The Love Spoon is a traditional craft that dates back to the 17th century. Over generations decorative carvings were added to the spoon and it lost its original practical use and became a treasured decorative item to be hung on a wall. The earliest known dated Love Spoon from Wales is dated 1667. The Love Spoon was given to a young woman by her suitor to show his affection and to impress her and her father with his creative ability. Certain symbols came to have specific meanings; a horseshoe for luck, a cross for faith, bells for marriage, hearts for love, a wheel for supporting a loved one, a lock or key for security, among others. Caged balls could indicate the number of children hoped for. Although the Welsh Love Spoon is the most famous there are also traditions of Love Spoons in Scandinavia and some parts of Eastern Europe. Today Love Spoons are given as wedding and anniversary gifts, as well as birthday, baby, Christmas or Valentines Day gifts and other special occasions. All of the Love Spoons offered here are individually hand carved from a single piece of wood. (All Love Spoons are carved from basswood unless specified otherwise).
Click on images to see a larger image. The shipping charge for each love spoon is $4.75. Purchase of multiple items can reduce total shipping if items can be packed together. To purchase/order an item please contact me at [email protected] or at 618-281-4911. All items are individually hand carved.