Who invented love spoons

It is a lovely process, with much fascination along the journey of transforming a beautiful piece of wood into a traditional Welsh lovespoon. The time it takes and the wood used is all part of the story but regardless of what came first and how long it took the end result it always worth the journey undertaken.

Throughout the year we are fortunate enough to have numerous groups and individuals visit us at our family workshop and as a result certain questions provide a recurring theme.

One such question is regarding the very basis of the tradition itself and that is the idea of why a spoon? On numerous occasions each year this proposition is put forward to us. In order to deal with this enquiry it is necessary to return to the very beginnings of the lovespoon and in some ways try to fill in the gaps that have been left upon its journey and evolution.

To begin with, it is best to focus upon the aspects of the tradition that are known. For instance the lovespoon tradition is dated back to the 17th century. This is supported by the fact that here in Wales a surviving lovespoon dated remains in existence and is in residence at The National Folk Museum of Wales. Therefore the 17th century remains the starting point in the history of the Welsh lovespoon tradition.

It is also evident that messages were included within the designs of lovespoons throughout its evolution. This is an aspect of the tradition that has been continued here at The Lovespoon Workshop and something that is used as a cornerstone of the way the tradition is presented through our family workshop. Whilst some aspects of the tradition are clear, others remain more open and as such can be interpreted in different ways. The thoughts that are put forward in regards to this question include the idea that lovespoons originate from practical cooking style utensils.

Indeed, early examples of knives, forks and spoons remain in existence today. The process of being developed into a lovespoon, includes the decorating of the stem in a variety of different ways, including names and dates. The existence of sets of knives, forks and spoons also raises the notion that lovespoons might have been made as gifts for weddings.

Local craftsmen fashioning various personalised utensils for the young couple as a practical and personal token for their future together. A spoon is often used to mix and blend, bringing ingredients together. This is reflected within a relationship together, as two become one within a relationship the ingredients that make up the two individuals must be mixed together in order to create a new working recipe.

As a family grows, new ingredients are added to the recipe and as they are blended together a family unit develops. The mixing and blending of two lives and personalities together in the journey of life and love as a couple, it is apparent that a spoon has greater relevance than other practical cooking and eating utensils.

As always it is necessary to air a note of caution that some of the ideas presented are based upon educated guesses and interpretation. We do know that hidden messages were included within lovespoons and this provides us plenty of scope to conclude that the use of a spoon was no accident and indeed carried an additional importance. To begin with we would like to wish everyone a health and happy As always, the Christmas time proved a busy one for us and thankfully our latest unique handcarved lovespoon is complete and on display for all to see here at The Lovespoon Workshop.

We are very excited to once again be able to share the stories that this unique lovespoon has to tell. As always our lovespoon to record the previous twelve months has proved to be a challenging yet rewarding process. It has certainly thrown up a few surprises for us but settling upon a theme of celebrating 50 years of us handcarving lovespoons as a family, has provided a positive backdrop to base our story upon.

Check out the links below to see the process of how our latest lovespoon was both designed and handcarved. The vidoes above highlight how the process of designing and making lovespoons can be an all consuming process. Indeed the process of developing the ideas that form the story of a lovespoon can take a considerable amount of time to formulate and even then the final ideas can be completely different to those first outlined.

It is all part of the lovespoon process and as such we continue to enjoy this fascinating stage. We have often stated that developing ideas for a lovespoon can almost take on a life of its own and the finished design and ideas can be very different from the ones that we originally expressed.

Our latest lovespoon certainly highlights that the final lovespoon can be somewhat of a surprise, even to ourselves. The start of a new year is often a good time to formulate new ideas. Over the last few years we have seen an ever increasing presence online, via our website and various social media platforms.

This has led to an increase in time and resources being dedicated to the digital audience. Whilst this may seem a world away from what we do, it is actually in keeping with how our family workshop has always developed. The methods used to make our lovespoons are very traditional, using hand tools and dedicating many hours to handcarving with a wide variety of chisels and gouges.

