Welcome to the Memphis Woodcarvers Association!
We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us.
Whether you’ve been carving for decades or have never held a carving knife before, you’ll find a welcoming community of people who enjoy sharing their knowledge, learning new techniques, and encouraging one another.
Our members come from many different backgrounds, but we all share one thing in common—a love for creating with wood.
Your First Meeting
Walking into a room full of experienced carvers can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry—we’ve all been there.
When you attend your first meeting, you can expect to:
- Meet friendly members who enjoy talking about woodcarving.
- See a variety of carving styles and projects.
- Watch demonstrations and learn new techniques.
- Ask questions and receive helpful advice.
- Spend time with people who enjoy the same hobby.
There is no pressure to carve during your first visit. Many guests simply come to observe, meet members, and learn more about the association.
Do I Need Experience?
Absolutely not.
Many of our members began with little or no carving experience.
If you have an interest in learning, you’re already in the right place.
What Should I Bring?
For your first visit, just bring yourself!
If you’re already carving, feel free to bring a current project you’d like to work on or discuss with other members.
If you’re new to carving, there’s no need to purchase tools before attending. Our members are happy to answer questions and offer guidance before you invest in equipment.
What Should I Wear?
Woodcarving is a hands-on hobby, so comfortable clothing is recommended.
If you plan to carve during a meeting, you’ll also want to consider:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Safety glasses
- A carving glove or thumb guard (recommended)
- Any personal carving tools you already own
What Types of Carving Will I See?
Our members enjoy many styles of woodcarving, including:
- Relief carving
- Chip carving
- Carving in the round
- Bark carving
- Caricature carving
- Wildlife carving
- Santa carving
- Wood spirits
- Walking sticks and canes
- Woodburning (Pyrography)
- Decorative carving
One of the best parts of our group is seeing the wide variety of projects our members create.
Recommended Beginner Tools
If you’re just getting started, we recommend waiting until after you’ve attended a meeting before purchasing tools.
Experienced members can help you choose quality tools that fit your interests and budget.
In general, beginners often start with:
- A quality carving knife
- A carving glove
- A thumb guard
- Basswood carving blanks
- A simple strop and polishing compound
Avoid purchasing inexpensive “starter kits” simply because they’re inexpensive. A few good-quality tools are often a better investment than a large set of lower-quality tools.
Safety First
Woodcarving should always be enjoyable—and safety is an important part of that experience.
Our members encourage safe carving practices, including:
- Always carve away from your body whenever possible.
- Keep your tools sharp; sharp tools are generally safer than dull ones.
- Wear appropriate hand and eye protection.
- Work at a comfortable pace.
- Never hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about a technique.
We’re happy to share tips that make carving both safer and more enjoyable.
Learning Never Stops
One of the greatest benefits of joining our community is the opportunity to continue learning.
Throughout the year, we may offer:
- Live demonstrations
- Hands-on workshops
- Guest instructors
- Show-and-tell sessions
- Carving challenges
- Community events
No matter your skill level, there’s always something new to learn.
Become Part of the Community
The Memphis Woodcarvers Association is more than a place to carve—it’s a place to make friends, exchange ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and encourage one another.
Many of our members will tell you they originally came to learn how to carve but stayed because of the friendships they built along the way.
We hope you’ll become part of our community.
We Look Forward to Meeting You
If you have questions before attending your first meeting, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our Contact page to get in touch, or check our Calendar of Events to see when we’re meeting next.
Whether you’re curious about carving your first spoon, creating a relief carving, learning chip carving, or simply looking for a new hobby, there’s a place for you at the Memphis Woodcarvers Association.
Welcome—we’re glad you’re here!