Green Woodworking Project #1 Carving a Wand

[@carolmacdonald4584]

Love the fact that you produced the wand, which is what I was looking for, but even better was your solid instruction on technique. Well done!

[@GlennPArt_1]

Carol Macdonald thank you so much! I worked pretty hard on this video and am happy people like it so much. I believe that instructional videos should teach how to “do it” not just hint at how it “could” be done.

[@chasing_happiness]

The wand chooses the wizard Harry. Absolutely heard that in my head.

[@thegrandchefess3152]

I just spent an hour sifting through wand videos. This was actually helpful and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks bud!

[@GlennPArt_1]

Awesome, I am happy it was helpful! if you end up with any questions after you start let me know and I can probably help.

[@DigitalDrew92]

This was a really helpful video Glenn, I'm going to be making my fiance her own wand for Christmas so this is a lifesaver video.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Andrew W. That’s awesome! I hope she likes it! Have fun making the wand.

[@Patricia-ik4wj]

Witches of old made their own wands.

[@GothBae]

it took me like 3 hours to make a large ass wand out of walnut wood 😂😂 it was my first time but hearing u say “it took like 20mins” i was like WHAAAAT 😅

[@GlennPArt_1]

Goth Bae hahaha. Well mine was shorter and made of a softer wood. Walnut is a hard wood to work if it is not green. But that is still good for your first project! The next one will be easier and faster. 😁

[@agreatalternative]

Thank you Glenn for making this very clear and easy to understand tutorial. I especially liked the examples you gave at the end for how the simple starting wand can be adapted, it’s certainly inspired me to get out there and make some of my own, even though I’m a beginner carver! Videos like this aimed at beginner carvers are so important, because it makes the results seem realistic and open to anyone, as apposed to an end result that needs years or training/ natural talent. 6 years later, you’re still inspiring people 👊

[@GlennPArt_1]

Haha thank you! I still find it crazy how many people have gotten help from this video. I am happy I get to be here to help those just like you get started. Thank you for commenting!

[@agreatalternative]

@@GlennPArt_1 No worries 👍

[@powergryph4354]

This helped so much! Now me and my brother have started a wand business. Great vid!

[@GlennPArt_1]

That's AWESOME! I hope the best for you two!!

[@powergryph4354]

Glenn P Art, Thanks SO much for the support and the help you have given me.

[@GlennPArt_1]

@@powergryph4354 If you have questions that come up carving let me know and if I can help I will!

[@E.F.Woodturning]

I'm always shocked at how well turned wands sell at craft shows. Nice job.

[@sentaukrai]

Very nice tutorial. Easy to follow and achieve for those of us that don't have the luxury of a lathe.

[@GlennPArt_1]

senta ukrai thank you. I’m glad it helped.

[@Wynniexo]

Now I need to go make myself a HP wand.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Wynter xx yeah you do! Lol.

[@judygude]

Thank you for the instruction! I've never tried any carving, but you make it possible!

[@GlennPArt_1]

You're welcome. I am glad it helped you.

[@SlendermanDefeated]

You're blade skills are tight brother, thank you for sharing.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thank you. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[@isopodcrane]

This is a great video, I’m excited to get to carving! This is the most helpful tutorial I’ve found 😊

[@GlennPArt_1]

I am happy to hear it helped!

[@JustBarelyy]

Why do I love him

[@GlennPArt_1]

Barely Millennial some times we just have to explore our thought to find those things out. :)

[@julianeyre173]

Seen loads of carving videos, but this is the first one that shows how to deal with knots. Thanks this was very helpful

[@GlennPArt_1]

You're welcome! I feel a video should cover everything from start to finish. It wouldn't help to leave out issue that could come up.

[@Adhdemon1]

I made an amazing wand out of a amur-honeysuckle branch. I spent 6 hours forming and sanding the wand. 3 hours painting. And about 2 hours making a seal. It took almsot 3 days but I finished with an amazing hand crafted wand. I made it out of simple starting carving tools, a knife, and a lot of sandpaper. It was mad with no eletric tools at all and I am very proud of it.

[@GlennPArt_1]

That's awesome. Next time you should make a video! I am sure people would love to see it.

