This fun and cute bunny whittling project is perfect for beginners and takes very little time to make.
Here is what you will need to make the bunny:
- Sharp whittling knife
- 2.5″ x 1″ x 1″ block of wood (start with a 4x1x1 block and cut in half at 45 degrees for 2 bunnies per block)
- Pencil
- Leather strop
If you want everything you will need in one kit to get started, I highly recommend this affordable set from BeaverCraft: https://amzn.to/3yDmJf7
The kit comes with everything you will need and is of much better quality than the cheap stuff you see everywhere else.
You can using a larger block of wood if you want to, but it will take longer to whittle.
Before starting, make sure your whittling knife is nice and sharp. It is always a good idea to hone your knife with your leather strop before starting to whittle. If you feel like your knife is starting to dull out while whittling, strop each side 10 to 20 times and continue.
Downloadable Template
The downloadable template link is below and gives measurements in both inches and metric:
Inches:
Metric
Video Guide
For the full video tutorial with step by step guides and pictures, check out my YouTube video below!
Bunny Picture Whittling and Wood Carving Guide
Follow the steps below to whittle your own little bunny! This is a simple project but make sure to give yourself extra time if this is your first time. Over time you will get faster and will be able to make an army of little bunnies!
– Step 1: Cut and trace outline
First, take a 1x1x4 inch block of basswood and cut it directly in half at a 45 degree angle. This will give you two bunnies per block of wood!
Then use the template above to make the lines on the block of wood for the ears, neck, arms, and feet.
– Step 2: Extend outline on the sides of the wood block
Then, extend the top line around the sides and back of the block, this will indicate where the ears will be.
– Step 3: Rough out the proportions
Start by roughly shaping and separating the proportions using the lines indicated as shown.
These don’t have to be as deep as I made them, they are purely there to roughly shape and separate the ears, head, torso, legs, and feet for better visual reference and separate out each section we will work on one by one.
– Step 4: The back of the head
From here, we will work from the top of the bunny down, starting with the back of the head.
Use the lines created to separate out the ears and further define the head
– Step 5: Refine the face
Next flip the carving over to the front and further shape and smooth the head and ears.
You can at this point cut in the ear hones by using a v-cut technique, where you cut into the wood from two opposing sides that meet in the middle. This gives you a divot with 2 quick strokes of the blade.
– Step 6: Add the arms and body
This is the more tedious part of the carving, so take it slow here.
You can use the pencil as well to help plan an outline where the arms and chest will be while you are carving.
Separate out the arms and leave some wood in the middle for the bunnies chest puff, also called its dewlap. It just makes it look that much cuter!
– Step 7: Add the legs
Then, simply round the lower body to match the shape of the top and cut out the feet.
You don’t need to add a lot of details here, just imagine the bunny is sitting on its feet which hides them. Basically, give the “suggestion” that there are feet.
– Step 8: Add the tail
Add a simple little tail on the back side by removing some excess wood and leaving a small diamond or round ball, which ever you prefer.
From here, feel free to sand the bunny, paint it, or just cover it in a simple wood finish to show to your friends and family!