These methods have continued unchanged here at The Lovespoon Workshop and have indeed stood the test of time.

However, it has always been recognised, that to remain relevant within the modern world we live, some aspects need to be utilised in order to reach out to those who have an interest in what we seek to preserve. With the above in mind, it is always a great pleasure when a message is received from someone else who is having a go at handcarving their own lovespoons and needs that little bit of direction in overcoming an obstacle that has presented itself.

It is also good to know that the new platforms have proved effective in bringing a new audience to us. Returning to today, it is a fascination to study the map to see exactly where some of our lovespoons reach throughout the world, places including Dubai, Israel, Canada, Hong Kong, China and Russia, to name just a few, as well as all corners of the USA and Europe. Without a digital platform such a global audience would prove so much more difficult to cater for and it is wonderful to be able to present our tradition to this audience.

Clearly, digital platforms have had a huge effect upon our family workshop in recent years. To be able to reach out to such a varied and widespread audience is an opportunity that up until recent times seemed impossible. Such opportunities present us with some challenges but also provide the motivation and direction to develop the work we are doing in presenting the lovespoon tradition in an authentic and unique manner. Indeed, it is our intention to introduce more of what we do here, on a day to day basis at The Lovespoon Workshop, to a digital audience throughout Returning to the theme of our lovespoon and the message that we portray, our lovespoon to record is a celebration of what we have done over the last 50 years as a family through the Welsh lovespoon tradition.

The methods and scale of delivering the message might have changed greatly but we continue to express a simple message of love. Our love story began in through presenting a simple lovespoon as a proposal of marriage and love remains the corner stone of all that we do as we move forward into a New Year. As always we do not know where the next step upon our journey in life and love with the Welsh lovespoon will take us.

We hope that the journey will continue to allow us to express our message of love. How many times is it said that time flies but how true it is. It seems equally inconceivable that could have been busier that but indeed it proved to be so.

The steady flow of groups and individuals through the workshop doors remained a constant throughout the year but the digital audience is where the greatest developments have continued to come.

New designs and ideas were developed, bespoke requests came in at an ever increasing rate and our lovespoon to record the year is proving to be a popular, contemporary and unique proposition.

Indeed at times during it proved somewhat difficult to keep pace with the rate of development and as such it is a great delight to witness the ever increasing interest that the wider world has for the Welsh lovespoon tradition. Two big school projects provided a focal point earlier in the year and the opportunity to share our tradition with future generations is one that was enthusiastically grasped. The chance to inspire those who might be the future of the Welsh lovespoon is something that has always been at the heart of what The Lovespoon Workshop has presented over the last 44 years.

The role of custodians of the tradition is an important one and it is hoped that such projects might help to build the foundations for others to embrace the lovespoon tradition within Wales and continue to present it to the wider world in their own unique way.

As always it has been a great pleasure to meet so many people, some new and others more familiar but we remain grateful to all for the continued support in keeping The Lovespoon Workshop a popular visitor attraction for those wishing to seek out the authentic and uniquely Welsh.

To play a small role in the celebration of so many happy occasions, from births to weddings, engagements and anniversaries too, it is a blessing to contribute in a simple yet unique way. The ideas that are presented have provided much inspiration and challenge for us and in equal measures.

Bespoke ideas including boats and various birds, castles and cathedrals, tents and sheep, logos and flowers of all different kinds.

The challenge that designing and creating such lovespoons continue to push us to improve our skills. Each and every project presents its own issues to overcome but it is this that retains our love for what we do. With our thoughts moving onto , here at The Lovespoon Workshop we will seek to continually progress in our work with continuing the 17th century welsh lovespoon tradition in Wales today.

