magassist, Author at Woodcarving Illustrated https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/author/magassist/ Everything for the woodcarving enthusiast, from tips and techniques and tool reviews to patterns and instructions for amazing projects that both beginners and advanced woodcarvers will love! Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:24:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cropped-Woodcarving-Illustrated-Favicon-120x120.png magassist, Author at Woodcarving Illustrated https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/author/magassist/ 32 32 Caricature Pirate Bust https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/caricature-pirate-bust/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:16:10 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=20049 This plumed pillager is better than buried treasure  By Jim...

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This plumed pillager is better than buried treasure 


By Jim Feather
Step-by-step photos by Mike Mihalo

Why sail the high seas when you could learn to carve this swashbuckling character at home? If you’re new to caricature, this is an excellent project to begin with. I designed him so the center of the face falls on a corner rather than a flat space—this will allow you more freedom to play with depth and dimension right off the bat.

Getting Started

Start with a block of basswood. Make two lines along adjacent faces of the blank with a pencil, following the angle of the bottom of the hat. You’ll be carving on the corner, so the lines should form a peak right at the center of his face.

Roughing Out

Step 1

Make a stop cut along the bottom of the hat. Carve straight in with a rough out knife; do not undercut at all. Carve up to the stop cut on the corner to make a notch. Carve along the other lines with a 1/4″ (6mm) 45° V-tool. Deepen the grooves with the knife.

Step 2

Mark the top of the hat brim. Round the top of the hat. Leave wood for the feather, but remove some of the excess from the other side with the knife. Carve along the top of the hat brim with the 1/4″ (6mm) 45° V-tool. Use the knife to carve away more excess wood around the crown of the hat.

Step 3 

Round the corner of the hat above the nose. Use the knife. Make a stop cut along the eyeline and carve up to it from the cheek area.

Step 4

Make a stop cut along the bottom of the nose. Carve up to the stop cut to separate the nose from the mustache. Round the hat and feather. Mark the oversized wings of the nose and draw a centerline down the face, starting at the forehead.

Step 5

Carve up from the wings of the nose into the eye sockets. Use a 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge. Do this on both sides. Carve across the eye socket and meet up with the first cut to deepen the eye sockets. Carve between the eyebrows with the same tool.

Step 6

Shape the nose with the knife. Carve off the corners and draw the creases that run from the outer edges of the nose to the mouth. Make a stop cut along the lines with the knife, and then carve up to the stop cut to set in the sides of the mouth.

Step 7

Carve up alongside the edges of the beard and face. Use the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge. This sets the width of the face and leaves space for sideburns. Free loose chips with the knife. Shape the hat.

Step 8

Remove some wood from above the eyebrows. Remember, one eyebrow will be lifted, so leave wood for that. Round the corners on the back and sides of the hat. Mark the location of both shoulders with an inverted V. Follow those lines with the knife and carve up to the stop cuts.

Step 9

Draw the outline of the beard. Carve along these lines with a 5/16″ (8mm) 60° V-tool. Draw the bottom of the cloak, so you don’t accidentally cut into the base area. With the knife, make a stop cut on the corners under the hair and under the cloak and carve up to the stop cuts to create notches. Connect the notches with the 5/16″ (8mm) 60° V-tool.

Step 10

Undercut the cloak. Use the knife along the V-tool cuts to deepen and undercut them. Tuck the cloak up under the beard with the knife. This sets in the location of all of the landmarks.

Adding the Details

Step 11

Round the mouth mound. Use the knife. Mark the bottom of the mustache and make a stop cut along the line. Carve up to the stop cut to distinguish the mustache from the face. Draw the smirking mouth. Make a stop cut along this line and carve down to the stop cut to open the mouth.

Step 12

Establish the lower lip. Make a shallow cut along the bottom of the lip with the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge. Smooth the area with the knife. Tuck the lower lip up under the upper lip with the knife.

Step 13

Smooth out the eye and cheek area. Use the knife. Make this area as smooth as possible before you carve the eyes. Use the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge inside the sockets if needed..

Tip: Looking From All Angles

At this stage, take a moment to look at the face from all angles. You might need to make small tweaks, like bringing the sideburn back slightly, so the carving will look good from the side as well as the front.

