In this week’s video, Giles Newman walks you through every step of carving an ivy leaf pendant in oak wood, using one of the pendant carving kits available now on his website. The video is an hour long, but the sound of his knife against the grain and the birds in the background make it a breeze to watch. To dive deeper into his process, be sure to watch this video, as well—Step 1: The Cut Out.

About the Author

Giles has a background in photography and graphic design, and a lifelong passion for the wilderness. Five years ago, he taught himself woodcarving as a way to spend more time in the small wooded area he manages in the mountains of North Wales. Using only an axe and a knife, he began carving wooden spoons from windfallen wood. Since the weather in the UK makes for a plentiful supply of naturally fallen wood, Giles found no need to seek alternative sources. He soon abandoned his life as a designer and photographer to pursue woodcarving full-time.

“I wanted to have a minimal impact on nature which in turn, I hope, serves to reinforce rather than undermine my creative intentions.”

Giles uses the natural features of wood, such as knots and other elements often considered imperfections, as a guide for creating. Instead of seeing the wood as a blank canvas and forcing his ideas into reality, Giles “finds and interprets the forms that already exist within.”

To learn more, visit Giles’ website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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In this week’s video, longtime contributor and CCA member Bob Hershey demonstrates how to carve natural-looking rocks. Be sure to also watch Betty Padden’s video on how to paint realistic stone texture so you can take your carves to the next level!

Also, be sure to check out these fantastic new Fox Chapel books:

Carving & Painting Adorable Animals in Wood by Desiree HajnyWith helpful tips and notes throughout to capture a realistic yet playful essence of 12 animals, this advanced pattern book is perfect for woodcarvers looking to challenge their skills.

Carving Creative Walking Sticks and Canes by Paul PurnellThis book features 13 step-by-step projects for both intermediate and advanced woodcarvers, progressing from simple sticks to a couple of highly detailed and decorative cane heads.

About the Author

Bob Hershey is a retired truck driver who began carving in 1982. He is a member of the Conewago Carvers and Lancaster County Woodcarvers clubs. He enters the local club shows; Artistry in Wood in Dayton, Ohio; and the Caricature Carvers of America competitions. Bob carves a great variety of subjects, and teaches classes in animal caricatures and themed bark houses. He lives in Lititz, Pa., with his wife, Debby.

The post Woodcarving Wednesdays: How to Carve Rocks appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

There’s something magical about playing in the yard and having a ladybug crawl across your finger. Get in the summer spirit by making your own crimson critter with this fun and whimsical project by Sara Barraclough.

What You’ll Need:

[button link=”https://wci.shortstack.com/40tb9M” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Get the ladybug pattern here! [/button]

Also, be sure to check out Weekend Whittling Projects. The booklet features step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography, and full-size patterns for a snail, bear, woodsman, and penguin. Author and talented woodcarver Sara Barraclough will guide you through each adorable project.

About the Author

Sara Barraclough lives in Southern Utah with her daughter. She started carving about two years ago to carry on her great-grandpa and great-great-grandpa’s carving legacy (they were Scandinavian master carvers). Find her on Etsy and Instagram @theclevercarver.

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The post Woodcarving Wednesdays: Whittle a Ladybug appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

In this week’s video, woodcarving professional Chris Lubkemann demonstrates how to whittle an owl—using one knife and one piece of wood—in one short sitting.

Interested in learning more? This friendly guidebook from Chris Lubkemann features 18 step-by-step whittling projects for knives, forks, birds, animals, trees, flowers,and more. Also includes chapters on proper whittling tools and materials, what woods are best to carve, and how to start projects by selecting and safely sharpening the best knife for each project.

