How to Spoon Carve for Sell: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting & Profit

Spoon carving is more than a meditative woodworking hobby—it can also become a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time craft business. Handmade wooden spoons offer a warm, organic charm that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate. As the demand for sustainable, artisanal goods continues to grow, spoon carving has found its place in farmers’ markets, online stores, and home décor boutiques. 

But carving spoons for fun and carving them to sell are two different things. If you're wondering how to spoon carve for sell, this guide will walk you through the essential tools you need, the steps to create beautiful, sellable spoons, and a few beginner tips to turn your woodworking into income. Let’s carve a path toward craft and commerce.

Essential Tools and Materials for Carving Spoons to Sell

To craft wooden spoons that are both beautiful and market-ready, you’ll need the right blend of tools—traditional carving essentials and some modern upgrades. Here’s a complete list of must-haves for your spoon-carving kit:

1. Spoon Carving Knife

A compact, curved blade perfect for hollowing out the bowl of your spoon. It allows controlled, shallow cuts that follow the natural curve of the wood.

2. Straight Carving Knife

Used for shaping the outer contour of the spoon and refining the handle. Look for a high-carbon steel knife with a comfortable grip.

3. Hook Knife (or Crook Knife)

Specialized for carving deeper spoon bowls. Its rounded blade helps achieve smooth curves and a polished interior.

4. Carving Axe or Hatchet

Great for roughing out the initial shape from a larger blank. A small, sharp axe with a flat grind works best for precision control.

5. Wood Blanks

Green woods like birch, alder, cherry, and apple are excellent choices. They’re easier to carve and produce beautiful grain patterns when finished.

6. Engraving Pen by Resparked (for Decorative Finishing)

To add unique, personalized touches to your spoons—like monograms, dates, or floral accents—the Resparked Engraving Pen is an ideal companion. Its lightweight design and ergonomic grip make it perfect for fine wood detailing. When paired with the Resparked Spoon Bit Set, it becomes a powerful tool for both surface art and shallow carving around curved areas.

7. Spoon Bit Set

These bits are specially designed for curved surfaces, helping you engrave around spoon bowls without skipping or slipping. They're perfect for adding flair, texture, or small illustrations to make your spoons stand out at the market.

8. Sharpening Tools

Keep your blades razor-sharp with a leather strop, honing compound, and whetstone. A dull tool is not only dangerous but also bad for clean cuts.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Carve Spoons to Sell

1. Select the Right Wood: Choose a species that is food-safe, attractive, and carves well. Cherry and birch are great for beginners. Make sure the wood is green or only partially dried—it’ll be softer and easier to shape.
2. Draw Your Spoon Design: Sketch your spoon shape directly on the blank with a pencil or marker. Consider ergonomics: will the handle feel good in the hand? Is the bowl deep enough for actual use?
3. Rough Out the Shape: Use a carving axe or saw to remove excess material. Follow your design outline but leave extra thickness—you’ll refine this later. Safety tip: always carve away from your body, and brace your work when possible.
4. Hollow the Bowl: Using your hook knife, carve the inside of the bowl with smooth, curved cuts. Take your time—it’s better to carve shallow passes than risk splitting the wood.
5. Shape the Outer Bowl and Handle: Switch to your straight knife to refine the outer curve of the bowl and the handle. This is where your spoon gets its character. Sanding isn’t always necessary; many carvers prefer a faceted, knife-finished look.
6. Dry the Spoon Slowly: Let the spoon dry at room temperature over several days. If it dries too fast, it may crack. Wrap it in paper or a cloth to slow the process if needed.
7. Sand and Finish (Optional): Lightly sand if you want a smoother finish, then apply food-safe oil or beeswax. Let it soak in, then buff for a soft, natural sheen.
8. Price and Present Your Work: Photography, packaging, and storytelling matter when selling handmade items. Make sure your spoons are clean, smooth, and ready to ship or display.

Tip: Bundle products (e.g. spoon + recipe card) or target niches (baby spoons, coffee scoops, etc.) to increase appeal.

Turn Your Craft Into a Signature Style

Whether you're carving spoons as a passion project or building a business around handmade kitchenware, the right tools can make all the difference. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to elevate your craft with tools designed for precision, comfort, and creative freedom.

Explore the full line of professional spoon carving and engraving tools from Resparked—including the fan-favorite Engraving Pen and our custom Spoon Bit Set—created to help makers like you bring personality and polish to every piece.

👉 Discover all Resparked tools for spoon engraving and carve with confidence, style, and soul.