The Modern Woodcarver

In this episode of the Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with woodcarver Cody Bonham, the artist behind Block & Knife. What started as a shared passion for carving eventually turned into a friendship, and in this conversation we talk about the journey from carvers to friends.Cody is known for his instantly recognizable ghost carvings, but behind the work is a deeper story about developing a style, staying consistent, and finding your place in the woodcarving community. We talk about how Cody got started, how his signature ghosts came to life, and what it takes to keep creating and evolving as a maker.This episode is a relaxed and honest conversation about carving, creativity, and the connections that form when people share the same craft.If you're a woodcarver, maker, or someone who simply loves the process of creating things by hand, you'll enjoy this conversation.Follow Cody and his work:Instagram: @block_and_knife  https://www.instagram.com/block_and_knifeFacebook: Block and Knife Crafts www.facebook.com/blockandknifecraftsEtsy: www.etsy.com/shop/BlockandKnife

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I’m breaking down five of the most common mistakes beginner woodcarvers make — and more importantly, how to avoid them.When I first started carving, I made just about every mistake in the book. From choosing the wrong wood to rushing projects and getting frustrated with slow progress, I learned the hard way that carving is a craft built on patience, repetition, and smart fundamentals.Today we’re talking about:Choosing the wrong wood speciesUsing dull tools (and why sharpness changes everything)Trying to carve too detailed, too soonComparing your work to advanced carversGiving up when projects don’t go as plannedIf you’re new to woodcarving — or even if you’ve been carving for a while — this episode will help you build better habits and avoid the setbacks that can slow your progress.Woodcarving isn’t about perfection. It’s about steady growth, adapting when things go wrong, and learning to enjoy the process.If this episode helps you, share it with another carver and leave a review — it helps the show grow and reach more people in the carving community.

In this very first episode of The Modern Woodcarver, I share the story of how my woodcarving journey began — with a simple wood spirit carved from a block of mahogany and a YouTube tutorial.What started as curiosity quickly became something much deeper. Woodcarving has brought me joy, focus, and a creative outlet that challenges me to slow down, reflect, and grow. It’s taught me patience. It’s taught me how to handle mistakes. And most importantly, it’s connected me to an incredible community of talented carvers around the world.In this episode, I talk about:Why I chose a wood spirit for my first projectWhat carving has taught me about patience and persistenceHow I approach mistakes and adapt when things don’t go as plannedWhat you can expect from this podcast moving forwardWhether you're an experienced carver, just getting started, or simply curious about the craft, I hope this episode inspires you to pick up a knife, embrace the process, and enjoy the journey.Welcome to The Modern Woodcarver.