Carve a Wren

In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to carve a simple wren from lime wood, focusing on clear shapes, smooth transitions, and natural form. The video covers the complete process — from roughing out the basic shape to refining the details and preparing the surface for finishing. You’ll see how to approach small bird carvings methodically, with practical tips on tool control, proportion, and working safely. This is an enjoyable project for both beginners and those wanting to develop confidence before tackling more detailed bird sculptures.

Members to the Wood Carving Studio can download the full set of original templates for the “Wren” carving, five sheets of step by step photos to accompany the video as well as a sheet of written instructions to help with your carving. If you would like to access this extra material, please use the links below.

Material:

Lime wood (Tilia x europaea)

Tools Used:

6mm number 8 straight gouge
12mm number 6 straight gouge
3mm 60 degree straight palm V-tool
12mm number 1 Straight chisel
5mm number 2 straight fishtail
5mm number 11 straight gouge
Swann Morton number 4 scaplel handle with number 26 blade

Abrasive: grades 180, 240, 320, 400.