[@rodrickhatton8636]

This has to be one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen! You should make this a thing if you haven't already. (My first time here by the way)

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thanks so much for your comment. I am about to make a video class. And that will be about an hour or so long and go even more in-depth then this one. Stay tuned to the channel for updates.

[@nicolasromio6170]

OMG This is exactly what I've been looking for. This was so helpful.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Southbound Animations I’m happy it helped you.

[@burger5853]

It’s admirable that you don’t post anymore but still check comments, I subscribed

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thanks! Yeah, life got in the way of posting but I still like helping people. I am still hoping to get back into adding new videos... at some point lol.

[@hawthxrn]

This was so informative! Thank you so much for making this video, carving my first wand today!

[@GlennPArt_1]

That is awesome! I hope you make many more.

[@Stardust414]

To hand make wood wands with only a knife is truly amazing. I definitely applaud your skill & ability 👏👏👏 Namaste 🙏✌️

[@GlennPArt_1]

5D Reality thank you much for your kind words. Wood working offers so much I can’t wit to get back into making videos for you all.

[@MegaTed77]

great video mate. any chance you can show us how to smoothen the wood and maybe how to paint them?

[@GlennPArt_1]

fire 4kill I will add that to the video list. Once it gets warmer here I’ll start making videos again. Hard to make videos with fine motor skills when there is snow on the ground and I can’t feel my fingers. Lol.

[@ababoeba]

Im glad this is the first i watched on the subject cuz this is a perfect tutorial, thanks dude

[@GlennPArt_1]

I'm glad this is you first one you watched too! thank you, and you're welcome!

[@Angel-yl1ck]

great tip on making the tip.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thanks. Happy you enjoyed the video!

[@briennaasher26]

Fun video with some cool ideas. Bought a whittling kit and trying to decide where to start. Thank you :)

[@GlennPArt_1]

You're welcome. I think wands are great places to start and really get your carving technique down. You can always make that as intricate as you like also, so there is no end to the process.

[@grissopia]

I've recently started wood whittling. My hand really aches after a small amount of time, but I guess the more I do it, the more my hand will get used to it. 😃 Some great tips here 👌

[@GlennPArt_1]

That was the same with me. When I started back into carving, it was after hand surgery. And I could only carve for a little bit, and my hands would hurt all the next day. But it will stop after a while. Keep at it, and you will be able to carve all day.

[@MrSageCurtis]

Solid video

[@iamnotniced2359]

Nice, I want to make my friend a wand for her birthday, hope it comes out well 🤞

[@GlennPArt_1]

if you end up with any questions let me know and I'll give you all the advice I can. :)

[@iamnotniced2359]

Glenn P Art omg thanks so much, did u ever try glossing your wands? If you did, please tell me what sort of gloss to use cuz I want to gloss my wand, thanksss 😄

[@GlennPArt_1]

@@iamnotniced2359 I haven't. but if you were to put a layer of acrylic paint and wanted to seal that (or just a clear layer anyway) with a clear gloss layer. I looked up a way to do that. Mod Podge gloss finish would be what I recommend. I went to school for painting. So once I read that I remembered hearing about it in school from some teachers as a good clear coat. hope this helps.

[@iamnotniced2359]

Glenn P Art ahhhh, thanks so much, I’m gonna try, thanks for all the help 🤩🤩🤩

[@kentleeguihama969]

That knife is sharp af

[@GlennPArt_1]

KentLee Guihama only way to have a knife.

[@raininarizonaVIIOS]

Thank you! This was extremely helpful. Loved it. May I offer suggestions? 1. The knives you were using. It would be helpful to know the knife make, purchase location in your next video. 2. Your multi demo of carved suggestions was awesome, I would have loved that same multi demo of different woods as well. Then if woods very hard to soft, knife tip suggestions. 3. Lastly, I would love more videos and each associated to their respective playlists, i.e. 1. Kitchen/utensils list a. Spoon. b. Spatula. c. Frosting cleve 4. Measuring spoons/ or cups. 2. Toys, a. Wood blocks, b. Train Set 3 piece, c. Lincoln Logs This was my first watched video of yours. Looking forward to seeing others.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Wow thank you so much for the suggestions. I will see what I can do. It is too cold to video outside for me right now. But once I get a chance I will try to get more videos up.

