Make Your Own Cute Wooden Gifts: Hand Carved Totoro Figurine

Carve a wooden Totoro figurine with a broad belly and a narrower upper body. Two examples show the same basic approach, with photographs and animated close-ups of cutting and rounding. One finished example keeps the natural wood color, with a green leaf and small painted details.

Draw a pear-shaped body

Choose a rectangular basswood block to suit the size of your design. Draw seven equally spaced horizontal guides and a vertical centerline on the front. The first horizontal line locates the top of the head; use the reference drawing for the remaining proportions.

Keep the lower body fuller than the upper body. The aim is a pear shape, rather than a symmetrical oval. Draw the side outline with its heights aligned to the front drawing.

Remove the waste around the ears and outline

Secure the lower part of the block in a vise while making the initial hand-saw cuts. The animated example opens space around the ears before the rest of the outer waste is removed.

Leave the ears intact as you establish the body. Work with smaller tools in narrow areas, keeping enough material for the next stage. The first cutout can retain corners and broad tool marks; its job is to establish the shape.

Review the saw and workholding guidance before cutting around the ears. When moving on to carving, check that the blank cannot shift under pressure and that your steadying hand is clear of the cutting edge.

Round the sides

Begin with the corners of the block and gradually reduce them into the curved sides. Check the front and side outlines together so the belly remains full.

A basic side outline is useful for checking the depth of the rounded body and arms, especially while learning. Keep the height references even if you choose not to draw every detail.

Redraw and refine the details

Restore the drawing on the newly shaped surfaces. Mark the ears, face, belly boundary, arms, and feet, then define those areas with smaller carving tools.

Pay particular attention to the arms against the sides and the line around the belly. Round the remaining sharp corners while keeping those boundaries visible. Sand the areas that need smoothing after the carving work is settled.

Use the finished views to plan your colors

The completed example retains the natural color of most of the wood and adds a green leaf and small face and claw details. For a finish combining exposed wood and painted details, plan the products together. Choose products that are intended to work together and follow their application directions.

Compare the front, side, and back views when finishing your own carving. They show how the rounded belly, arms, and upper body connect beyond the front silhouette.

Display your finished Totoro on a shelf or tray, or give it to a friend who loves the character.

Prefer a ready-made Totoro?

If you would rather choose a finished piece, see our hand-carved wooden Totoro figurine.