About the Author

Chris is the author of four other best-selling whittling books from Fox Chapel Publishing: The Little Book Of Whittling, Big Book Of Whittle Fun, Whittling Twigs & Branches, and Tree Craft. A child of missionaries, Chris Lubkemann grew up in the forests of Brazil and Peru, where he developed an appreciation for knives and entertained himself—and others—by handcrafting rafts, tree houses, traps, and slingshots from scrap wood. Since that time, he has continued to integrate his woodworking skills with good old-fashioned fun. Chris has carved some of the world’s smallest branch carvings, and his smallest branch rooster was given a Guinness World Record Certificate. Chris currently demonstrates whittling as the resident woodcarver at the Amish Farm and House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Get the Summer 2020 issue: [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-91-summer-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/wood-carving-illustrated-subscription.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

The post Woodcarving Wednesdays: Whittle a Bird from a Branch appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Paint to a carve is like icing to a cake. It can enhance a piece and add depth and dimension that otherwise may not have been achievable. In this week’s video, Betty Padden demonstrates how to paint a pumpkin. Even if Halloween isn’t constantly on your mind (like it is for us), we encourage you to use her professional blending, highlighting, and shading techniques described in this video on any future carve.

Interested in more from Betty? Be sure to check out her workbook, Lettering & Sign Carving. The book offers a contemporary look at a nostalgic craft with updated techniques and a fresh variety of styles for carving and painting a variety of signs for the home, summer cottage or basement bar.

About the Author

Betty Padden and her husband, Bob, own Wooden Apple Signmakers in Auburn, Mass. They have been professional sign carvers for 35 years and have been teaching their craft to students for more than 30 years. They are the creators of SantaCarls®, a unique figure that has been sold at Disney parks and Busch Gardens. Betty also designs and paints for Ne’Qwa Art and Blossom Bucket, among other companies. Visit bettypadden.com for cut outs, patterns, and designs, and help for woodcarvers struggling with projects. See more of Betty’s work at woodenapplesignmakers.com.

Get the Summer 2020 issue: [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-91-summer-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/wood-carving-illustrated-subscription.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

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Projects

	Bee Hive3″ x 2″ x 2″ (7.6cm x 5cm x 5cm)
	Bee Hive Shelf2 3/8″ x 1 1/5″ x 1/2″ (6cm x 3cm x 1.3cm)
	Birdhouse4″ x 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ (10.2cm x 3.2cm x 3.2cm)
	Chair2″ x 2″ x 1/2″ (5cm x 5cm x 1.3cm)
	Table top – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 1/2″ (8.9cm x 8.9cm x 1.3cm); base – 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ (4.5cm x 4.5cm x 4.5cm)
	Pumpkin1 1/2″ x 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ (3.8cm x 3.2cm x 3.2cm)
	Lantern 1″ x 1″ x 1 1/4″ (2.5cm x 2.5cm x 3.2cm)
	Sheep2 1/2″ x 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ (6.4cm x 4.5cm x 4.5cm)
	Geese1 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 1 1/4″ (4.5cm x 3.8cm x 3.2cm)
	Owl Chair books for seat – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/4″ x 3/8″ (3.8cm x 3.2cm x 1cm); candles – 2″ x 3/8″ x 3/8″ (5cm x 1cm x 1cm); owls – 4 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ x 5/8″ ( 10.8cm x 8.9cm x 1.6cm); foot rest – 2″ x 1/2″ x 1/2″ (5cm x 1.3cm x 1.3cm)

About the Author

Betty Padden and her husband, Bob, own Wooden Apple Signmakers in Auburn, Mass. They have been professional sign carvers for 35 years and have been teaching their craft to students for more than 30 years. They are the creators of SantaCarls®, a unique figure that has been sold at Disney parks and Busch Gardens. Betty also designs and paints for Ne’Qwa Art and Blossom Bucket, among other companies. Visit bettypadden.com for cut outs, patterns, and designs, and help for woodcarvers struggling with projects. See more of Betty’s work at woodenapplesignmakers.com.

Get the Summer 2020 Issue [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-91-summer-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/magazines.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

The post Mythical Cottage Details appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Have you ever wanted to try chip carving, but felt a little intimidated? In this week’s video, professional chip carver Marty Leenhouts demonstrates there’s nothing to be afraid of. You’ll learn how to quickly apply a pattern, avoid chip out, and carve common shapes. Check out Marty’s video below to chip carve a coaster with ease.