[@Dancinganimegirl]

I love this video! It’s so helpful! Do you think you could do a video with you carving the unique ends of the wands? The ones in the last part of the video,like the ball end,the definitive handle,etc?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Dancinganimegirl23451 I had wanted to make a second video. But I have moved and now I am in a city. I will try to get away and make a video though. I’m glad you like the video!

[@George-bs5dv]

select is a very good video👍👍

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thank you!

[@zachl2996]

At first I thought you looked crazy but now I think you are really good just subed

[@GlennPArt_1]

000 000 hahaha. Thanks for the sub!

[@melissavega1777]

Beautiful. You've inspired me.(:

[@GlennPArt_1]

Melissa Vega ohh thank you so much for your comment!

[@Jzzplayground]

Thank you so much these techniques really helped me.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Jalenfry 18 that’s great to hear! I love hearing and reading about people’s wand carving adventures.

[@parallian9563]

The wand chooses the wizard

[@kornelmaziec]

You are really good . You deserve moooooore subs 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@GlennPArt_1]

K O R N E L Haha thank you.

[@raleighveal1359]

Nice, but what do you do with them after you make them.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Cast spells, give them as gifts to my cos-playing friends, give them to my friend's kids for bday presents, use them as oversized chopsticks, make a few sharp for vampire prevention, hang them from stings as wind chimes, throw them in the wood stove if I get too cold and lazy, throw them at the ground and see if I can get then to stick in point first, use them as bad drumsticks, drill holes into flat pieces of wood and use them as short table legs, sell them, use them as emphasis pointers when teaching. There's a lot you can do with them.

[@qb-gz1ko]

could you please make a tutorial on how to re tighten a bow drill bow string in case i forget

[@GlennPArt_1]

Yeah, right after I finish the other videos I promised....

[@cm88388]

By green woodworking - do you mean you literally just use freshly harvested wood? I'm interested to know how that works with finishing and how the wands hold up over time - do you have a process for curing them?

[@GlennPArt_1]

I do mean freshly harvested. I usually finish my projects to about 90% and then let them dry for a few days. Then I resharpen my knife and do the finishing work. That will leave the surface as smooth as possible. But after use and weathering it does end up being hard to tell the dried ones from the ones that were finished green. But also it depends on the wood you use. if it is a harder wood that can get a shine finish then waiting is a good idea but something like a birch of a pine will not hold the finish regardless of whether you wait or not. But a cherry will hold it for a while. I have noticed with my spoons that after 3 months of use all of them look the same regardless of how I finished them. So for things that will get constant use you dont get too much from waiting to finish them vs finishing them right away.

[@Patricia-ik4wj]

What about adding chrystals and wraping the handle?

[@GlennPArt_1]

I am not too sure about this. I think the easiest way to set a crystal would be with a dermal and make a precise indent for the crystal then glue it. As for wrapping the handle it really depends on the material. What were you thinking?

[@ky1oser]

is it just me, or does he sound like the shoulder angel/devil in kronk’s new groove??

[@GlennPArt_1]

I went and watched a clip of them for reference. Hearing them the first time I was like "hell no I don't sound like them!" then I listened to the video again, because it has been a while since I made.... You have a valid point... lol.

[@mangowater9143]

how long did it take you

[@GlennPArt_1]

Julian Leon about an hour. Probably would take about 30 mins if I wasn’t making a video too. Lol.

[@powergryph4354]

Haha haha now I bought the exact same Morakniv 106, on Amazon.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thats great! I love that knife. it is my go to knife for wood working.

[@hllyenaylleth9576]

Awesome video! Is there any problem to have the wand twisting around or does it have to be straight?

[@GlennPArt_1]

the only thing you have to worry about with twisted wood is the grain. what I mean by that is if the grain of the wood twists at a different rate then the wood you might catch something and pull off a big chunk of wood if you go too fast. but if you go slower and use more control cuts and less power cuts it should be fine. Straight wood is easier to carve and makes for faster projects. that's the only thing to really think about.

[@hllyenaylleth9576]

@@GlennPArt_1 Hey, thanks!

[@itstheemrysvods1429]

Love the vid! It will surely help

[@GlennPArt_1]

Gab McNeillio that’s great to hear. And if you have any questions come up feel free to ask me here or on Facebook or Instagram.

