What type of wood should we carve?

For beginners I always recommend a soft wood with a homogenous structure for their first tries. Fresh wood is always easier to carve than dry wood, but really fine and lasting pieces can only be made from older, professionally stored and preferably naturally dried wood. The pieces carved before the wood is dry tend to warp, twist and crack. If we buy wood that was artificially dried, we should let that rest a few months too, so the tension caused by sudden drying can smooth itself out. For indoor use the recommended wood-types are linden and alder. Their sof, homogenous structure provides a pleasant carving experience. Their colour and grain pattern make cherry and walnut a very popular type. Maple and plum also have a diverse selection of uses as well. Pear is the most fitting xylography.