Carving is a winter occupation. When the field sleeps, hands work.
Tools
Whittling knife: one, good, sharp. $15-30. Gouges: half-round, various sizes — for relief carving. Chip carving knife: for geometric patterns.
Wood
Basswood: soft, cuts easily, doesn't split. Ideal for beginners. Walnut: harder, beautiful grain, for furniture carving. Cherry: noble color, medium hardness.
What They Carve
Wooden spoons (most practical project). Children's toys (horses, buggies, dolls). Decorative furniture elements. Frames. Boxes. Animal figurines.
A Winter Evening
Father sits by the stove with a knife and a piece of basswood. Children watch. In an hour — a wooden horse. Child receives a toy and a lesson: hands can create. Without a store, without money, without batteries.