 

Step 14

Make a dot in the inside corner of each eye. Make sure they are even. Draw matching dots in the outside corners of the eyes and connect the dots. If the eyes are positioned properly, it should look like the carving is sleeping. Then draw an arc to complete each eyelid. Plunge the point of a detail knife in on the dot, with the knife following the top and bottom lines on all four corners of the eye. Move a bit away from the corner and carve up to the corner to free the chips. If the chip doesn’t pop right out, make the plunging cuts again. Do not pry it out, as this will create messy corners.

Step 15

Make shallow stop cuts along the bottom and top of the top eyelid. Use the detail knife. Carefully round the eye to these stop cuts. Extend the top eyelid out beyond the outer corner of each eye.

Step 16

Carve a groove above the eye. Use a 1/8″ (3mm) #11 gouge. This creates the upper eyelid. Repeat the process for the other eye.

Step 17

Make an S-shaped cut under each eye. Use the 1/8″ (3mm) #11 gouge. This creates slight bags under the eyes, which give the pirate a weathered look. Smooth the groove into the cheeks with the knife.

Step 18

Mark the edges of the nose. Use the tip of the detail knife to make a stop cut from the bottom of the nose to the top. Carve to the stop cut to separate the outer edges of the nose from the rest of the face. Smooth and shape the bottom of the nose. Then stab in the nostril holes. Use the 1/8″ (3mm) #11 gouge. Free the chips with the tip of the knife.

Step 19

Separate the teeth. Use the tip of the detail knife. I think about Chiclets gum when I’m making teeth—I want them to be big and cartoonish. If the teeth are too small, the carving looks creepy.

Step 20

Round and shape the hair. Use the knife. Remove any sharp corners. Repeat the process with the beard. Then mark the hair flow and follow the lines with the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge. Stay away from the chin so you can leave a slight mound there.

Step 21

Refine the hair texture. Make short cuts among the existing ones with the 1/8″ (3mm) #11 gouge. Use the same tool to add texture to the mustache. Go back over the mustache with a 1/16″ (2mm) #11 gouge. Then make a few cuts on the beard and hair inside the larger grooves to create shadows. Notch the bottom of the beard with the rough out knife for additional texture. Undercut the hair slightly to create more shadow.

Step 22

Smooth the cloak with the knife. Draw the lapel. Then make a stop cut along the line with the knife. Carve up to the stop cut to separate the lapel from the jacket.

Step 23

Smooth the eyebrows with the knife. Then make little divots with the 1/16″ (2mm) #11 gouge to add some texture.

Step 24

Round the top of the feather. Use the knife. Shape the hat to fit the head. Use the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge to hollow the area between the hat and feather. Mark the area where the feather attaches to the hat, make stop cuts along the lines, and carve up to the stop cuts. Switch back and forth between the gouge and knife to separate the feather from the hat.

   

Step 25

Make a scooping cut along the brim of the hat. Use the knife. Then round the corner slightly. Carve along the top of the hat brim with the 1/4″ (6mm) 45° V-tool to separate it from the crown of the hat. Use the knife to finish separating the feather from the hat.

Step 26

Soften the intersection between the back of the crown and the brim. Use the 9/32″ (7mm) #11 gouge. Draw the hatband and make stop cuts above and below it with the knife. Carve up to the stop cuts to separate the band from the rest of the hat. Draw the top of the binding where the feather attaches to the hat. Make a stop cut and carve to it to separate the feather from the binding.

Step 27

Round and soften the feather. Use the knife. Draw the shaft down the center of the feather. Carve down the shaft with the 1/4″ (6mm) 45° V-tool. Round the feather down to the V-groove with the knife. Make another cut with the 1/4″ (6mm) 45° V-tool parallel to the first cut to create a slight ridge.

Step 28

Draw the flow of the veins on the feather. Start on either side of the shaft, and carve short strokes outward with the 1/16″ (2mm) #11 gouge. Make curving cuts and pay attention to the grain direction to keep from splitting the wood. Draw a few bands on the binding and relieve the areas around them with the detail knife. Clean up your cuts and add any final tweaks.

Finishing

Dunk the carving in a mixture of boiled linseed oil and raw sienna oil paint. Wipe off the excess with clean cotton rags and let dry. Then paint the carving with thinned acrylics, referring to the Paint Notes (below). Once done, drybrush the feather with titanium white.

