In Whittling (Conscious Crafts), maker Barnaby Carder, aka Barn the Spoon, reveals the meditative nature of the whittling process and its empowering skill set for creating, and mindfulness. Making is mindfulness made practical, and whittling is a renowned and rewarding craft.

Drawing on the traditions of green woodworking, Barn the Spoon has created 20 modern makes, ranging from simple tools including the classic spoon to decorative items such as animals and woodprints. He shares the basic techniques to whittling and shows how these can be developed for different projects, as well as reconnecting us to nature’s raw materials. Packed with inspiring ideas and practical guidance, Whittling (Conscious Crafts) gives you the simple skills to get started with this fulfilling craft, and explores how the joy of creating your own unique makes can enrich your well-being. Clean photography, contemporary step-by step illustration and heart-affirming text are neatly carved together to celebrate handwork and the act of crafting for a sustainable future.

The projects: light pull; letter opener; chopsticks; pickle fork; spoon rack; toaster tongs; plant label; comb; hair pin; drop spindle; crochet hook; knitting needle; button; pliers; bird; horse; whistle; tent peg; walking stick; double ended hook; heart or floret decoration; and woodprint.

The Conscious Crafts series places mindfulness and well-being at the heart of making. Picking out proven meditative crafts and bespoke authors, these practical, contemporary guides are an inviting introduction to reconnecting head, heart, and hands. Also available from the Conscious Crafts series: Pottery, Quilting and Knitting.