizing others has become a hobby lately. The idea is to create another gnome and then another, and another until you have a piece or a style you like. Funny thing about art. It is in the eye if the beholder. Destroying something you made because someone else finds all your "mistakes" is just sad.

[@davidvitale9338]

That was one of the best eye demonstrations I've seen. Most of the time the demos are on eyes so much bigger than the eyes on these small carvings. Great idea and loved the rework.

[@bennygesserit8738]

yes I had the same thought too

[@MikeTheMusical]

Totally agree. I learned so much!

[@ChipAK49]

Doug, thank you for sharing this with us. As a [very] beginner woodcarver, I find myself hesitating to cut deeper into the carving, and this video explains perfectly why that I have to overcome that. Thanks again, all the best.

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

Hi Doug, I haven't seen any of these 'before and after' carving videos before, so it is reassuring to see that someone like yourself once made similar mistakes to what I, as a beginner, am making now - and how to avoid making the same mistakes in future. In other words, typical detail errors to look for when whittling/carving. The video comes across as a kind of extended time-lapse story that shows where you were before and where you are now - what you have learned along the way. To be honest, what you call 'bad' would actually be brilliant to me, if my carvings to date were of that standard. I guess it's the same as in my carpentry/joinery - after 42 years, I'm still getting better but will never be great; at least, not as great as my mentor was.

[@CptnSavage]

Doug, that was just amazing! ! ! I can't wait for another 5 or 6 years to pass to see how my carving has improved. Assuming my carving does improve. lol What fun to recognize our own faults and mistakes and be able to correct them. Thank you again for another inspiring video.

[@johnbart3746]

I’m very new to wood carving and I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful videos you share. You are teaching me how to carve and I’m having so much fun!

[@jeffburnham6611]

I really like the gnome before you began making corrections. Gnomes are meant to be seen as somewhat magical and mystical. It's when they began to look more "life-like" that they began to take on an eerie and creepy sort of essence. Still, I enjoyed the final result on the half you re-worked. I'm sure you would agree that for any beginner the key is practice, and not to get frustrated if it doesn't look like something that someone who has much more experience would create.

[@whittler0507]

Great job Doug ..shows the difference in contrast of depth and look of a figure

[@TonyBKDE]

Thanks, Doug, for this video. I think it's one of your best. I've followed a number of your "knife-only" tutorials to create bears, gnomes, and Santas. But this is the first full tutorial that I can recall that involves the use of gouges. If you're open to requests PLEASE give us more of these intermediate-level tutorials that involve the gouge as well as the knife. Your "Silent Carving" videos show your expertise with the gouges, and I for one would like to see the details in a full tutorial. I also like the message of this video that there's no such thing as perfect and we all get better with practice and experience. THANKS DOUG!

[@zachariahreynolds8082]

This really helped me with the eyes. Loved this one

[@doublej82]

This is a great way to keep one of your first carvings, and show how far you've come. It's a really cool idea

[@hammer48ful]

It's always good to keep some of your old work around to see where you've come from. It's amazing what you thought was really good before looks bad now. That's what shows you are growing. Thanks.

[@AlicevanderSluis]

Great teaching video. Thanks Doug, I've learned a lot in just 30 minutes.

[@cpnotill9264]

Really well done and once you pointed out all the flat areas and showed the adjustments it made so much sense! Thanks for sharing Doug and always learning from you. 💖👍

[@KE-cq5pn]

Your bad is better than my better but i will get better, thanks Doug, great video

[@MichelleOhio]

I thought the "bad" was pretty good too, but I can't wait to do the "better" side in a few years to see how far I've come! Thanks, Doug. Don't worry about the folks that complain...they just don't have the right perspective.

[@Mr_Jamin007]

The "bad" one wasn't bad at all, just a different style.

[@zyxxhig]

I've been watching you for years and it's wonderful to see how much you've improved not only in carving but also in your commentary.

[@jwatt65]

Very helpful, Doug. It has been a fun journey these past few years. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride. Please keep them coming!