Download the pattern below:

 

Paint Notes

Beard, hair, eyebrows: burnt sienna (1)

Face: thinned burgundy (1)

Teeth: warm white (1)

Coat, hat: Payne’s gray (1)

Feather: dioxazine purple, Alizarin crimson, brilliant orange (2), drybrush with titanium white (1)

Lapels and hat brim: gold (1)

Undercoat: Payne’s gray (1)

Eyes: warm white (1)

Irises: burnt sienna (1)

Pupils: Payne’s gray (1)

Eye highlights: titanium white (1)

1 DecoArt Americana

2 Liquitex



 

Materials

• Basswood, 1 1/2″ (3.8cm) square:
6″ (15.2cm) long

• Pencil

• Boiled linseed oil

• Oil paint: raw sienna

• Clean cotton rags

• Acrylic paints, such as DecoArt: burgundy, burnt sienna, gold, Payne’s gray, titanium white, warm white; such as Liquitex: Alizarin crimson, brilliant orange, dioxazine purple

            Tools

                  • Knives: rough out, detail

                  • #11 gouges: 1/16″ (2mm), 1/8″ (3mm), 9/32″ (7mm)

                  • #12 V-tool: 5/16″ (8mm) 60°

                  • #15 V-tool: 1/4″ (6mm) 45°

                  • Paintbrushes: assorted

 

About the Author


Jim Feather lives in Landisville, Pa., with his wife Gloria. A woodworker and caricature carver for many years, he teaches an adult carving class and demonstrates the craft at his local elementary school during its annual Pennsylvania Heritage Day event. View more of Jim’s work at facebook.com/jimfeatherwoodcarver

 

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Woodcarving Illustrated Summer 2021, Issue #95 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/woodcarving-illustrated-summer-2021-issue-95/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:13:01 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=20025 The Summer 2021 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects,...

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The Summer 2021 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.

Scroll down for a sneak peek!

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 Features

Creature of Habit

For this nun, woodcarving and religious vocation go hand in hand

By Hannah Carroll

Dust Collection Roundup

Consider these options for keeping your woodshop—and lungs—free of dust

By Jon Deck

 

Pencil Me In

Gifted graphite carver makes minuscule sculptures using an X-Acto blade and a microscope

By Kaylee Schofield

Techniques

Blast Off!

This three-part carve will make you want to suit up for space travel

By Rick Stoddard

Realistic Tropical Fish

Power carve a butterfly fish as vibrant as its namesake

By James Spencer

Projects

Friendly Field Mouse

Don’t let its size fool you! This little rodent packs a punch

By Betty Padden

Get additional patterns of Betty Padden’s mouse project below!

 

Circle of Chips

Alternate two striking chip types in this summery, modern wall hanging

By Bernat Mercader

Matchbox Aquarium

Carve a little fish habitat using minimal materials and tools

By Steve Tomashek

Whittled Unicorn

Complete this petite project in just seven steps

By Lieve Roelants

Simple Scallop Shell

Practice undercutting and line work on this elegant relief

By Lucy Fox

Get the additional pattern of the scallop shell below!

Chip Carved Earrings

A soothing aloe leaf pattern gives these statement pieces a natural touch

By Amy Costello

Three-Point Ribbon

Create a classic wooden whimsy with just a Dremel and a knife

By Garth Burgon

Classic Bread Bowl

Detail this stylish vessel with milk paint and sand the facets for a rustic finish

By Luke Voytas

Fearless Freddie

A hungry shark is no match for this beach-bound frog

By Bob Hershey

 

Chip Carved Jewelry Box

Adorn a standard container with this dynamic sunburst

By Tatiana Baldina

 

Volute Ladle

Add sophistication to your table with a spoon fit for the symphony

By Mark Ivan Fortune

 

Stylized Sharks

Whittle two classic ocean predators in one sitting

By Tom Hindes

 

Online Exclusives

Free Project  Visit our website for a bonus, step-by-step tutorial on carving a swashbuckling caricature by Jim Feather.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/?p=20049&preview=true” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click here for the project [/button]

Free Bonus Patterns Download your extra patterns for the Friendly Field Mouse, Simple Scallop Shell, and a Geometric Spoon Design from Dave Western’s new book below.

 

Get the Summer 2021 Issue

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Leprechaun Pencils https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/leprechaun-pencils/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:34:33 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19988 Add some pizzazz to your pencil pouch this St. Patrick’s...

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Add some pizzazz to your pencil pouch this St. Patrick’s Day!

