FAQ's

I'm one of those people who likes to see things in person before I buy them. Do you have a 'brick-and-mortar' location where I can resist the urge to impulse buy in person instead of online?

 We're currently living the digital nomad lifestyle, so our shop is strictly online for now. But don't worry, if your order arrives looking like it survived a tumble down a mountain or if you're feeling a tad underwhelmed, please don't hesitate to hit us up. We're here to make things right!"

 I've got this uncontrollable urge to turn a block of wood into something resembling art, but I'm afraid my current skills might result in more splinters than sculptures. Can you offer a lifeline to a would-be woodcarver?

 Ah, the age-old question: 'Can I actually turn this block of wood into something resembling art without accidentally resembling a caveman?' Fear not, fellow aspiring woodcarver! While Michelangelo might have been born with a chisel in hand, we mere mortals can learn. Start small, think simple shapes, and embrace the fact that your first masterpiece might look more like abstract art than a realistic sculpture. Besides, the journey is half the fun, right? (And hey, at least you're not trying to carve a life-size dinosaur on your first try.) We offer a wide variety of woodcarving books and several for the rookie carver. Visit our "how to get started" page for more details.

 I found this 'bargain bin' woodcarving kit online that could probably buy me a lifetime supply of coffee. Your tools, well, let's just say they're in a different league. So, spill the beans – what makes your tools worth the investment?

 Okay, I know what you're thinking: 'Why spend more on a chisel when you can get a whole set for the price of a decent lunch?' But trust me, cheap tools are like those 'one-hit wonder' bands – they might seem impressive at first, but they quickly lose their edge (and your patience). You see, quality tools, my friend, are crafted from steel that's tougher than a seasoned lumberjack. They hold their edge like a champion, meaning you spend less time sharpening and more time actually carving. Plus, honing them back to razor sharpness is a breeze, unlike those budget blades that crumble faster than a stale cookie. So, invest in quality, and you'll be rewarded with years of frustration-free carving and maybe even a few 'woodcarving rockstar' status points.

 I'm a bit intimidated by the idea of sharpening tools. Can I get away with just admiring the wood and pretending to be a woodcarver until I'm brave enough to tackle the sharpening aspect?

Good news! You don’t need to be a master sharpener to start woodcarving—just like you don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy a good meal. There are actual professionals out there whose entire job is sharpening tools, and they love doing it! So, you can focus on carving, and let them handle the scary sharpening part. Think of it like outsourcing your homework to a straight-A student—except this time, it’s totally allowed!

I'm eager to dive into woodcarving, but I'm not looking to spend the next decade mastering intricate techniques. Is there a style that's known for being more... beginner-friendly? Something that won't make me want to throw my tools across the room in frustration?

Let's see, if I were to ask 5 woodcarvers this question, I would most likely get 5 different answers! Absolutely! If you're eager to get started without losing your sanity (or your tools), you might want to try whittling—the perfect beginner-friendly style. All you need is a piece of wood, a sharp knife, and a bit of patience. It's like the "snackable content" of woodcarving: small, manageable projects that won’t require you to spend years perfecting tiny details.

Another great option is chip carving. It's like doodling on wood—just make a few small cuts to create simple geometric patterns. It's surprisingly satisfying and far less likely to make you yell, "Why did I start this?!"

So grab some wood, channel your inner lumberjack, and embrace the idea that even imperfect carvings have "rustic charm." Just remember, the only thing you're carving faster than wood is a path to stress-free creativity
 

 Okay, I might be a bit of a woodcarving newbie, but I keep hearing these terms thrown around – 'woodcarving' and 'whittling.' Are they like different levels of wood-based enlightenment? Or am I just overthinking things?

 The old-timers, bless their cotton socks, say whittling is like the original CrossFit – just you, a knife, and the raw power of your wrist. But then, someone invented those fancy schmancy gouges, and suddenly it's a whole new sport. Nowadays, with all these fancy tools, it's called 'woodcarving.' Progress, I suppose. Just as long as you don't call me a beginner."

Do you offer beginner-level carving kits that don’t cost an arm and a leg (or finger)?

Absolutely! We’ve got beginner-level carving kits that are perfect for keeping all your fingers intact (we can’t guarantee the same for the wood, though). Our Skinny Santa Ornament Kit, Skinny Tree Ornament Kit, and Snowman Ornament Carving Kit are ideal for newbies—they’re fun, festive, and come with easy-to-follow instructions.

You’ll carve charming holiday cheer without accidentally creating “Abstract Santa Missing a Limb.” And don’t worry, these kits are budget-friendly, so your wallet stays as happy as your unscathed hands. So grab a kit, take it slow, and let the carving magic begin! Head over to our "Learn to Carve" page in the Woodcarving Menu and get started!

Why did I get two packages for one order?

You’re not seeing double — some of our items ship from different places because we team up with print partners all over the country (and sometimes beyond). That way, your shirt, mug, or mystery item can get to you quicker — even if it takes the scenic route.

Am I being charged double shipping?!

Nope! Just one shipping charge covers it all. Whether it shows up in one happy bundle or a couple of surprise deliveries, it’s all included.

How will I know what’s coming when?
We’ll email you tracking info for each part of your order. So you can stalk your packages like any responsible modern human.

How long does it take to process an order?

We move fast — but we’re not robots (yet). Orders with printed items usually take 2–3 days because magic (a.k.a. printing) takes a little time. For other items, we try to ship the same day or next day because we know you’re excited! Basically, we’re hustling behind the scenes to get your order out the door faster than you can say “Did it ship yet?” Keep an eye on your email for tracking — it’s on the way!