Developing your own carving designs is an important step in woodcarving. Those who don't just work from templates but implement their own ideas learn to understand wood, shapes, and proportions much better. Using suitable carving wood, such as linden or Swiss pine, allows for particularly controlled and precise execution of designs.
Idea generation – The origin of every carving design
It always starts with an idea. This can come from nature, from figures, animals, faces, or fantastical creatures. Especially for beginners, it's recommended to start with simple motifs and choose clear shapes.
Popular motifs for your own carving designs:
✔ Animals with simple basic shapes
✔ Gnomes , dwarves and fantasy creatures
✔ Faces and heads
✔ Amulets, ornaments and symbols 
Different types of wood, such as alder wood, for carving. or linden wood help to develop a feel for hardness, cutting behavior and possible level of detail.
The sketch – Making the idea visible
The sketch is the link between imagination and wood. It doesn't have to be perfect, but serves as a guide for proportions and volume.
Key points in the sketch:
✔ Simple lines instead of many details
✔ clear basic shapes
✔ Consider front and side views
✔ Consider volume and curves 
Many carvers supplement their own drawings with inspiration from carving templates and projects to better assess shapes.
Transfer the design to the carving wood
The design is transferred from the sketch to the wood. Clean work is crucial at this stage to ensure even carving later.
Suitable methods for transmission:
✔ Freehand drawing with pencil
✔ Tracing with tracing paper
✔ Marking the main lines on all pages 
Carving wood sets are particularly practical because they allow you to work with different types of wood and are ideal for practicing.
From block of wood to basic shape
In this phase, the rough shape of the figure is created. Excess wood is gradually removed without yet focusing on details.
Procedure for shaping:
✔ work from coarse to fine
✔ Regularly change perspective
✔ Check proportions repeatedly
✔ Take breaks 
Carving knives are particularly suitable for this task, as they allow for controlled cuts.
Developing details – The character is created
Once the basic shape is correct, the fine-tuning begins. Now the wooden figure gets its expression and character.
Typical detailed work:
✔ Eyes, nose and mouth
✔ Fur, hair or leaf structures
✔ Clean transitions and curves
✔ Smoothing the surface 
Carving tools and gouges are used here. To keep the blades sharp, a strop and sharpening accessories are essential.
Safety while carving
When working with sharp blades, safety should always be the top priority.
Recommended protective measures:
✔ calm, focused work style
✔ Secure hold of the workpiece (e.g. with screw clamp or clamping aid )
✔ Use sharp tools instead of blunt ones
✔ Use of cut-resistant gloves for carving
Conclusion: Custom carving designs make each wooden figure unique.
The journey from sketch to finished wooden figure combines creativity with craftsmanship. With suitable carving wood, a simple sketch, and the right tools, you can create individual wood carvings that make each piece truly unique. It's especially helpful to work regularly with different materials and projects, perhaps using carving wood designed for beginners. or complementary carving accessories
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you create your own carving designs?
Original carving designs usually begin with a simple sketch that establishes basic shapes and proportions. This drawing is then transferred to the carving wood, and the form is gradually developed from a rough block of wood to a finished figure.
Which wood is best suited for creating your own carving designs?
For designs and learning projects, linden wood is particularly suitable because it is soft, homogeneous, and very easy to control. For more expressive, rustic figures, Swiss pine is recommended, as its grain and fragrance add extra character.
Are drawing skills necessary for carving designs?
Advanced drawing skills are not required; simple lines and basic shapes are sufficient. The sketch primarily serves as a guide for proportions, volume, and the subsequent cutting direction in the wood.
Which carving projects are suitable for beginners?
For beginners, motifs with clear, easily legible shapes are suitable, such as simple animal figures, heads, or gnomes, as well as shallow reliefs. Such projects are more forgiving of minor mistakes and simultaneously allow for practicing proportions and basic cutting techniques.
What tools are needed for your own carving projects?
To get started, you'll need a good quality carving knife, a small basic set of carving tools (e.g., one or two gouges), suitable sharpening accessories, and at least one cut-resistant glove. With this basic equipment, you can neatly carve both basic shapes and simple details.
