How to carve a comfort bird: guide, patterns, template

How can a person make something that will have an impact on the lives of many people?

How is that the creation then starts to live its own life, be picked up by people and reproduced and become something known everywhere in the world? Well, although this happens quite often, we don’t know how it happens or what makes the creation so perfect and useful that the humanity accepts it into its life as if it has always been there. It is always a mystery, but one of such mysteries is unfolding now before our eyes. I’m talking about comfort birds.

The author humbly explains that he just got an idea to make a comfort bird when he looked at a small painted bird made for Christmas ornament by a friend. Since this day in 1982, a wood carver from Pennsylvania Frank Foust has made over 1000 birds and he is planning to continue this project. It takes Frank about 2 hours to make a bird. He uses different kinds of hardwood, among them is cherry, walnut, maple, mahogany, and other kinds of wood. Frank aims in making birds with pretty grain pattern on them. The color of the wood and the grain pattern give each bird its individual unique beauty. Frank never keeps the money received from this project; he sells the birds raising money for charity. For example, he was able to send $1 000 for the Haitian earthquake relief fund. That is how the birds are twice helpful. The money raised from them helps people in need, but those who buy the birds usually give them away. The little helpers are given to sick people, to those who are in pain mentally or physically, who have suffered loss, or to those who are struggling with depression or just need comfort. Holding this bird, a person feels comforted, and the stress goes away.

How can these little wooden toys bring comfort and relieve stress?

Maybe because a comfort bird has a simple shape and a smooth, nice-to-touch texture. The wood that it is made of is beautiful and calming to look at. The whole bird image brings out the thoughts of hope, peace and good news. Maybe because even the money that was paid for the birds was used to help people. Maybe because the birds are given with love and remind people that they are not alone, that there is someone who cares for them. We don’t know exactly how, but apparently it works because these birds are popular now, they have already traveled around the globe and are known not only in Americas but in Europe and China. You can find many carving tool kits here.

There is not much information about him, but there is a lot of little birds everywhere seeking to bring peace and love to those who need it. Everybody can carve a comfort bird, it is simple in form but is beautiful, has an amazing story behind it, and makes a wonderful gift. And it's to carve a bird with BeaverCraft Comfort Bird Carving Kit!.

Essential Tools and Materials for Comfort Bird Carving

If you're interested in wood carving and want to try creating a beautiful and meaningful piece of art, then a Comfort Bird carving project may be just what you need.

But before you dive into the step-by-step guide on how to carve a Comfort Bird, you'll need to prepare all the essential tools and materials to make the project a success.

Tools for carving a Comfort Bird:

• Carving Knife. A sharp and sturdy carving knife is a must-have tool for any wood carving project. It will help you shape and cut the wood with ease and precision.
• DIY Kit. If you are a beginner, investing in an all-in-one DIY carving kit is an excellent idea. It comes with all the necessary tools and materials, including a Comfort Bird pattern, safety tape, wooden blocks, stropping accessories, sandpaper, and an easy-to-follow guide on bird carving.

Materials for carving a Comfort Bird:

• Wood. For this project, basswood or cherry is an ideal wood choice. They are soft, easy to carve, and have a smooth grain that enhances the bird's natural look.
• Sandpaper. You will need sandpaper with different grits to sand the bird's surface and give it a smooth finish.
• Beeswax. You will need it to protect and enhance the bird's natural beauty.
• Bird pattern.You will also need a template for carving the bird .

How to Carve a Comfort Bird?

Carving a Comfort Bird is a rewarding and enjoyable project for woodcarvers of all skill levels. But if you're new to the craft, carving a bird from a wood block can be intimidating. Fear not! In this step-by-step guide, we'll take you through the process of carving a Comfort Bird from start to finish and cover everything you need to know to create a beautiful and meaningful piece of art.

So, sharpen your tools, and let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare Comfort Bird Pattern

Before you start carving, you need to prepare a pattern to work from. You can find a printable pattern online or create your own. The pattern should include the bird's shape, beak, and tail.

Step 2: Transfer the Template to the Wood

With the pattern in hand, it's time to transfer it onto the wood blank. You can use carbon or tracing paper or glue the piece with a pattern onto the wood. Make sure to align it correctly to create a guide for your carving and ensure you stay on track as you begin to shape the wood.

Step 3: Cut Excessive Wood

Once you have the pattern traced onto the wood, it's time to start carving. Cut out the excess wood around the bird's shape. Start by cutting along the bird's outline, then work towards the center. Be careful not to cut too deep, as it can damage the bird's shape.

Step 4: Shape Out the Bird

With the excess wood removed, it's time to start shaping the bird. Use a carving knife to shape the bird's body, beak, and tail. Take your time and carve slowly, removing small amounts of wood at a time.

It's important to keep the bird's proportions in mind as you carve. Take breaks to step back and look at the bird from different angles to ensure you're staying true to the pattern.

Step 5: Sand the Comfort Bird

After you have shaped the bird, it's time to sand it. Start with coarse sandpaper and sand the bird's surface gently. Then move on to finer sandpaper and sand until the bird's surface is smooth and even. Sanding the bird will help to make it smooth and ready for finishing.

Step 6: Finish It with Wax

After all your hard work carving the Comfort Bird, protecting and enhancing its natural beauty is important. One of the best ways to do this is by applying a layer of beeswax to the bird's surface. The beeswax not only provides a protective coating but also helps to bring out the natural colors and patterns of the wood.

Rub the wax onto the bird's surface and let it dry. Then, using a soft cloth, buff the surface until it shines.

Step 7: Enjoy the Finished Comfort Bird Project

Congratulations! You have successfully carved a Comfort Bird. Enjoy the result of your work and share it with your loved ones.

Carving a Comfort Bird is a great way to start wood carving. With the right tools and materials and by following these steps, you can create a beautiful and meaningful piece of art. Remember to take your time and work carefully, and most importantly, have fun!

DIY Bird Wood Carving Kit – a Simple Way to Learn How to Carve a Bird out of Wood

Hardly anyone can confidently name the period of occurrence of products made of wood. Initially, the carving masters created wooden idols depicting animals or gods. Wooden figures mainly served as talismans. But there are also those who enjoy this ancient craft of wood carving birds, figurines of animals, and people till this day.

Carving comfort birds is an admired and exciting activity. You can recreate all the bird carving patterns in different techniques. And in the process of carving, you will experience only positive emotions because a bird wood carving can help you relax and relieve stress. Carving little wooden birds is not just interesting. It is also a beneficial hobby for adults and children. It contributes to creative thinking, perseverance, calmness, logic, fantasy, and imagination.

 

Author:

Roman Law

Wood carving guru

 
From a childhood enchanted by nature, my passion for wood carving guided me on a path of creativity. With a pocket knife, I uncovered the transformative power of my hands, breathing life into driftwood and forging a lifelong connection with the medium.