Who knew hand carved wooden spoons were a thing? Not me, until I went shopping locally for yarn and saw some gorgeous examples at one of my local fiber haunts. I was intrigued by the thought of spoons made of wood, and began looking for books to expand my knowledge. The locally made spoons were very practical, and clearly crafted for kitchen or dining use, but there had to be more to hand carved spoons than that. I left the store with several questions.
The first, and most important one was: where did this whole spoon thing come from? I needed to learn the history, and my first book on the subject, “History of Lovespoons: The Art and Traditions of a Romantic Craft” is by David Western. Western has actually penned several books on this subject (yes, I do have them all), and each contribution to the craft is amazing.
I discovered that wooden spoons are actually only one of many beautifully carved wooden love tokens made by young men trying to impress young women, in hopes of furthering a relationship. The elaborately carved items where either done by the young gentleman himself, to prove his ardor, or commissioned by the man to prove he had enough financial wherewithal to afford this charming token.
In either case, if the spoon was accepted that indicated the lady was interested and things frequently proceeded from there. This was all very interesting and as an arm-chair observer I was at first content to read and ponder the ancient craft. Then, some weeks later I read about a spoon carving class being held this fall at The Craft School at Mill Hollow Farm. Of course, I signed up! But before I began the class, I continued to read the history of wooden lovespoons.
Although every part of Europe saw lovespoon carving explode in popularity from the 16th-century onward, the really happening places were Wales and Sweden. Those young men took the task to the top, and all of my spoon carving books have examples of magnificently carved spoons from those countries. Most of the spoons never saw use, however, as they were put on display in either kitchen or dining areas. That is actually just as well because the spoon’s handles are often so elaborate that the spoons are impossible to hold comfortably, let alone use practically.
These days, of course, the original purpose has been forgotten and carving elaborate wooden spoons has gone from those young swains crushing on the local milkmaid to professional woodworkers of today creating magnificent spoons as gifts to royalty, prime ministers, queens, and other heads of state. The carving is sophisticated, intricate, and just lovely to view. Western makes a point of informing the reader that the commercial souvenir market is still a driving force among many of the better lovespoon carvers working around the world today. However, many so-called handmade spoons are often machine produced, of poor quality, and frequently mislabeled as to country of origin. Fortunately, non-commercial, skilled hand carving still holds a place in the art form, consumers just have to be vigilant when they shop. Western noted that lovespoons are indeed created for a range of occasions including weddings, baptisms, engagements, and even school graduations. This allows the wood artist to tailor the spoon’s design to the recipient and the special occasion.
For example, a heart is a universal symbol of love, while a comma shape represents the soul. Intertwined hearts demonstrate a love that is given and returned, and the diamond shape suggests prosperity. A wheel motif suggests the circle of life or the idea of loving for eternity. These would be typical symbols for engagement or marriage. The carving of a library, college building, or books would symbolize graduation, and of course, there are often foliage details — and this is a traditional way to indicated both growth of the relationship and the idea of fertility.
Flowers often symbolize a young lady’s favorite blossoms, and this is a way to personalize the spoon for the intended recipient. Flowers, especially daffodils, also represent affection. A bow carved on the spoon shows that it is a gift, while a heart-shaped bowl expresses a wish for a full and bountiful life. Now, when I see a wooden spoon in a museum (virtual tours lately) I can read the sentiments communicated in each example on display.
After reading extensively on the subject, I was ready for my class. I spend a great day selecting freshly-cut wood, envisioning a spoon, and then carving with small, very sharp tools until the spoon manifested. Very exciting, I assure you. Once the blister on my hand healed, and the pain from my day-long clenched jaw slackened (who knew the entire body got involved in the carving process?), I wanted more. I seriously envisioned artfully carving my way through several patterns.
After searching, I found “Carving Spoons: Welsh Lovespoons, Celtic Knots, and Contemporary Favorites” by Shirley Adler. This book gets down to the specifics of spoon carving for total beginners (one class did not get me to the fancy spoon stage!). Appropriate species of wood are explained, fixing common mistakes are detailed, food-safe finishes are discussed, and plenty of color photographs walk the carver through each step of the spoon production process. These photographs include the use of carving gloves, safety glasses, and aiming the blade Away From Your Bare Arm.
I was especially excited to see several reproducible patterns offered, as well an historical explanation provided as to why that specific design was chosen for the book. Of course, homage is paid to those unknown Welsh craftsmen who brought the craft so far, and this lends a nice linkage to the past. I was enthralled with the amazing designs Adler created, both for their balance as well as artistic expression. The actual dimensions of the spoon designs range in approximately three sizes from the small salt spoon our grandmothers used at the dinner table, to the five o’clock teaspoon used by our mothers, and finally the typical place spoon we use to sip cream soup. All are quite lovely and worthy of a spot of honor in any display setting.
My only spoon so far, the one I made in my class, while very basic, does have balance and energy. As I moved forward toward more study of this lovely folk craft, I searched out, and finally found, a comprehensive guide to the various symbols found on lovespoons of old that continue to show up on the modern, non-souvenir, versions available today. “Celtic Carved Lovespoons” by Sharon Littley and Clive Griffin has rounded out my spoon carving book collection — so far. In this book, I found a checklist of tools and equipment needed to make the more sophisticated spoons, a portfolio of patterns with types of wood to choose from, detailed instructions, and a magnificent galley of spoons created by the authors. I was especially taken by the use of power tools. These authors recognize the importance of creating spoons with hand tools to be sure. But the preparation for the final hand finishing is often accomplished with modern equipment. OK, I did a little shopping after I finished reading this book. A scroll saw is considered an essential piece of equipment, as is a band saw. Both can be found at excellent prices with a little searching. Flexible shaft machines, similar to my hand-held Dremmel tool, has the advantage of along, flexible tube with hand pieces at the end into which burrs, sanding rims, and cutters can be fitted. It sits nicely next to the band saw. A pillar drill is invaluable for carving the Celtic knots. My equipment is standing ready when I get to those knots. Yes, I am hooked. And, yes, I now love power tools almost as much as I love my kitchen appliances (more on my new, state-of-the-art slow-cooker in a future column).
While I have stopped carrying around my spoon and forcing people to admire it, I do remain enamoredwith the craft and intend to keep carving and enjoying the artistic expression this art form provides.
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