[@johndagostino2451]

Doug you got me into carving and helped me out a lot for that I’m very grateful. I’m useless at drawing and carving wood spirits bug practice makes perfect so I’m improving put it like that I’m amazed at your workshop how well organised it is. I chose whittling as a hobby because I collect the nostalgic Barlow pocket knives. It made sense to put em to good use I can’t afford fancy electric tools I’m not interested in using them either I prefer my pocket knives and branches in woods carving very therapeutic sometimes a fox comes out to see me asking for my biscuits or a screwy squirrel Got to love nature. Greetings from the uk 🇬🇧 👍🇮🇹🐾🦊

[@JHV166]

You're the only person who would take a carving that 99 out of 100 people would be THRILLED to make and "Make it Better"! You are THE MAN!

[@131dyana]

Thank you.

[@JimDuhaime-j6i]

Very good idea showing better, not bad. Thank you. If we do not strive for better and settle for okay, we will not get better, not even in life.

[@kayleadailey1833]

I LOVED this!! First of all, even the original wasn’t “bad”. I just saw it as artistic or a style. But being able to actually watch it transform right before my eyes and to have you explain WHY you did each thing was such a HUGE help! I honestly think I get more out of this than anything because I could see it working. I’d LOVE to see more videos like this!!

[@maofangjushi4711]

Nothing you made in the past was bad, just your standard changed. I love them.

[@cgseymour]

Great video Doug. Fun to watch the improvements come to life. Truly enjoy the videos. Please keep them coming. Just out of curiosity -- which carving glove are you sporting in the video?

[@judebrown4103]

Amazing how you start by saying the eye is too flat then you gouge it out and I'm thinking how can you make it raised now?! And then you could see it from the side like magic. Really great idea Doug, enjoyed it enormously, thank you. 👍 🙏

[@paulmelanson1527]

Wow, i liked the carving when you started the video. But now with the extra details you added its even better. Thanks

[@Hillbillyable1]

Couldn't believe how much you took away and still made it look better. Only experience can do that. I'm only a beginner so I learned a lot here, Thank you.

[@kennethbeaton8391]

Doug, good to be able to see where I made my beginners errors and how to correct them. I have the time now while recovering from surgery.jGreat to see you again take care and I'll see you later.

[@abrenning2499]

I keep the old ones. The progression of skill that practice makes is very self rewarding and proves to me that I am making a better product. Cutting up the old work is like abusing an old friend. However, your work is great and always getting better. Good job

[@chucklambert7470]

That video was very interesting. Too see the difference and the softness was subtle. Thank you Doug.

[@simonsaquatics6869]

Great video. I love how the "bad" is something I would be proud of but you still show how to make better. I got nervous when you started taking away so much material but still made it look better.

[@rogerboland3256]

Thanks!

[@dudleylarson1977]

It’s rare that I take the time to write a comment on a KZbin video. However you came up with a fantastic idea in doing the 50-50 comparison by using a peace of your work from an earlier day. It’s a in your face demonstration of what works. GREAT JOB!….. Love your Channel.

[@2duser2]

My good carvings look like your bad ones. My bad ones are in the burn pile. That was a very interesting and educational video. I may go back and try to turn my burn pile into something bad. 😆 Looks like your thumb is healing, good to see.

[@stevewalkenhorst8286]

soo good Thanks Doug! I’ve been trying to make these kind of improvements before it goes to paint but your easy to follow was Very very helpful!

[@RustyGunn7]

Amazing. Fun to watch. Thank you. Happy Father's Day 2022.

[@danlakas5537]

And the eyes have it! Great video once again Doug!!👍👍

[@Doodlebug48]

Love the transition into the better. I sure watched intently and await your next video. From Texas

[@jackdon4482]

Great video! I will now take many of my carvings to the 'body shop' for repair. Thank you!

[@ianlindsey3616]

THX Doug. I have put the tools down for a few months so this will inspire me to take it up a notch. THX for your channel, you got me started carving a few years ago.

[@ronaldrhoades3657]

That’s a wonderful teaching video to help us all do better. Thank you.

[@punchion]

A great idea for a video Doug. It not only points out the mistakes but shows how to fix them.

[@ronaldnickens1696]

I liked this video a lot. I have watched you sense the beginning this shows practice makes you better. I have cut into some of my old carving lately I enjoy improving my work..