[button link=”https://wci.shortstack.com/2bQkkZ” bg_color=”#ff0000″] Chip Carved Coaster Pattern [/button]

For more on chip carving, be sure to check out Joy of Chip Carving by Wayne Barton. In this comprehensive guide, Wayne offers expert instruction and inspiration based on a lifetime of study, understanding, practice, and achievement. Detailing his methodologies on how to layout, carve, and finish, this book is a must-have for any chip carving enthusiast.

About the Author

Marty Leenhouts is a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated and the author of Chip Carving Essentials: A Step-By-Step Guide to Successful Chip Carving. The owner of MyChipCarving.com and EZcarving.com, he has 30 years of teaching experience. His instructional videos have 3+ million views and can be found on YouTube by searching for “MyChipCarving.”

Get the Spring 2020 issue: [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-90-spring-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/wood-carving-illustrated-subscription.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

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Looking to perfect your realistic carvings? Alex LaCasse makes the daunting look easy in this week’s video. Follow along as he demonstrates how to add hair texture to a friendly woodspirit in cottonwood bark. Happy carving!

Be sure to also check out Harold Enlow’s Carving Faces Workbook. This wonderful read includes clear, easy-to-follow instructions and detailed patterns for carving a variety of faces that are full of life and expression. Each project is done in small steps that guarantee success. For anyone looking to carve faces that stand out in a crowd, this is a must-have addition to your woodcarving library.

About the Author

Alec LaCasse is 24 years old and lives beside Cranberry Lake in Oakland Township, Mich. He has been carving since age 12 and teaching about carving the human face since age 16. For more information about Alec’s work, classes, or to request a private Skype lesson, see aleclacasse.com. 

Also, be sure to check out Alec’s new online carving school HERE!

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Easter may be over for many of us, but that doesn’t mean the festive spirit of the season has to end. While you’re working through those peeps and chocolates in your candy basket, power carve some colorful egg-shaped charms that won’t melt in the sun. In this week’s video, Keoma McCaffrey will show you how to create a springtime charm bracelet that is lovely enough to wear year-round.

Interested in more? Be sure to check out Creating Wooden Jewelry by Sarah King. This comprehensive guide demonstrates invaluable woodworking skills including jointing, turning, steaming, polishing, staining, painting, beveling, inlaying, and more! Combining wood with other media, from silver to silicon, you’ll learn 10 techniques and create 14 beautiful projects.

About the Author

Keoma McCaffrey lives in Northern California with her husband, Jeff, and two sons. She carves most of her work from salvaged local hardwoods. She is a moderator on the Woodcarving Illustrated message board, woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum.

Get the Spring 2020 issue: [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-90-spring-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/magazines.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

The post Woodcarving Wednesdays: Power Carve a Springtime Charm Bracelet appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Whittling artist, carving teacher, and regular contributor to WCI Tom Hindes has designed an adorable angelfish that will help ease you into the summer season. You may even find yourself daydreaming of palm trees and a salty island breeze. This project is great for any carver—beginner or pro—and only requires one tool to complete! Check out the video below to whittle along with Tom.

[button link=”https://wci.shortstack.com/4mHX3W” bg_color=”#ff0000″] Angel Fish Pattern [/button]

Also, be sure to order Tom’s best-selling book, 20-Minute Whittling Projects, and his brand-new sequel, Whittling In Your Free Time. Both offer friendly instructions and step-by-step photos, and you’ll learn how to carve an endless array of charming wizards, gnomes, gargoyles, dogs, horses, and more!

About the Author

Tom Hindes started whittling and carving in the early 2000s. Now retired from a career in technical training development at Ohio State University, Tom lives in Port St. joe, Fla. He carves Noah’s arks, Christmas ornaments, wizards, and gnomes. He is the author of 20-Minute Whittling, available from Fox Chapel Publishing.

Get the Spring 2020 issue: [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-90-spring-2020.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Issue[/button] For more articles like this, subscribe to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. [button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/magazines.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Magazine Subscription[/button] Plus! Get digital mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues. [button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/enews/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Subscribe to Strop Talk[/button]

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