Carving a Wood Mouse
This video demonstrates my approach to creating small, characterful carvings — in this case, a wood mouse along side a cotton reel. The process begins by studying the reference material to understand the form and proportions, then marking and removing the areas of wood that clearly don’t belong. Step by step, the carving is refined by repeating this process, gradually shaping the mouse and reel until the forms emerge naturally from the block.
Once the main carving is complete, attention turns to finishing — smoothing surfaces, adding fine detail, and applying oil, wax or both for protection and depth. Each of these stages, including finishing and presentation techniques, is explored in more depth within the Premium tutorials available in my Wood Carving Studio.
If you’re not yet a member, consider joining (basic membership is FREE) to enjoy more “taster” videos like this one, along with an ever-growing library of full tutorials. Each project is explained step-by-step by Bill, some with downloadable templates, written instructions, reference materials (where needed), tips on tools and technique, and much more — all designed to help you develop your carving skills. Click HERE membership options.
Resources and Useful Information
Sculpture Title:
Wood Mouse
Material:
European Lime (Tilia x europaea)
Tools Used:
1″ number 9 straight gouge
1/4″ 60 degree straight V-tool
3mm number 9 gouge
3/4″ Number 1 straight chisel
Steam from a kettle (to help bend the “thread” through the eye of the “needle” (be careful if trying this).
Swann Morton number 4 scaplel handle with number 26 blade
Abrasive: grades 180, 240, 320, 400.
Finish Used:
Liberon Finishing oil and Liberon Black Bison fine wax polishing paste. (golden pine).
Members to the Wood Carving Studio can access the full set of templates, for both the main sculpture and the details for the head. The templates are available as PDF downloads and are limited to two downloads per member. If you would like to see the membership options, please follow the link below.