[@wattsnex2725]

Before and after, amazing to super amazing. Doug is a combination of Bob Ross and Red Green…I so enjoy these videos and they’ve made me really love carving

[@alex8426]

I enjoyed the transformation and you made it looked easy. Thanks for the sharing your talent.

[@patriciatatich3014]

Good discussion on the re-work. Look backs always useful. Thank you.

[@michaelkoster8412]

Doug, I like your refinements, and enjoy that you would share this knowledge with us. The question that is rolling around in my head is, "Where does caricature start, and where does it end? Is a caricature supposed to be 'realistic,' or different?"

[@tomstadnyk546]

Thanks for the video Doug! Love the Lee Valley bandage, and I'm glad the glove fit.

[@glg3945]

That was fun! Great information and demo of improvements. Thank you. Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family. ❤️ 😀

[@killipsjr]

Thanks Doug, I really like how you redid his eye. I'm going to try doing that next time I am carving an eye. You explained it very well. Great video.

[@marygordon3032]

OMG Doug I didn’t see what you saw, but l absolutely love it thanks so much! ✅✅✅👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯❤️

[@cloudysilverpaws]

Wow. Great difference. Best beginner takeaway for me - cut deeper!

[@alvinanicholas5129]

This has to be my favourite video. I make so many mistakes it is nice to see that some can be redone. Thanks for all those videos.

[@darrellwillson5042]

Really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing, this demonstration will help me tremendously. God Bless!

[@larrywendt4247]

This was one of your best videos. I learned a lot and it was very helpful to me to look differently at my carvings. Thanks.

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Wow, great lesson in depth, rounding better details.

[@charleslamica5123]

This is probably your best tutorial yet! I learned so much about improving my carvings. Thank you!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Mr Doug . 🐺

[@michaelgreethurst3785]

Great job loved the change, it gives us a feeling of how much progress we have made. I love your work and your videos, I am from Michigan and now live in Oklahoma and I enjoy hearing your accent reminds me of home. Keep up the good work ☺️

[@budeades]

Great job ! Nice to see progress over time. I look forward to seeing what my carvings look like in future. Even after 1 year I can see the same issues w first carvings vs recent. Flat faces - afraid to carve deep, no shadows Etc. Blake Lunsford videos were helpful learning that - especially looking across the face and see eyes. Btw Doug you were not beginner shaming. Everyone benefits from seeing what can be improved- what was great was seeing your eyes on your work. The key seems to be just carving as much as I have time and learning what knives and wood do. Example lately - noses and V cuts for arms still are random. Sometimes good and sometimes not so - it was great to see your carving over time on your instagram too. Keep it up and don’t let comments discourage you! Keep the simple projects coming too - it’s nice to follow along. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@barbarahansen674]

Great idea! Appreciate how you showed the difference from then and now ,,, definitely instructive! Thanks as always

[@cavemanjohnnie]

Love it Doug! Simply made it better.

[@carvingjunkies]

Such a great teaching technique! Best, Dana

[@BillHemlick]

Great instructional video. I've made a lot of same carving mistakes as a new carver. There was a ton of tips in that video, I'll be watching a few more times. Thanks Doug.

[@bertbennett2719]

I've had problems with flat faces in my carvings. But I've learned a lot from these videos.

[@hfbowerndesigns810]

Great set of tips and tricks for carving. Thanks Doug for sharing Take care Cheers Harold

[@johnjude2685]

I'd love to have the ability to copy the bad . I just failed your chicken stick but will master a few probably this spring with the willow I've out back as green wood. Thanks for the teaching Sir

[@BraxxJuventa]

Great difference Doug. Greta job. And thank you for showing us. 👍😁👍😁

[@cjkumbaya8642]

I really love this fellow! I sure wish you would do a tutorial. Thanks for all that you share with us.

[@andrewbarker1333]

Great video as always. I’ve always said we are our own worst critic when it comes to our work. I love looking back to see how the latest piece has improved.

[@mountainbuoy9562]

I really enjoy your videos. You are covering so much... if you think of it as you go along (or at the beginning) it would be interesting to know what tools you are using (60º v or gouge/sweep size, for example). Thanks for all the videos and info you provide.