By Randy True

have always enjoyed carving pencils. You can add a lot of detail in a small space—plus they make personal and practical gifts! The best pencils I’ve found for carving are made of resin or plastic; I usually use Berol or Empire brands. To ensure you are getting the right kind, look at the sharpened end. In a plastic or resin pencil, there are no seams where the pencil is formed around the lead. On wooden pencils, you can see where the two halves have been joined around the lead.

Getting Started

Clear away the paint. Use a fine-point detail knife to make a stop cut about 1″ (2.5cm) below the pencil’s metal band. Drop down 3/4″ (1.9cm) from the stop cut and shave off the paint up to it the entire way around the pencil.


Carve the hat buckle. Use a micro V-tool to carve a 3/16″ (5mm) square, placing the center of the square 3/16″ (5mm) above the stop cut.

Carve the hatband and shamrock. Use the knife to make parallel stop cuts 1/8″ (3mm) apart and 1/8″ (3mm) above the original stop cut. Carve along both hatband stop cuts with the micro V-tool. Use a micro V-tool to carve a shamrock just above the buckle.

Carve the face landmarks. Measure 1/4″ (6mm) from the bottom of the hat under the hat buckle and stab a 1.5mm to 3mm micro skew chisel straight in 1/8″ (3mm). Move down 1/4″ (6mm) and repeat the process. Use the skew chisel to carve down at a 45° angle to the bottom of the upper stab cut. Carve up to the bottom of both stab cuts at a 45° angle to set in the bridge and bottom of the nose.

Rough out the eyes and nose. Use the micro V-tool to carve around the perimeter of an oversized triangle for the nose. Then use the same tool to carve 1/8″ (3mm)-deep eye sockets. Start at the outside corner of one eye and carve the top of the eyebrow arching over the eye to the bridge of the nose. Repeat on the other side.

Carve the cheeks. Using the micro V-tool, start at the corner of the nose and carve around the cheeks up to the hat. Use a micro skew chisel to make a stop cut in these V-grooves and carve up to the stop cut from below to shape the cheeks. Round the cheeks and refine the bridge of the nose. Make stop cuts alongside the nose and round the cheeks into them to separate the nose from the cheeks.

Carve the eyes. Use the point of the knife to carve a three-corner chip out of each eye. Increase the depth of the cut until you can see the black pencil graphite. Use the micro V-tool to carve crow’s feet into the corners of the eyes. Clean up the cuts.

Carve the beard. Use the knife to shave away paint from the area under the nose to make the beard come to a rounded point. Use the micro V-tool to carve the outline of an oversized upper lip. With the micro skew chisel, carve up to the line to separate the top lip from the beard. Carve under the lower lip with the micro V-tool to separate the lower lip from the beard. Then use the micro V-tool to carve the beard and eyebrow texture.

Add the coat details. Use a pencil to draw the bow tie, jacket, and vest. Carve along the lines with the micro V-tool. Use the micro  gouge to carve the buttons on the vest.

Carve the hair. Starting just below the hat, push the micro gouge in at a 45° angle and lift it slightly to create the locks of hair. Work across the back of the head. Stagger the cuts between the rows like shingles on a roof. Be careful not to break off the chips. Use the skew chisel to thin the nose and carve a slight point on the tip.

 

Painting and Finishing

Paint the eyebrows with full-strength white acrylic paint. Use the same brush to go along the micro V-tool cuts on the jacket, overcoat, and bowtie. Thin the white paint slightly and paint the beard. When the paint is dry, use your fingernail to scrape off any paint outside the V-tool cuts on the jacket, vest, and tie. Then seal the carving with matte acrylic spray.

Antiquing (optional)

Mix 15 parts of paint thinner, 2 parts of copal (an oil painting medium available wherever artist oil paints are sold), 2 parts of pale drying oil, and 1 part burnt umber oil paint. Use a paintbrush to apply the stain to the face and all other carved or painted areas. Let the stain sit for about 30 seconds, and then wipe off as much as possible with a clean cloth. The copal in the stain mixture acts as a sealer, so a topcoat is not required.

Materials

•  Pencils, such as Berol or Empire

• Acrylic paint: white

• Oil paint: burnt umber

• Paint thinner

• Copal

• Pale drying oil, such as Grumbacher

• Finish: clear matte acrylic spray

• Soft cloth

Tools

• Detail knife

• Micro gouge

• Micro V-tool

• Micro skew chisel

• Paintbrush

About the Author


Randy True lives on a farm in Winchester, Ind., with his wife, Debbie. Always artistic, Randy made cabinets and furniture before joining a woodcarving club and finding his real passion
in carving.

