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Arrowhead
Arrowhead
Cross
Cross
Axe
Axe
Paddle
Paddle
Canoe
Canoe
Knife
Knife
Wooden Tube
Wooden Tube
Wooden Spoon
Spoon
Wooden Whistle
Whistle
Angel
Angel
Pumpkin
Pumpkin
Strop
Strop
Pencil
Pencil
Acorn
Acorn
Sheath
Knife Sheath
Snowman
Snowman
Arrow
Arrow
Star
Star



Are you ready for a challenge? In general, these projects require at least three hours and more tools to complete than the easy projects above.

Turtle on a Log
Turtle on Log
Praying Hands
Praying Hands
Kokopelli
Kokopelli
Spiral
Spiral
Ball in a Box
Ball in a Box
Bookmarker
Bookmarker
Mobius
Mobius Strip
Trumpeting Angel
Trumpeting Angel
Hand Holding Cross
Hand Holding Cross
Square Knot
Square Knot
Pliers
Pliers
Thumb
Decorative
Whistles
Mobius
Mobius Triangle
Egg Cabin
Cabin in Egg
Simple Santa
Simple Santas
Cardinal
Cardinal
Lollipop
Lollipop in a box
Captive Rings
Captive Rings
Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Owl
Owl



To start off, I would suggest a detail knife like the Flexcut™ KN-13. As you gain experience and learn new techniques, you'll want to get more specialized tools. They will help you do things faster, cleaner, and with better looking results. Notice the tools that other carvers use. They will probably even let you try them out. Build your tool set slowly instead of buying a set of tools, many of which you may not use. But to start out, just get a detail knife.

If your hand or arm gets tired while carving, take a short break. Put your knife down, and get up and walk around. Get a drink of water. Stretch, flex, and move your hand and arm around for a couple minutes.

One common beginner mistake is to not carve enough and leaving the project looking too much like the original block of wood.

How do you know when you are finished carving a project? You never are finished, you just stop working on it.

Try to locate a local wood carving club. The amount you learn from participating in these clubs is amazing. Check the Internet. Also, check senior centers, community centers, and colleges. Many will have classes in wood carving. All you have to do is stop by and talk to them about local clubs.

Younger children (under 13) may have a difficult time carving wood. They may not have the hand or arm strength required. One thing I have done is to make Plaster of Paris blocks for them to carve. Have the children sharpen a store bought pencil as a first project with wood. They will get a real kick out of being able to do something useful.

I've only been carving seriously since late 2005, so as I learn more I'll update these pages.

Resources:
Whittling with Ben Hunt by Ben Hunt
A Beginner's Book of Carving Neckerchief Slides, Pins and Magnets by Robert Reitmeyer
Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers - Sharpening directions, supplies, and much more
The Woodcraft Shop - Great catalogue




Copyright © 2005 Vincent Hale