As always it is recognised that further progress will be made and as such further development will continue here at our family workshop. The ideas for further development are already afoot and in we hope to be able to present our ideas to the wider world. Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas as we move into what will hopefully be an exciting here at The Lovespoon Wrokshop.

Sourcing wood to make lovespoons from is something that we are continually focussed upon. As a family business we pride ourselves on using wood from sustainable sources. It is necessity to have a constant supply of wood to allow us to continually produce more lovespoons. Sources of wood include, the use of old furniture, fixtures and fittings. Local tree surgeons are another valuable link in our chain of sourcing wood for making our lovespoons from.

Our local furniture sale is another valuable resource for the wood we use and it never ceases to amaze how hardwood is often viewed as being of little value. For us good quality hardwood is extremely valuable and is always at the core of what we do here at our family workshop.

Whilst these sources of wood listed above are invaluable, we are always open to the idea of seeking out new ways to source wood. Whilst on holiday in central Spain such an opportunities are presented. One Wood, known locally as Sabina is seen throughout the area that we stay in and has been used for a wide variety of purposes.

Today Sabina, translated into English as Juniper is protected within this region and as such is not an obvious choice to source. However, whilst cutting pathways for electricity cables the authorities often clear sections of trees in order to create a route for the lines to follow. Instead of the wood being stored and dried under cover, it is often discarded and left with no further purpose. This is where the opportunity is presented to source this beautiful wood.

Many within the area simply go out seeking the wood that remains in the location where it was felled. Due to the favourable climate it is usually perfectly sound and often partially or completely dried and ready for processing. For ourselves this leaves one clear challenge, how to get the wood back to West Wales? Thankfully, due to the global world that we now live in this is not a significant challenge, with a number of options available to move the wood back to our workshop.

Whilst it is true that it is preferable to find the wood in closer proximity to our workshop, the opportunity to make use of this beautiful wood is too great to disregard. The colours and character of Sabina is truly striking and the lovespoons crafted from it really do stand out from the crowd. If the opportunity waas not acted upon it is likely that the wood would remain unused and simply left within the environment that it was felled.

Being open to using a wide variety of sustainable woods opens up an entire world of woods with a variety of colours and character. It also provides a greater selection in the finished appearance of each and every lovespoon crafted. It is another example of the evolution of the lovespoon tradition and another way to bring a greater amount of choice in regards to what we can offer.

Here at The Lovespoon Workshop providing the greatest possible choice is always a focal point of what we do and extending this to the wood itself provides an extra dimension to how we present the lovespoon tradition in the modern world today.

As previously discussed, here at The Lovespoon Workshop we are constantly kept occupied with sharing the amazing Welsh lovespoon tradition and it is difficult to find the time to think about how we continue to present the lovespoon in the most authentic manner, whilst keeping it relevant within an ever changing modern world. However, during August the younger members of the family took a little break, giving us a chance to reflect on how we continue to present the lovespoon tradition through our family workshop.

This time can prove particularly valuable because it allows us to consider ways to improve upon what we do. To not continually strive for improvement would be taking steps in a backwards direction. When visiting new places, it is particularly exciting for myself to visit other small family businesses, to see how they present the traditions and products that are distinctive within their respective regions.

The links we have within Spain prove invaluable in this process. It affords us the opportunity to seek out new sustainable sources of wood and also to find places and small businesses that many international tourists within Spain would seldom find.

Sourcing wood in Spain is a topic that will be revisited in the coming months. This is something that has always been very close to my heart. It is lovely to see how the various local product are presented and how willing the people are to share that little bit extra about the things they have, their family business and the area the are in. The entire experience is personal and being able to put a face, voice and background history to the process of buying a few souvenirs gives the entire process a more meaningful feel.

Indeed, on returning home a few small gifts from local producers provide the backdrop to share the feel and flavour of the region visited, as well as the people that have put their time and love in the making and presentation of the products that have often been at the heart of their community. Supporting small local businesses really is something we believe strongly in.

