Introduction: Pixelated Wooden Spoon Carving

About: My name is Blake, I make things for a living. I love experimenting with new materials to create sculptures, furniture and everything in between.

In this instrucable and video, I will show you how I created this pixelated wooden spoon.

Supplies

Step 1: Find Good Contrasting Woods.

I used Walnut and Poplar for this spoon. I love the contrast between the light poplar and the dark walnut. I would advise to chose similar color variances in the wood.

Step 2: Rip the Wood Into Thin Equal Pieces

Make sure to rip BOTH wood species the same thickness. This will save you a lot of work in the next couple of steps. I cut two different thicknesses with both pieces of wood. 3/4" thick, and 1/2" thick.

Step 3: Plane/ Sand Smooth.

To make sure I ripped all the pieces the same thickness, I planed each piece.Remember to make sure the thickness, and height is equal. If you do not have a planer you can use a hand plane, or good old fashion sanding.

Step 4: Cut Small Pieces at Different Lengths.

Cut the pieces at 90 degrees in all different lengths. I went from about 1/2" up to 7" lengths. The more random you are the better!

Step 5: Arrange to Preference.

This is the fun part! arrange the pieces however you like! Be sure to take into account the general shape of a spoon. Once you get the desired design, glue them up in different stages. NEVER glue them up all at once.

Step 6: Plane / Sand

Plane (or sand) the surface yet again to make sure it is smooth for the next glue up.

Step 7: Glue Up #2

Glue to two halves together. This is essential for doing if your lumber is not thick enough to accommodate the bend in the spoon. Both of my pieces glued together measure 1 3/4" thick.

Step 8: Draw on Spoon Shape and Cut It Out.

Draw on a reference spoon shape to the top and side of the piece. I used a bandsaw to then cut out the general spoon shapes.

Step 9: Carve Your Spoon!

I used some chisels, a rasp and files to refine the shape of the spoon. This process takes time so be patient.

Step 10: Sand and Finishing

Sanding Sanding and more sanding! I refined the shape even more using 60 grit all the way to 220. Once I was pleased with the shape, I used mineral oil to finish the spoon.

Step 11: Done! Admire Your New SPOON!

You are finished!