Etched wooden spoons are easy to make at home and are perfect for personalized, homemade gifts!
A strange smell has been wafting up from the basement lately. The smell of burning wood. No, we’re not experimenting with a new way to keep the house warm in the winter. Momma’s got a new tool and she’s been busy in her workshop!
Yep, I bought a Dremel. A multi-tip wood burning Dremel tool to be precise. I’ve wanted to try wood etching for years, and when I saw the tutorials for etched wooden spoons, cutting boards and ornaments over at Design Mom, I knew that now was the time to take the plunge. I figured if they worked out, my relatives would be getting them as gifts and if not, well, we would have a new supply of spoons in the kitchen.
How to Make Etched Wooden Spoons
Armed with my Dremel and an assortment of bamboo utensils (bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource so I figured it was a good wood to choose. plus it is inexpensive so I can afford to mess a few up), I headed to the basement to see what I could do.
The Dremel comes with a variety of tips and you can switch them out depending on whether you want small dots, large dots, dashes or lines. Just keep in mind that you have to let the tool cool down completely before you switch the tips. I found the universal woodworking tip in the photo below to be the most useful.
Feel free to trace designs on your spoons before you start etching – or just do them free-form like me. I enjoy winging it – you never know what you’ll end up with.
Don’t forget to etch the handles too!
My 9 year old made one for his teacher. Can you see his name etched in the wood?
Would I recommend this project for kids? Only under constant supervision and with kids that you can trust to follow your rules. The Dremel tool gets extremely HOT and you just don’t want an accident to happen. Also, I’m sure the fumes of the burning wood and lacquer are not great to breathe (next time I’ll be buying unfinished wood utensils). But doing a little etching once a year is probably OK and what a cool gift for a child to make and give!
Have you ever etched anything with a wood burning tool? What did you make?
Ordinary Sarah says
This is too cool! I think I just might have to give this a try.
Micaela says
You should try it Sarah – it’s easier than you might think – and so rewarding to have something handmade to give!
Melissa says
We made a sign for my garden, etched “Melissa’s Garden” with some flowers and framed it with a large bamboo stick we cut to size. I love that it’s weathered. It’s also a great gift idea!
Micaela says
Love your garden sign idea Melissa! I want to try that!
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
They are gorgeous! What a clever idea. I actually have a wood etching kit that I bought for my kids a few years ago. I’m guessing it could be used for this. Might have to give it a try!
Micaela says
Lori – another great project is etching family member names on wooden napkin rings – so you can keep your napkins straight. You should give it a whirl!
robbie @ GOING GREEN MAMA says
Lovely job!
Micaela says
Thanks Robbie!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Wow you have done an awesome job on these spoons!
Micaela says
Thank you so much Alicia! It was a fun project!