[@sophiasusanne]

really helpful video! do you know if a standard opinel pocketknife would work for this?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Sophia Susanne hey there. That knife would work just fine. When ever I use a folding knife I just tend to put less power when the knife gets stuck on things like knots or what have you. Also always double check that the safety is secured before doing any reinforced pull strokes so the blade doesn’t close on you. Otherwise wands are pretty forgiving with their knife requirements.

[@anaphylaxis2548]

A spokeshave would work to take it down to size if you don’t have a lathe also.

[@peterwilhelmsson4168]

A Mora Robust costs about 12 dollars, and it's a superb knife for this imho. It's on Amazon iirc.

[@theothererik1128]

I see you used a quartered piece of wood -- ie. no center pith. I've read elsewhere that the pith will cause warping/cracking as it dries. But I have a whole stick (sawn from a branch of a live tree) that is **perfect** for the shape of wand I want (I just need to carve away the extra wood.) Is there anything I can do about the potential problems? [This will be my 1st attempt at wood-carving, too...] Plz say "Yes!"

[@GlennPArt_1]

Erik Thierbach hello my friend. Of course there are ways to help prevent that. But it won’t guarantee that something won’t happen because each piece of wood acts a little different depending on how it grows and other factors. The first is the use latex or acrylic paint to cover the ends of the wood. That will help to slow the release of moisture from the wood. Then carve off the bark if the wood is less the 2 inches in diameter otherwise leave it on and let the wood dry for a month or so. Also checking usually only goes in about 2 inches into the wood. So if there is extra wood on the ends of your blank you can just carve that off when you are making the wand. Other then that just make sure it does not dry too fast or on one side only. Put it in a plastic bag to dry and change it 1 to 2 times a day until there is no condensation in the bag. I think that is all I know in the topic of drying wood. Maybe I should make a video on this topic. Hope this helps!

[@theothererik1128]

Quick reply! Thanx ^__^ ...Also, your advice echoes that of others here on U-Tube regarding sealing the ends and being patient. I can be patient, but I don't have to like it. The bark is very thin, there are many thorny little branches, and I was considering leaving some of the bark showing -- so I'm hesitant to shave it off. (It's not Hawthorn [long-spikey thorns], but I have no idea what kind of wood it is since it's winter... maybe it is a giant rose bush??) ~~ Thanx Muchly

[@GlennPArt_1]

Erik Thierbach if it is a rose they tend to dry a little wavy and if you leave them leaning against anything they will end up bowed. But that can be straightened out with steaming. I don’t think you have to worry too much about it. Especially if it is 1/2 inch or less in diameter. Good luck.

[@justananomaly]

How dyou keep the blade so sharp? And what kind of knife is it?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Meow l I sharpen my knives before every session of carving. Either with a full prep of multiple grits of sandpaper then a strop or just a strop if I have been keeping up with it. I am using a mora 106 knife. You can get it on amazon.

[@AminulIslam-et6eh]

very good sir .

[@GlennPArt_1]

Aminul Islam thank you so much. It means a lot to me to get nice comments.

[@bra_matth]

I wonder what kind of wood he used? I live in the black hills and I can only find cracked, twisted and knotted wood. Finally a quality KZbinr

[@GlennPArt_1]

I was using Red Maple in this one I believe. I have also used Black Birch and Cherry. But if you have Tulip in the area that is really straight grained too and is easy to use. Most wood is also easier to cut if it is still green. So you can cut through some of the knots if you collect the wood fresh and work it right away. Hope this helps.

[@jedimastergarcia87]

I know old but ugh x.x I just startd carving wands today and I'm no where near getting it to the shape I want. I'm using a nice piece of black alder I found. I got me a carving tool set and its not too too bad quality wise, just kinda difficult to get the hang of it

[@GlennPArt_1]

What seem to be the hardest part? is it the cutting with the knife or the shaping with the cuts?

[@jedimastergarcia87]

@@GlennPArt_1 Just getting the branch down to shape basically x.x I probably need a thicker knife or something

[@GlennPArt_1]

@@jedimastergarcia87 I did add a link to the knife I use in this video. that is always an option. also you want a blade that is at least 3 inches long but not much more than 5. at least for this kind of work. Also make sure it is sharp.

