Written by Janet Bolyard, Author of “Complete Guide to Soap Carving”
The Desert Woodcarving Show started their soap carving program in 2010 to introduce the techniques and skill of wood carving to young people. This is a stepping stone way for parents to have their children introduced to the art of wood carving using very safe tools. In addition, soap carving has been shown to help develop 3-dimensional art concepts as well as artistic and motor skills for people of all ages. It is a great way for someone with arthritis or limited hand strength to enjoy the art of carving when carving wood is not possible. Club members teach the carvers with a very hands on approach. The student carver uses wooden tools sharpen as a v-tool, gouge and a knife.
At the show, the student carvers of all ages are given a bar of soap and patterns to use, or they may choose to do their own design. Ivory soap is the soap of choice. Ivory is hypoallergenic and it has even consistency throughout the bar making it easy to carve.
The Desert Woodcarving Show sells soap carving kits so that participants can have more fun at home. The proceeds from sales goes to funding the tools, supplies and soaps for the kids and big kids (moms, dads, grandparents …..) at our event.
Kits include the 3 wooden carving tools (a gouge, a knife and a v-tool), patterns, carving mat, tool box and a bar of soap-all for $8.00. Many grandparents purchase soap carving kits and enjoy working with their grandkids on the simple project designs included in the kit.
