Welsh Love Spoon : Build Your Own

The Heritage of the Lovespoon : The Welsh Lovespoon

The Welsh Lovespoon (Lwyau Serch) is a tradition born in the 17th century. Historically, these were hand-carved from single pieces of timber by suitors to show their devotion and craftsmanship.

Why Valentines?

Long before the modern holiday, these spoons were the ultimate romantic gesture. Each symbol carved into the handle was a "silent word." If a woman accepted the spoon, it was a signal that the courtship was successful. By 3D printing this modular version, you are reviving a 400-year-old tradition using the "carving" tools of the 21st century. Instead of wood, we use polymers; instead of a chisel, we use a nozzle—but the sentiment remains exactly the same.

2. Assembly Guide: The "Build-as-You-Like" Spoon

This project uses a Sleeve-and-Dowel system. Because you can choose any combination of blocks, you are the lead engineer of your own build.

Phase 1: Determine Your Length

Before you print your central dowel, you need to decide which blocks you’re using.

1. Stack your printed blocks (Knot, Anchor, Dragon, etc.) and measure the total height of the stack.

2. Add the "Socket Depth": Don't forget that the dowel needs to sit deep inside the spoon base and the top finial loop.

3. Scale the Dowel: In your slicer, select the Dowel/Core file and resize it ONLY on the Z-axis to match your calculated length.

Phase 2: Material & Printing

• Plastic Texture: While these aren't made of wood, the deep allegorical carvings are designed to catch shadows. Using a "Matte" or "Wood-filled" PLA can help hide layer lines and give it a premium, non-plastic feel. You can also in many cases stain it. 

• Tolerances: The central holes are designed with a built-in clearance, but every printer is different. If your dowel is too tight, a quick hit with a piece of sandpaper will do the trick.

• If you dont plan on using a few of the sections remove them in the slicer.  They should already be separate but if not you can separate them in the slicer and remove the ones you dont want.  The little dowels are if you don't want one solid dowel through the entire spoon. (not recommended)

Phase 3: The Build

1. Dry Fit: Slide your blocks onto your custom-length dowel. Make sure the sequence tells the story you want.

2. Spoon Base: Apply a drop of CA Glue (Super Glue) into the hole of the spoon base and insert the dowel.

3. Slide the Sleeves: Slide your blocks down the dowel. Since there is no wood grain to align, focus on the visual "flow" of the carvings.

4. Cap it Off: Glue the Trinity Loop Finial onto the top of the exposed dowel.

5. Finish: If you used standard PLA, you can give it a quick spray with a clear matte sealer to give the "carvings" extra depth and protection.

The Symbolism Legend (Cheat Sheet)