Meet Crystal Allaf | Whittler / Wood Carver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Allaf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks and leaning into the unknown has taken me and my career as a whittler tremendously far. Often times we find ourselves getting stuck in what’s comfortable. What risks allow for is a chance to grow, learn and find deeper parts of ourselves that have been buried beneath the mundane. Before starting Whittled by Crystal, I was an elementary school teacher for 10 years and found it challenging to consistently engage in my craft to the degree I’d like to. It wasn’t until I did the unexpected, completely shifted my career path and fully placed all my energy into building Whittled by Crystal. I haven’t felt this much happiness and fulfillment in quite some time and feel incredibly grateful. So, what do I think about risks? Take them!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been inspired by nature and possess a love for creating with my hands. Bringing warmth and natural beauty into the home, Whittled by Crystal offers handcrafted wooden spoons, knives and other functional items designed and carved by me, a local woman woodcarver!

I began my whittling journey in April 2022 purely because I had this gut instinct that I would fall in love with the craft. Inspired by @melscarvingclub, I began buying the tools and materials, reading her book CARVE, and obsessively watching every carving video on the internet. I feel like I’ve come a long way- learning proper carving techniques, understanding different types of wood and appreciating the patience and steadiness that comes with the craft. For one of my first projects I made a sauté paddle using only hand tools because, at the time, I didn’t have a bandsaw to cut out my blanks. Although it was quite a lot of work, it tested my patience and was also a great way to learn how wood cuts/splits. Funny enough, after completing this project, I tested the polished wood in water and learned that it splinters almost immediately, so it was no longer usable for its intended cooking use. Lesson learned!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! If I were taking a friend around LA, I would most definitely center our stops around food and nature. We would start off with a beautiful hike in Malibu, like Solstice Canyon or Escondido Falls, end the hike with a dip in the ocean, and warm ourselves up with some delicious Thai food at Choladas. Exploring the DTLA, I’d take my friend to Holbox for some of the best seafood, as well as explore some museums and architecture in the area. We would make our way to Silverlake/Echo Park for some food and the bar scene. If you are ever in Silverlake, you have to go to Pine & Crane, which is only the best Taiwanese restaurant ever. I also recently went to a bar called Crawford’s and had a great time drinking beer and playing pool! Lastly, I would make sure to spend some time on the westside, like Santa Monica and Venice. Perhaps do some walking on Abbott Kinney, grab some food and drinks on Rose Ave, and checkout the Venice skatepark on the beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly could not have started Whittled by Crystal without the support of my family and friends: My friends for sharing so much love with every post of my new wooden creations and genuinely sharing interest in each piece. My family for allowing me to have them feel and hold every item I’ve made to reassure me that it’s a beautiful piece of work, for helping me get started financially and for buying me wood and tools for every birthday and holiday. Those who have shared a like on my whittling posts, followed my journey and supported my business through purchasing a unique piece by Whittled by Crystal, thank you so much. I am forever grateful!

Instagram: @whittledbycrystal

Image Credits
Crystal Allaf