Sandpaper the wooden surface to prepare it for the carving. As a beginner, it is advisable to work with softwoods such as basswood, aspen and butternut. The height of the wood blank should not exceed 1 inch to allow ease while carving out the moon shapes. The length and width will depend on the sizes and number of moon shapes.
Sketch different shapes and sizes of moon figures on the wood, making use of a graphite pencil. Using a graphite pencil allows you to erase the sketch once you form out the individual figures. Alternatively, look for moon figures from magazines and books and trace them on the wood. Sculpt out the moon pieces from the wood blank with a knife.
Bevel and round the edges of the moon with a wood rasp. Place the moon figure in one hand and the wood rasp in the other and work with the wood rasp moving away from you. Work on the figure until all the edges are smooth and round repeating the process on each figure.
Rub the moon’s surface with a sandpaper to smoothen it. Color the different figures to give the moon's character a distinct look based on its various cyclical phases.