In a world where big businesses, big banks, multi national corporations and ever increasing government regulation, it is increasingly difficult for the little guy to survive. If the small shops are to have a chance in a world where everything is in the favour of big business, we hope that enough people will continue to supporting the small local family businesses and the colour and character that make different areas distinctive will remain.

A world without the little guy would indeed be a much poorer and less interesting place to be. Back in the spring we were asked to make a special lovespoon for our local primary school. A school that I myself was fortunate enough to attend.

Today our two sons are in attendance at the school, so being asked to make a lovespoon was something that we were very pleased to be involved with. The person that was the recipient of the lovespoon was the retiring head teacher. Being involved in recording the massive contribution that has been made to the local community was something that we were delighted about.

Forty years of dedication is definitely worth recording and in a world where loyalty and longevity is becoming increasingly rare it is a stand out contribution.

It also gives us pause for thought, attending our local primary school provided a solid foundation for building many of the skills and practices that would in the future be utilised within our developing family business.

Whilst the practical process of handcarving Welsh lovespoons was learnt and developed within the confines of our family workshop, other skills that have become invaluable in the development of our family business were introduced during these formative years whilst attending primary school.

Attitudes like the need to work hard, be dedicated and determined to achieve success were all introduced, developed and reinforced during these all important years. An interest in learning and the desire to improve and develop were also developed whilst in attendance at primary school, as well as the need for being reliable in the work that you do.

All these core values being introduced and developed at a young age really have provided a solid platform for us to develop the work we do here at The Lovespoon Workshop. Being involved in this project provided much food for thought about how our small family workshop has evolved over the last forty four years.

Indeed as a new generation in myself and my brothers, sister and extended family became increasingly involved within the business new ideas, methods and practices saw a gradual but significant change in the way we organise the workshop. With this in mind it moves our thoughts onto the next generation. Will they have an interest in the lovespoon tradtion and if so how will they develop upon what we have presented here since Will the lovespoon retain the interest that it currently enjoys and will more be done to protect the authenticity of this icon of the Welsh nation.

Whilst it is fun to consider these ideas momentarily our focus remains upon the here and now. The lovespoon is a wonderful tradition and we continue to present it in the most authentic manner possible.

How future generations choose to present it is something that they will have to decide upon for themselves. We live in hope that they will continue this amazing tradition and will enjoy being involved with it but ultimately our hopes and dreams are that our children will be healthy and happy in whatever they do. On a personal not I felt blessed to attend a school where solid principles were instilled and I am grateful that these core ideas have provided a structure to apply to the work we continue to do with the 17th century Welsh lovespoon tradition.

How the time continues to march on through and we find ourselves over half way through the year. Our theme for recording the previous year, provides the backdrop for the news update from The Lovespoon Workshop in August The message portrayed by Bishop Michael Curry was indeed a profound one and we felt it was the perfect partner to our 50th unique family lovespoon. As outlined on numerous occasions the unique collection of lovespoons here at The Lovespoon Workshop all have a story and a message to tell.

Some of the messages over the previous years have been powerful but none more so that the most recent addition. It is a prime example of what, for us, the lovespoon is all about. The design itself is not one of our more elaborate ones but the message is the key ingredient. All that is done here at The Lovespoon Workshop is focussed towards this key idea, love. The lovespoon is made for and inspired by that very idea. From new arrivals, to birthdays, engagements, weddings and anniversaries the lovespoon is used as an expression of love that can adapt to any type of event or occasion.

For everyone here at The Lovespoon Workshop it is great to be able to have a small part to play in this expression of love through the handcarving of our lovespoons. For ourselves it is a great fortune to love both the tradition we work in and the material used to make the spoons from. The countless hours spent crafting numerous lovespoons can only be done if a true love for what you are doing exists. It certainly gives the idea of a labour of love a clearer understanding. Ultimately that is what the tradition is all about, love.

