Stop Overthinking Your Woodcarving | Ryan Newsome

From whittling around campfires as a park ranger to carving 60–70 pieces a year, Ryan Newsome shares how practice, experimentation, and community have shaped his woodcarving journey.

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, Michael Gurrado talks with Ryan about caricature carving, finding tools that fit your hand, and learning to take risks with bolder cuts. Ryan also explains how he uses AI to turn ideas into carving references while keeping the carving process hands-on.

We discuss:

• Why Ryan enjoys the creative freedom of caricature carving

• His go-to knives and favorite Badger State Blades profiles

• Building skills through carving heads, story sticks, and quick challenges

• Taking your time, experimenting, and learning from mistakes

• Using AI as a tool for developing designs

• Starting a local carving community through a grant-funded class

• Carvers for a Cause and using woodcarving to help others

Along the way, we talk about the Charlotte Wood Carving Showcase, carving wherever you can, sharpening, cluttered benches, and the temptation to buy just one more tool.

Whether you’re picking up your first carving knife or have been carving for years, join us for a conversation about creativity, community, and enjoying the next block of wood.

TOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKS

Flexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0: https://amzn.to/4eFL872
Finger Tape Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPm
BeaverCraft Leather Strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mg
Pfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3
FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQ
STAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3SkLqqA
Replacement Pencil Lead: https://amzn.to/43eWuba
Pencil Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4e1arym
Gravity Timer: https://amzn.to/4dLGp2M

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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