 

 

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Woodcarving Illustrated Spring 2021, Issue #94 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/woodcarving-illustrated-spring-2021-issue-94/ Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:47:09 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19836 The Spring 2021 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects,...

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The Spring 2021 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.

Scroll down for a sneak peak!

[button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-94-spring-2021.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue [/button]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Techniques

Carving a Running Horse

Speed up the carving process (and save your hands and arms) with power

By Lori Andrews

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WEB-WCI94-Extra-Horse-Drawings.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Additional Drawings[/button]

Celtic Birds of Friendship

Many tiny dots bring this classic pyrography design to life

By Lora S. Irish

 

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Carve and texture this feather-light flier with a rotary tool

By Sandy Czajka

Patterns

Chip Carved Butterfly Plate

Adorn a simple disc with repeating symbols of spring

By Charlene Lynum

 

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WEB-WCI94-Butterfly-Plate-Pattern-Correction.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for the Corrected Pattern[/button]

Projects

Easy-Carve Honeybee

Let this sweet little bug remind you to stop and smell the roses

By Sara Barraclough

Carving & Painting a Striped Bass

Beaten copper fins take this realistic fishing trophy to the next level

By Brian Altison

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WEB-WCI94-Fish-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Additional Fish Patterns[/button]

Salad Servers

With these spoons around, your family recipes won’t be the only talking point at dinner

By Brad Tremblay

Carved Tattoos

Mark Mother’s Day or Father’s Day with a totally unique gift they’ll recognize right away

By Len Wells

Butch the Shelf-Sitter

This Wild West wrangler will add charm to any book nook

By Mark Akers

Stylized Gnome

Carve and color a signature piece fit for a fairytale

By Miroslaw Czeladka

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WEB-WCI94-Nochalki-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Additional Gnome Patterns[/button]

Chip Carved Cross Pendant

Add elegance to your ensemble this Easter with a classic symbol of hope

By Massimo Assumma

Flat-Plane Sheep

Add drybrushing to make this farm animal appear even fluffier

By James Miller

Comfort Whale

Calm your inner storms with a 5-step project straight from literature

By Tom Mellott

 

Carving a Flower Garland In Mahogany

Practice undercutting and adding details on this simple yet effective relief

By Lucy Fox

 

Orin the Patchwork Leprechaun

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day by carving an easy caricature with no hands or eyes

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Features

Carving for the Superheroes

Thanks to Johnathon Whittaker, more than 300 plaques have been donated to hospitals in the UK

By Hannah Rachel Carroll

The Smile Factory

Thai carver Parn Aniwat has a simple recipe for reigniting your childhood joy

By Kaylee Schofield

Online Exclusives

Bonus Drawings 

Click here to get additional drawings for Lori Andrews’ realistic horse.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WEB-WCI94-Extra-Horse-Drawings.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Additional Drawings[/button]

 

Wacky Gallery 

Check out the rest of the Frosty Challenge submissions on our website—these comical carves will make you smile.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/blog/2020/12/30/frosty-challenge/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Frosty Challenge[/button]

 

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The WCI Team Carves! https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/magazine-team-carves-this-christmas/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 16:19:36 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19901 The holidays are a perfect time to show love through...

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The holidays are a perfect time to show love through handmade gifts—and the WCI team is no exception! In the spirit of giving, we unsheathed knives, sharpened gouges, and prepared personal pieces for each of our loved ones.

Art director Jon Deck made woodchips fly as he diligently carved a snowman, llama, unicorn, and penguin—a unique “family” of projects for his four unique grandchildren. Editor Kaylee Schofield and editorial assistant Hannah Carroll enrolled in Mary May’s online School of Traditional Woodcarving for inspiration and tutelage. They recommend that any carver, no matter their level of difficulty, consider signing up for a membership. Not only is Mary May prolific and competent—she’s an encouraging teacher. Her video tutorials are simple and straightforward, and offer a variety of useful tips, allowing the carver to follow along with confidence.

Kaylee selected one of Mary May’s simple star ornaments, and carved a bunch for several family members, while Hannah carved her very first project—a stylized Madonna and child—for her future in-laws. Hannah carved her project from a rich piece of mahogany, and Kaylee used cherry wood from around Kaylee’s grandparents’ lake cottage in Maine, where her family vacationed every summer. In addition to the stars, Kaylee carved a Scottie dog and a fox—two classic designs by the legendary Tom Hindes. (Get more of his projects by purchasing his new book, Whittling in Your Free Time—it’s great for beginners!)