It is a simple and uncomplicated message and can be expressed through the most simple of spoons. It is a simple thought for a friend, partner, son or daughter, parents, grandparents, grandchildren or whoever.

Simply expressing the thought that I love you, regardless of the context. Imagine the power of love, it truly is a powerful and positive force to behold.

Between and the good fortune to study and complete a Masters in Heritage Tourism was presented to myself. It provided a fascinating insight into heritage throughout Wales and Europe as a larger arena, whilst also gaining a broader perspective upon the tourist industries both inside and outside of Wales. It also provided a backdrop to further research into the Welsh lovespoon tradition and its role within both Wales and the modern world at large.

Wales as a nation has a unique and distinctive culture. The language, the customs, the people, the history and the environment all add to a recipe that make Wales a fascinating location to visit. Bringing thoughts back to the Welsh lovespoon tradition, it is a prime example of cultural iconography. Similar to other distinctive arts and crafts, including Aboriginal art and Maori crafts, the lovespoon is a representation of the people, place and heritage that it has been produced by.

The lovespoon is an instantly recognisable and unique expression of Wales. Enduring over several centuries, it is a product of the people and culture that has survived. Even within an ever changing modern world. Like the Dragon, Daffodil and Leek it can be instantly recognised as a symbol of the Welsh nation and should be preserved and protected accordingly.

With this in mind it leads to the importance of presenting the tradition to the wider world in the most correct and authentic manner possible.

Here at The Lovespoon Workshop we continue to handcarve all of our lovespoons on site. The workshop itself is open to all and remains free entry to everyone. This allows visitors to come and see genuine Welsh lovespoons being handcarved by craftsmen throughout the day. By focussing our attention upon our lovespoon to record , it brings this idea of authenticity into sharp focus.

It has become difficult for us all to differentiate between the real and the fake. Aboriginal art, is one example as a case study to highlight this point.

The ancient skills of selecting termite hollowed trees, then handcrafting and hand painting didgeridoos and boomerangs has come under increasing threat from cheap copies made on mass in factories in Bali. Highlighting the plight of the indigenous people of Australia upon our lovespoon to record is something very close to our hearts.

Producing an authentic handcarved lovespoon is at the core of what we do here at The Lovespoon Workshop. Many hours of dedication, care and love goes into the making of a genuine handcrafted wooden item.

The lovespoon is a true icon of the Welsh nation and presenting it as authentically as possible remains a priority for us. We maintain the hope that the Welsh nation will be able to enjoy and share the lovespoon with numerous generations to come and the fakes will not prevail over the real.

The news from The Lovespoon Workshop often takes in projects, events, incidents or activities happening here at The Lovespoon Workshop at this moment in time. The news from May focussed on continued efforts to leave a positive environmental legacy through our tree planting project. This left a note of nostalgia. One motivation for the continued efforts to leave a positive environmental legacy, is for future generations to be able to enjoy The Lovespoon Workshop as we have been able to enjoy it.

From a personal perspective growing up around the workshop was a very happy and positive experience. The memories of a childhood in our small hamlet of Cold Inn are indeed happy ones. The workshop itself always provided a focal point. Growing up around a family business had a profound and lasting impact. It would often be the case that everything would be prepared for a family day out only to be postponed by the arrival of an unexpected visitor to see our work with the Welsh lovespoon tradition.

Often there would be a degree of irritation from both mum and brothers and sister but for myself and dad it was never disappointment because we were always delighted to be able to share our passion for what we love to do. It might be a visit to somewhere selling tools, just following dad to places that to a little boy seemed truly fascinating.

The impact of these early and happy experiences must have been truly profound because the love of woodworking has remained a constant throughout.

Being in the workshop itself is the earliest and some of the happiest memories of childhood. Seeing numerous groups and individuals coming and going. All sorts of stories and characters creating a unique and colourful environment to grow up in. Learning skills also provided many happy early childhood memories. At an early age working with hand tools, copying the methods used by dad was the preferred choice than more child friendly toys.

