This page is mainly for those who are interested in learning more about  traditional woodcraft and/or giving it a try themselves.

I have been able to learn a great deal, thanks in part to some very skilled, experienced folks willing to share their knowledge and advice through books, video, and online.  Below, I have boiled it down to a few essential sources.  They, in turn, will lead to many  more.

Web Sites

• Country Workshops is a traditional woodcraft school run by Drew and Louise Langsner.  I have not traveled there, but their website is a tremendous source for inspiration, tools, and advice.  There is a forum that is a treasure trove of questions and answers related to greenwoodworking.  There is a very detailed bowl carving tutorial by Drew Langsner.  There are tools for sale specifically selected for this type of work.  In my experience it is the single most complete source for greenwoodworking tools of the highest quality.  Also a source for books, videos, and other materials.
• The Association of Pole Lathe Turners and Greenwood Workers is an organization of people dedicated to working naturally with wood.  Based in the U.K., their website includes a very active ask and answer forum that continually provides enlightenment.  Many of the contributors have links to their blogs and websites that are uniquely informative -- such as those of Robin Wood and Peter Follansbee.

Books and Videos

• The  best and most-complete book I have read specifically on  carving bowls and spoons is Swedish Carving Techniques by Wille Sundqvist.  It is out of print, but you can find it for sale used or through your public library.
• Wille Sundqvist's son, Jogge Sunqvist, made a companion video to the book.  The video is called Carving Swedish Woodenware with Jogge Sunqvist.  It is excellent. 
  

More Books

Some more related books I recommend (in no particular order):

• The Wheelwright's Shop by George Sturt
• The Village Carpenter by Walter Rose
• Living Wood and Green Woodwork by Mike Abbott
• All woodcarving books by Chris Pye
• All books by Roy Underhill
• All books by Eric Sloane
• Celebrating Birch by North House Folk School
• The Wooden Bowl  by Robin Wood
• Restoring, Tuning and Using Classic Woodworking Tools by Michael Dunbar
• Cedar by Hilary Stewart
• The Forgotten Crafts by John Seymour
• A Handmade Life by Wm. S. Coperthwaite
• The Art of Joinery by Joseph Moxon
• The Joiner and Cabinet Maker (can be found at Lost Art Press) 
• The Nature and Art of Workmanship and The Nature and Aesthetics of Design by David Pye
• Carving and Whittling: The Swedish Style by G. and I. Ljungberg
• Craftsmen of Necessity by Christopher Williams
• Country Woodcraft; Handmade; Green Woodworking; The Chairmaker's Workshop by Drew Langsner
• Woodland Crafts in Britain by H.L. Edlin
• Oak Furniture the British Tradition by Victor Chinnery
• Timber Frame Construction by Sobon and Schroeder
• The Little Book of Whittling by Chris Lubkemann

Greenwoodworking

There are many more possibilities in greenwoodworking than carving bowls and spoons.  One of the first things that opened my eyes to this was Make a Chair from a Tree.  This book (and video) masterfully takes one through the process of making a very comfortable post-and-rung chair like the one in the photo above.  I learned so much from that project, and it is a great place to sit and carve. 

The author, Jennie Alexander, continues to research and practice greenwood joinery, and has a website with some valuable articles (shaving horse, tapered reamer, further links, and more) and guidance.   

Safety

I have never hurt myself with any of these tools, other than an occasional and inevitable nick with the knife.  Having said that, these tools are quite capable of doing some serious damage -- especially an axe.  If you're going to try these things, make sure you are focused and alert, and read up on the safe use of them, or take a class.  I think if you take that advice into account, they are safer than something with an electric motor.  I know guys that have lost fingers to tablesaws, but I have yet to meet anybody with sufficient patience to cut off his finger with a hand saw.  And there's no need for a respirator or hearing protection.  Breathe easy and listen to some music or birds while you work.

The safe use of tools is a valuable skill for children to learn.  Among other things, it helps in the development of dexterity and confidence.  My kids like to carve occassionally.