[@Rain-nu7ol]

Where did you get your knife? Very helpful video btw.

[@GlennPArt_1]

Rain I got it off amazon. And thank you.

[@KindaCrengi]

Mines look like crap compare to that beautiful wand Is it because that I use a kitchen knife or is it because that the stick was different

[@mountman44]

It could be your skill level, but I would get a new knife

[@Nickname.Mercury]

Is it for sell?😁 I need inspiration for my wands

[@GlennPArt_1]

No, I haven't found it easy to sell these online. Maybe if more people ask I could make a few available on my website.

[@madoats4035]

would silver maple make a good wand?

[@GlennPArt_1]

maxtherebel425 _ yeah. Maples in general are pretty good. I don’t get much silver maple where I’m from but I believe they are on the harder density side of the maple. Which will make them last longer and smoother.

[@madoats4035]

@@GlennPArt_1 Thanks for your help, i live in northern kentucky so they are everywhere for me

[@mrsmiley9772]

Where can i find a knife like that?

[@taylornezovich7552]

Mr. Smiley I think my husband got mine off Amazon. Pretty reasonable and wonderful quality!

[@corvid0]

Silver lime? Or processed wood?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Golden Lion39 what’s this in regards to? This is a piece of red maple split right out from a branch.

[@Patricia-ik4wj]

I make stop cuts so I can make the desired pattern.

[@GlennPArt_1]

That's definitely the way to go to ensure you don't overcut.

[@wynkenblynkennod3712]

Is this Aspen?

[@gatedawg1415]

Glenn P? More like Glenn Ollivander

[@GlennPArt_1]

HAHA thank you!

[@gatedawg1415]

@@GlennPArt_1 No Prob!

[@ljbricks3866]

Such a big pocket for a little knife lol😂

[@sethmendenhall416]

Could I use sand paper?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Seth Mendenhall after you carve it down of course.

[@sethmendenhall416]

@@GlennPArt_1 Ok! Thank you!

[@Dad_dadDad_dad]

Credits to all people who dont use power tools for things like this

[@GlennPArt_1]

Thank you. Doing things by hand really has that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment once you are done. For sure

[@michaelmcclelland5369]

You are cool

[@GlennPArt_1]

Michael McClelland thanks. I’m sure you’re cool too.

[@scottywhitis6215]

Only 66 subscribers! How?

[@GlennPArt_1]

Scotty Whitis I know right!

[@oddburger10thfry90]

this is a real totourial bcuz some peeps wont say how to do it

[@GlennPArt_1]

odd burger 10th fry thank you. That’s what I try to do with my videos.

[@LeonardoHamato]

Note: don't slice your finger open like I did, I wasn't following this tutorial when I carving but let me just say blood loss (or shock) is a horrible thing to go through at 2am on a Monday morning....

[@GlennPArt_1]

That does sound horrible. I have definitely learned the hard way how to carve safely lol. hope some of my advice helps you in the future.

[@LeonardoHamato]

@@GlennPArt_1 mhm, and my finger slice is nearly healed over, I'm surprised a cut that bled so much could heal over in just a week, I think by Christmas day it'll no longer need to be covered by a plaster.... But yeah I'll definitely take all the advice I find into account when wood carving again

[@GlennPArt_1]

@@LeonardoHamato Yeah the sharper the knife the faster the cut will heal. the body can basically just push everything back together and start healing right away. if it is jagged like with a saw or a dull knife the body has to make new connections or fill in gaps with new tissue. pretty crazy if you think about it!

[@thedutchman8793]

Do be fair this video is less about making a wand and more about basic wood carving...not a bad visit but kind of misleading

[@taylornezovich7552]

My details stink. I can make ya a boss walking stick but my wands needs more umph!

[@GlennPArt_1]

Taylor Nezovich all you have to do is keep at it. Never be afraid to try something new. Never be afraid to potentially break a wand to see how far you can push the wood.

[@taylornezovich7552]

I really appreciate your feedback Sir. I have bad RA and I’m going to switch up my hands a tad per your recommendations. I’ll continue to keep at it. Thanks!

[@dashingeorge]

Wow you can use a knife!

[@thebropoppy1293]

he looks like the filter on snapchat