The fields, trees and space in general being a perfect playground for exploring. Numerous hours would be spent walking through the fields, climbing and falling out of trees and generally having a good nose about the area. It is with this in mind that it is hoped that future generations will be able to share in these feelings of freedom and exploration.

It is one motivation for planting trees trees on site here at The Lovespoon Workshop. As stated in our conclusion to our news update from May, it is hoped that in the future others will continue to enjoy the workshop and the environment around it in the same way that all the family here at The Lovespoon Workshop have been able to.

Here at The Lovespoon Workshop preserving the natural world and environment is something that we have a passion for. Wood is at the centre of our lives and as such we recognise the essential role that trees play in the lives of us all.

As previously outlined our tree planting project is regarded as key for the future generations to come. As always our aim is to plant far more trees than the wood we use. In our project has continued to grow, quite literally!! At The Lovespoon Workshop we have always endeavoured to be an eco friendly business. From the time the workshop began in the wood sourced was often off cuts from larger wood working companies and timber merchants.

The wood was often recycled and reclaimed. This is something that has been increased throughout the years, through reclaiming wood from old furniture and fixtures and fittings. The truth is in the early years we were unaware of our eco friendly methods of sourcing the wood, it was just a case of economics. Why pay for timber that had been sourced throughout the world, cut, processed and seasoned, if it could be sourced from what others regarded as of no use to them.

Today we are fully aware of the importance of sourcing wood from responsible sources and ensure that we do just that. The extra effort of cleaning up old Mahogany window and door frames that are destined to be fire wood is certainly worth the effort for the beautiful finished lovespoon it produces. In most recent times the extension of our eco friendly approach has become central to the work we do with the Welsh lovespoon tradition.

After all it is love that is the central theme that runs through the tradition and that extends to a love for the environment and the world that we leave future generations. In previous years our tree planting project has seen us add more than a dozen Oak trees, Silver Birch trees and Hornbeam. Fruit trees including Apple, Cherry, Plum and Olive have also been added for the fruit they provide and the occasional log when maintaining their continual growth.

Indeed, our thirty year old Apple tree has produced a steady flow of beautiful wood for seasoning. The early winter months of saw the attention turn to the planting of several Walnut and Lime trees.

In regards to the lime trees, it is the flowering variety that was a favourite of Grinling Gibbons that has been added to our ever growing wooded area of The Lovespoon Workshop. The Lime wood itself is soft and easy to work, often seen as a good choice for any beginner.

For ourselves, the Lime and Walnut trees are valuable additions to our range of trees, especially as our established Ash trees continue to show signs of the effects of Ash dieback. Yew trees have also been added to a different site. Our tree planting project is some way from being completed and our plans continue to become ever more ambitious. It is all progress in regards to us leaving a positive mark on the beautiful natural world that provides a stunning environment for us to work and live in.

A small contribution that future generations will be able to enjoy The Lovespoon Workshop environment as we have been able to. Over the years and through various mediums including books, video, television and live talks and demonstrations we have continually been involved in explaining what a Welsh lovespoon is. Or indeed what we believe a Welsh lovespoon to be. Here at The Lovespoon Workshop it is something we have explained to tens of thousands of visitors since we started our journey with the Welsh lovespoon tradition in and continued following the opening of the workshop in It remains the question that needs to be answered before any other in regards to the work that we do.

For this news update our thoughts are taken back to the very basics. What is a Welsh lovespoon and what do we really know about this fascinating tradition. The truthful answer to this question is that the knowledge of the origin of the tradition is somewhat limited and largely based upon the earliest surviving examples of Welsh lovespoons.

Whilst this might seem like an issue when spending a lifetime working with the tradition, it is in fact to our benefit because it allows for individual interpretation. So firstly, let us deal with what is known about the lovespoon tradition.

