Stephen Fleming - Weekend Whittling For Kids And Parents: Beginner Guide with 31 Easy Projects for Digital Detox & Family Bonding

Weekend Whittling For Kids and parents

Beginner Guide with 31 Easy Projects for

Digital Detox & Family Bonding

Stephen Fleming

Bonus Booklet

Thanks for purchasing the book. In addition to the content, we are also providing an additional booklet consisting of a Monthly Planner and Project Schedule template for your first project.

It contains valuable information about woodworking and leather craft.

Download the booklet by typing the below link.

http://bit.ly/leatherbonus

Cheers!

Copyright 2020 Stephen Fleming

All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Word of Caution

Woodworking can turn dangerous as I've personally seen and heard about many unfortunate accidents; therefore, the utmost priority should be given to safety and security while practicing this rewarding activity.

Specifically, I'll share all my experience in this book, but it's essential to remember that woodworking is naturally risky, just like various other kinds of practices.

Failure to use devices and tools appropriately or not adhering to recommended safety standards could result in significant injury.

It's your responsibility to make sure that you fully understand your tools and devices and how to use them properly before attempting a woodworking task.

Thoroughly read, recognize, and adhere to your tools or devices' most current guidelines and safety precautions.

Any book, video, or other learning means can't replace learning physically from an expert. These forms of information offer only additional guidance to be used along with practical demonstration and training from an experienced woodworker.

Kids should practice it strictly under adult supervision, and a first aid kit should be kept nearby in case of any cut.

All the projects mentioned reflect my unique way of doing it. The same projects can be executed differently by other woodcrafters. So use any technique at your own risk.

In sum, the first and foremost tip is to wear all the safety equipment and follow protective guidelines every time you practice woodworking. The author is not responsible in any way for an injury caused by practicing woodworking.

PREFACE

Are you a parent looking for ways to engage with your kids, bond with them, and have fun?

Are you looking for ways to help turn off the smart phones, tablets, and television and still have your kids and teens occupied with a fun activity?

In an ever-changing society, there aren't a whole lot of activities that are geared towards children, teens, and parents. Marketing strategies have become so specific that they target the exact age ranges.

Fortunately, if you take a step back from "modern" society, you can get involved in some age-old crafts and practical skills that are fun for the whole family!

Wood carving and whittling are two such crafts. Not only are there projects that range in difficulty for different skill and age groups, but there are some projects that can be completed by two people, giving you a chance to interact and bond with your children face to face. Without the input of noise and visual stimulation from screen entertainment, you and your children can talk to each other and create something together.

Wood carving and whittling are detail-oriented crafts, so it is best to unplug completely, removing distractions like phones and screened devices while participating. It is a good excuse for you and your children to step back and develop a different set of skills.

By utilizing this book, you'll learn why wood carving and whittling are important skills. You will be taught basic techniques and be introduced to the proper tools and materials for these crafts. Additionally, you'll have several beginner projects with step by step instructions to get started on with your children. This is a great place to start you and your children's digital detox and bonding activities!

Stephen Fleming

1. Introduction

Father and son starting to whittle

Woodcarving vs. Whittling:

Carving involves using a knife, a chisel, and a club to develop a figure or sculpture; whittling is easier than carving. It applies only a knife and wooden piece to make artistic creations. So, whittling is the simplest form of wood carving.

Why are wood carving and whittling relevant today?

There are many reasons that wood carving and whittling can come in handy. When considering taking up wood carving or whittling with your children, it is best to look at it from an educational standpoint. What do whittling and wood carving provide for the crafters?

First, whittling and wood carving is detail-oriented crafts that require concentration and attention. This means that both you and your children have a chance to step away from screen time, gaming, and television. Your eyes get a rest from the constant blue light that screens produce, and your mind begins to exercise different skill sets. It is also an engaging activity that requires the hands and eyes to be involved. Therefore, children with ADD/ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or who like to keep their hands occupied will thrive on a craft like woodwork.

The Whittling Boy Painting: Winslow Homer / Public domain

While many schools remain closed due to the current global pandemic, kids worldwide aren't getting out as much. (This book is written during Corona/Covid pandemic in 2020. If reading after that, I hope all is well!)

They are isolated from their friends and their education, and it is so easy to get sucked into added hours of screen time if they feel bored. An activity like woodworking gives you a chance to bond with your children and learn a new skill together. This helps reduce feelings of isolation, gives them socialization, and can even contribute to their education.

By learning a new skill and exercising their creativity, their body and mind continue to grow. Additionally, kids can learn a lot just by interacting with their parents regularly. When you take up a craft together, they will watch you and listen to you and learn new things unrelated to woodworking.

The benefits of practicing wood carving and whittling for children, teens, and even you, parents, are focus and concentration, imagination, and paying attention to detail. It might not seem like it, but those skills could also vastly improve your child and teen's academic experience once they return to school.

Impact of creative skills on kids growth

Take a look at the two charts below to see the advantages of your kids learning a creative craft or skill and the effect of too much screen time on human brain development.

Importance of creativity in learning

While it might not be a widely practiced skill today, wood carving is one of the oldest craft practices for humans. Back when a human first shaped a piece of wood decoratively with a stone, the wood carving began. However, whittling didn't come about until later when sharpened metal knives were available.