[@mathewhewett705]

Doug, I’ve taken up carving since watching your videos. So far I’ve made every mistake I’m the book! But, I know I can improve over time. I’m still trying to figure out depth/ dimension/angles. Please continue videos on all your work. I know it’s a lot to do making these videos but I’ve seen your name all over the internet on wood carving and it’s all been positive. The basswood I buy is from beavercraft and it only comes in 1x1x5 1/2 pieces and I have no table saw or anything to cut them down to the 3 or 4 inch piece so I’m trying to adjust I hope one day I can be as talented as you are especially with your log carvings with the faces I love those ones. I love to whittle as well I just have so many mistakes. Anyways great video sorry for such a long comment but they’re awesome!!

[@DW15904]

Excellent idea for a video. I learned a lot from this one. Run for your life old carvings. I’m coming to get you!

[@gladiator22666]

Hello Doug , great video 👍 My wife got me a carving set for Christmas...really enjoyed the carving experience. Have you ever got to the point on a carving where you have made a mistake and abandoned the project ?

[@lauriereber8939]

Thanks Doug. Really well done and a great encouragement for me to go back and really look at my first carvings to see how I can keep improving. Thanks for your great work.

[@antonioartero7861]

This video is extremely useful and informative. Thank you!

[@mymgb238]

It was refreshing to see the critique of what I initially thought was a nice carving. You pointed out and corrected what turned out to be areas we can benefit in our future carvings- great. One question remains: do you continue to use both linseed oil and that wax antique on the same carving?

[@MrSteamDragon]

Brilliant.....the transformation of the eye was worth the effort alone...👍🏻....what size #11 did you use around the eye ? Sorta looks like a 2 or 3mm...thanks...

[@jamiebaker4129]

Thanks for the tips. I agree that early mistakes are being afraid to carve deeper and not having straight lines on everything

[@Locutius11]

Absolutely fascinating project Doug, Thank you!

[@Mikeyfingers22]

I must say that I feel a certain type of way when you say that you’re Carving’s are bad because to me they are absolutely perfect!! And I would love it if I was able to do your so-called bad ones. I’ve been doing this for about a year now and I’m just starting to see progress in carving. Definitely frustrating seeing these videos because again, I would love to be able to carve one of your bed carvings!!! Still love ya though Doug lol and love ur bad videos 😂😂😂

[@MatsJPB]

Really interesting to have the comparision like this, half before/half after.

[@Jer-Michael]

I appreciate you taking the time Doug. I feel like when you get it, you get it. I still get discouraged and aggravated at times. Hard time putting what I see onto the wood. But I keep on carving. Do you think it’s better to practice one thing until you get it? Or scattered carvings? Any advice would be incredibly helpful. Thanks! Jeremy

[@rebornspawn]

Fantastic to see what you have learnt in 6 years friend

[@snowtiger44]

Thanks for showing you can always improve your own work

[@dell565758]

Great tutorial Doug. I have a box of 'bads' that could be 'better'. Plenty to keep me busy.

[@timelmore2]

Loved it. Very informative. Thanks again, Doug.

[@kevinhampton7215]

Awesome, very educational. It was really great. Thanks Doug

[@jerrystark3587]

A very helpful exercise. Thank you!

[@yoshi425]

Doug is the Bob Ross of wood carving.

[@davemyers89]

I have so much work ahead of me, thank you, well done.

[@myrajones3405]

loved this video doug. love learning from you. your very good at showing us how to carve

[@weightdr80]

I finally understand why you gouge out the eye socket before carving the details in it.

[@dannyg5863]

I learn so much from your videos, thanks Doug.

[@ginabirks4910]

That was so interesting to watch you transform half of the figure into a much improved version.

[@danielforde-pogson]

If I could carve as good as your 'bad' I'd be very happy!! Gonna start this week!

[@drewbiasucci7578]

Great video !!! I thought the original was great , but I can see how the changes really make is pop!

[@michaelvannoy7566]

Thanks Doug , still thinking about this one ,thanks

[@michellegiles4152]

Loved the lesson. I really learned a lot. Thanks