The Making of a Hand-Carved Chain Link Welsh Lovespoon

Have you ever wondered how talented woodworker Rob Hopkins makes his stunning chain link love spoons? Today we share with you the lengthy process behind making one of these traditional Welsh gifts. This spoon in particular was commissioned as a Christmas gift. Made from one piece of Welsh ash, it measures 52'' long, totals 36 pieces, at the top. a suspension loop, the spoon has a heart shaped inlay of brass, and the medallion contains an inlaid brass disc with the recipient's name.

All of our artists and makers can and do make custom pieces to suit the needs of their clientele, so please do call in and enquire if you would like something special made!

The timber is machined to the required sections, and marked out. The arcs forming the circular rings are cut, and their centres drilled out. Tiny holes are drilled across the face of the rings and down either side.

Using a fine saw blade to join the holes, the rings are formed and can be turned.

Forming the rings with a fine saw blade.

Forming the rings with a fine saw blade.

Separating the oval links with a saw blade.

The oval links ready for carving.

The suspension loop prior to releasing and carving.

The finished loop.

Drilling the larger recess in the medallion block.

Medallion block with the double recess and carved semicircular edge moulding.

Finished block with polished brass insert.

The spoon marked and cut out.

Shaping the brass heart insert.

Drilling the spoon ready for inlaying the heart.

Finished spoon with inlay.

Completed spoon, medallion and chain link, 52” in length.