The earliest surviving lovespoon has a date is from In our own unique collection, we have two examples dated from So we know that lovespoons have been made and given in Wales for over three hundred and fifty years.

Additionally, it is believed that sailors and seaside communities made lovespoons. This is largely due to the prevalence of nautical themed spoons and symbols. The knowledge of this nautical connection is significant because it allows us to use wood sourced throughout the world, due to the fact that these communities would have had the ability to source wood throughout the world. Another idea that is believed to be true of the Welsh lovespoon, is the inclusion of messages within the design.

This is evident through the use of various symbols, many of which are now regarded as traditional Welsh lovespoon symbols. Examples include a wheel, a symbol used to express a notion of I will work for you but also being used to represent travel.

The inclusion and use of symbols on lovespoons again highlights how interpretation has played and continues to play a significant role in the Welsh lovespoon tradition as it is known today. It is worth noting that the interpretation of traditional symbols is literally that, interpretation. This is an important concept to grasp when working with the Welsh lovespoon tradition. Whilst numerous lists of symbols and their meanings are available, these are not based upon a list developed several hundred years ago but more recent interpretations of lovespoons made several hundred years ago and compiled into simple lists to help explain the symbols to a wider audience within the last fifty or so years.

Such lists are indeed useful in sharing the lovespoon tradition with a wider audience and highlighting how the spoons also have a deeper meaning and message to portray. However, they should also be approached with a degree of caution because they are also open to misinterpretation and can also restrict the meaning of a symbol. A prime example was referred to by Len Evans regarding links, a symbol commonly used to represent a child but he broadened the explanation and explained how it can also represent marriage.

The interpretation that is used here at The Lovespoon Workshop is that it can cater for all individuals, ideas, beliefs, and values. It does not need to be restricted in any way. Our own early lovespoons examples, made in come in the shape of both a spoon and fork, adding further support to this approach.

The wheel symbol referred to has been used in different ways to the ideas outlined above. Being added to designs for coach drivers to record the work they do on a daily basis. The symbol lists are viewed here at The Lovespoon Workshop as useful guides, as a starting point to better understand the idea that lovespoons tell stories.

However, it is not necessary to bind ourselves to the lists or even the traditional symbols. Lovespoons tell the story of individuals and that is the key concept behind our work and interpretation of the tradition. Your lovespoon can tell your story, through the use of both traditional and non traditional symbols.

Our Celebration Bells design with hearts and bells together is a perfect way to record a perfect wedding day. Or perhaps you have your own interpretation and important symbols in your life and you wish to include them in a bespoke lovespoon design. In essence one of the most beautiful parts to the Welsh lovespoon tradition, is that it will allow for a different interpretation from us all.

March is the time of year where the focus here at The Lovespoon Workshop is upon the busier time ahead. It is also a time of celebration here in Wales, with celebrations for our patron saint, St. Our Irish spoons feature brass construction that may be enhanced with shamrocks or the Claddagh. Typical of a Welsh love spoon our Irish love spoons feature a heart symbol, but our designs are augmented with additional Irish icons, that may include the shamrock and Claddagh along with the harp and the Celtic cross.

Irish Love Spoon - Shamrock Shamrock love spoon features solid brass construction that is enhanced with embossed detailing and a filigree heart. More details. Add to cart. Features step-by-steps and 30 patterns. Item This spoon is rich with symbols of spring, luck, and love By Sharon Littley and Clive Griffin Lovespoons have been carved for centuries in Europe and Scandinavia. Carving Tips Carve the horseshoe with a groove running through the center.

To do this, make vertical stop cuts along the inner lines and remove the waste wood. Try to maintain straight edges—if your stop cut is angled, it will cause problems, especially toward the outer edge. After we carved this spoon, we learned that, traditionally, there are seven nail holes inside a horseshoe, so you may wish to add one more. The oval feature is extremely versatile and can be used to display different symbols.