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Christmas may have looked a little different this year, but Jon, Kaylee, and Hannah were overjoyed at the chance to delve further into the craft they value so much—and to share something meaningful with their loved ones in the process.

 

From the Woodcarving Illustrated team,
Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!

 

Have you made any carvings for loved ones this holiday season? Send us photos of your work at editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com!

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Frosty Challenge https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/frosty-challenge/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:42:42 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19856 The team at Woodcarving Illustrated asked to see your wackiest...

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The team at Woodcarving Illustrated asked to see your wackiest interpretation of a snowman—and boy, did you deliver! Tons of silly submissions rolled in from around the country, and picking a winner was a challenge. See a few of our favorites below. (Scroll down to see magazine editor Kaylee Schofield’s submission.)

To learn more about Gerard Canavan’s winning carving, pictured above, see the Letters section of our spring issue. Keep making woodchips, friends!

The Spring 2021 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.

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Frosty Challenge Submissions

 Jim Camp

Morrison, Ill.

Mike Cochran

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

David Lye

American Fork, Utah

Amanda O’Deay

Des Moines, Iowa 

 Jason Forkings

Newbridge on Wye, Wales

Andrew Formiller

Albany, Ore.

Tom Mellott

Colorado Springs, Colo. 

 

Mitch Nader

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Al Leitgeb

Toccoa, Ga.

Kathy Vonderahe

Evansville, Ind.

Jeff Morgan

Salt Lake City, Utah

  Jason Johnson

Florence, Ky.

  Tom Taylor

East Washington, N.H.

Kaylee Schofield – Editor, Magazines

Mount Joy, Pa.

Inspired by the wide pool of creative carves, and a beloved treat—Neapolitan ice cream—magazine editor Kaylee Schofield decided to make her own wacky snowman. Unfortunately, as many of us do around our favorite sweet treats, he’s lost his head!

 

 

 

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Folk Art Angel https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/folk-art-angel/ Tue, 08 Dec 2020 18:00:35 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19808 Simple carving can be used as an ornament, pin, or...

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Simple carving can be used as an ornament, pin, or pendant

By Gerald Smith

This holiday season, adorn your Christmas tree with a lovely handcarved ornament. Sure to become a new family favorite, this sweet and simple folk art angel
has minimal details, making it a perfect project for beginners. The carving can even be used as a pin or pendant. Have fun with the design and make it your own!

Carving the Angel

Cut out the outline with a band saw, and use gouges, V-tools, and knives of your choice to carve the details. Make sure your tools are sharp and that you wear a carving glove. This carving is a great place to experiment with fabric folds and curves.

Painting and Finishing

Once you’ve finished carving, thin white acrylic paint to the consistency of milk and apply it to the angel’s clothes and wings. Paint the hands, feet, and face with thinned medium flesh. Once the face is dry, use full-strength chocolate brown to draw on the eyelashes, and then thin the chocolate brown and paint the hair.

Let the paint dry fully. Glue the wings onto the back of your carve and attach a screw eye to the top. Apply paste wax with a toothbrush, allow to dry fully, and then buff the entire piece with a shoe brush. Attach a string through the screw eye to complete the ornament.

[button link=” https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WEB-Strop-Talk-20-Folk-Art-Angel-Pattern.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for the Pattern[/button]

MATERIALS

• Basswood, 1/4″ to 3/8″ (6mm to 10mm)-thick: wings, 1 3/4″ x 2 1/4″ (4.4cm x 5.7cm); figure, 1 3/4″ x 3 1/4″ (4.4cm x 8.3cm)

• Acrylic paint:chocolate brown, medium flesh, white

• Small screw eye

• Wood glue

• Paste wax

• String

TOOLS

• Carving knife

• Small V-tool

• Toothbrush

• Shoe brush

• Small clamps

About the Author


Gerald Smith has been carving since he was a boy. In the early 1970s, Gerald moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where he got involved with the Wood Carver’s Museum and started carving more actively. A friend gave Gerald’s business the name of “Santa’s Whiskers” because of Gerald’s beard and the Santas he carves. Gerald currently lives in Harrisburg, Pa.

 

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BeaverCraft Beaver Santa https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/beavercraft-beaver-santa-1/ Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:01:14 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19753 Project courtesy of BeaverCraft   He’s jolly. He’s festive. And...

