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Howdy !
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Last week, a friend told me about a chip carving he'd spotted on the cover of Woodcarving magazine, and I just had to see what all the fuss was about. The carving is by Aleksei Kobzev, who calls his style "Zencarving"—and as you can see, the miniature chip
carving on a sphere is amazing! The sheer number of intricate chips is mind-boggling, and the craftsmanship is top-notch.
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As impressive as it is, I’ll admit it’s a little overwhelming to look at for too long—so much detail packed into such a small space! Personally, I like to keep a balance between carved and uncarved areas to create some contrast. But that’s just my preference. It doesn’t take away from the fact that carving that many chips on a curved surface is a real challenge. It would be fun to try, if only for the experience
(though I’m not sure how "zen" I’d feel by the end of it! 😂).
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What about you? Do you prefer highly detailed carvings, or do you like to let some wood show through for contrast? Maybe you’ve tried your hand at miniature chip carving or have tips for tackling curved surfaces. I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your own attempts—email me at troy@mychipcarving.com
!
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August's Monthly ProjectÂ
2025 Christmas OrnamentÂ
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This year's pattern is a combination of straight and curved cuts. The curved cuts help create the diamond shapes. A horizontal hole is drilled in the sides at the peak for a ribbon to pass through.
It includes a high quality beveled mirror that is glued in place with clear silicone sealant after carving is completed. Basswood 11-3/4 x 5 x 5/8″!