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Project courtesy of BeaverCraft

 

He’s jolly. He’s festive. And he has a beard! But this little guy isn’t your typical Santa Claus. Have fun carving BeaverCraft‘s cute and comical take on ol’ St. Nicholas.

We provided the patterns and a video for you to see he’s carved from start to finish.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WEB-WCI93-BeaverCraft-Santa-Beaver-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for the Pattern[/button]

 

Happy Carving!

 

 

 

 

 

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Woodcarving Illustrated Winter 2020, Issue #93 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/woodcarving-illustrated-winter-2020-issue-93/ Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:46:36 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19713 The Winter 2020 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects,...

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The Winter 2020 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.

Scroll down for a sneak peak!

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Features

The Tiny Menagerie

Steve Tomashek’s fun miniatures explore one-knife carving on a whole new scale

By Kaylee Schofield

Woodchips: The Chocolate Genius

This artist uses ingenuity and high-quality chocolate to sculpt epic showpieces

By Hannah Rachel Carroll

Patterns

Chip Carved Perpetual Calendar

Start the New Year right with a freestanding calendar the whole family will love

By Marty Leenhouts

 

Lantern Santa

Want to add some movement to your caricatures? Let St. Nick light your way

By Floyd Rhadigan

Classic Bell Ornaments

Learn to chip carve with this trio of timeless decorations

By Charlene Lynum

Projects

Saucer Sled Santa

Carving this giddy Claus is as enjoyable as a holiday in the Alps

By Russell Scott

Simple Snowman

Turn a piece of scrap wood into a wintry whittled classic

By Kristoffer Høyum

Flat-Plane Reindeer

Practice curved cuts and long facets to create this docile prancer

By James Miller

Winter Hiker

Get a taste of the mountains with this easy-carve adventurer

By Peter Jofs

Christmas Elf

Carve one of Santa’s helpers in just nine short steps

By Dwayne Gosnell

Peppermint Penguin

Join this cute caricature for the candy cane caper of a lifetime

By Matt Kincade

Tiny Bird Ornament

Whittle a scrap wood flier as small as your thumbnail

By Steve Tomashek

Frostbite Santa

Chill out and make some woodchips  with this grumpy beginner project

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Winter Solstice Tomte

Don your comfiest sweater, stir up some cocoa, and make a charming character straight from Scandinavia

By Betty Padden

Techniques

Layered Relief Ornament

Stack three separate pieces to create a nostalgic scene full of depth and detail

By Betty Padden

Pinecone Ornament

This whittled wonder of the forest is a great way to get to know your woodgrain

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Online Exclusives

Free Projects

For more wintry projects, visit the How To section on our website.

Online Resources 

Looking for a carving class? Check out our website for a list of online courses.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/blog/2020/09/23/online-2020-carving-courses/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for the List[/button]

Bonus Video 

Follow along with the BeaverCraft folks to make your own festive animal caricature.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/blog/2020/10/23/beavercraft-beaver-santa/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Watch the Video Here[/button]

 

Get the Winter 2020 Issue

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Online Carving Courses https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/online-2020-carving-courses/ Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:32:44 +0000 https://woodcarvingillustrated.com/?p=19740 Carving, of Course!  Looking for your next carving class? Check...

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Carving, of Course!

 Looking for your next carving class? Check out this short list we prepared of online resources available to help you keep those woodchips flying.

We’d love to continue adding to the list. If you know of a course, please email the class information to editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com.

 

Artist

Topic

Pricing

Contact Info

Mary May

Traditional

$14.99 per month

$159.99 per year

marymaycarving.com/carvingschool/all-lessons/

Alec LaCasse

Fundamentals of Woodcarving

$25 per month

$250 per year

aleclacasse.com/online-woodcarving-school

Betty Padden

One-On-One Tutorials

$25 per 15 min/session
$45 per 30 min/session

woodenapplesignmakers.com/wood-carving-classes

Marty Leenhouts

Chip Carving

$29.95 per course
$120 per year

mychipcarving.com/courses-overview/

Alexander Grabovetskiy

Traditional

$19.99 per month

$214 per year

schoolofwoodcarving.io

Dave Stetson

Caricature

$115 per class

lcnmichele@aol.com

Minisa Robinson

Pyrography Tutorials

$5 a month

minisapyrography.com/patreon

 

 

Get the Winter 2020 Issue

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