kelly, Author at Woodcarving Illustrated

Pear-Shaped Santa

kelly — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:35:00 +0000

Turned blank allows you to carve without worrying about symmetry and proportions

By Roger Beane

Pear-shaped wood turnings allow you to skip the roughing out phase and jump right to carving the details. Plus, the shape offers infinite design possibilities.

I bought two of these turnings at a carving show and carved them both while there. Before the show ended, I’d bought all of the pears the vendor had at his table, and then ordered more to be delivered to me later. The shape is so versatile that you’ll never run out of uses for it. Before you begin carving, check out how to have an easy cleanup with just freezer paper and a few pieces of tape.

Getting Started

Trace or sketch the pattern onto the pear. Carve along the pencil lines with a 1/4″ (6mm) V-tool and make stop cuts in the V-grooves with a knife.

Prepping and Carving

I adapt my typical face-carving techniques to the shape of this blank. Remember that the highest point of the face is the tip of the nose, the deepest part of the face is the eye sockets, and the narrowest part of the face is at the temples.

I add the wrinkles using V-tools and use 5/32″ (4mm) and 3/16″ (5mm) #11 gouges to add the hair and beard texture. When texturing the hair, make sure there are no straight lines. Carve a series of lazy S’s and C’s. Vary the depth of your cuts and do not leave any flat spaces.

Painting and Finishing

Wash your carving with Simple Green and water. Remove the excess water with a soft cloth or paper towels and immediately start painting (while the carving is still wet). Dilute the acrylic paint with water to create a wash. Refer to the Painting Notes for the colors I used.

While the paint dries, squeeze a 2″ (5.1cm)-long strip of burnt sienna oil paint into a pint jar full of mineral spirits to dissolve the paint. Then, add the pint of dissolved paint to a quart of boiled linseed oil. Mix thoroughly and after the paint is dry, dip your carving into the mixture and remove. Let it sit for five minutes, and then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Dispose of the oil-soaked paper towels carefully; they can spontaneously combust. Allow the carving to dry thoroughly. Then, add the accent colors.

MATERIALS

• Basswood turning, pear-shaped: 2 5/8″ (6.7cm) dia. by 3 1/2″ (8.9cm) tall

• Simple Green®

• Acrylic paints: alizarin crimson, black, burnt sienna, ivory white, medium flesh, tompte red

• Finish: boiled linseed oil

• Oil paint: burnt sienna

• Mineral spirits

• Paper towels

TOOLS

• Carving knife

• #11 gouges: 5/32″ (4mm), 3/16″ (5mm), 9/32″ (7mm)

• V-tools: 1/8″ (3mm), 1/4″ (6mm), 3/8″ (10mm)

• Paintbrushes: assorted

About the Author

Roger Beane is a retired middle school teacher who started carving in the early 1980s. He carves a variety of caricatures and Christmas items and teaches carving classes. He lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with his wife, Andrea (who helped him write this article).

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Easy Cleanup

kelly — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:34:13 +0000

By Steve Russell

To protect my workbench, I cover it with freezer paper. Just cut the paper to fit and use blue painter’s tape to secure it in place with the matte side of the paper down. The shiny plastic backing on the paper makes it fairly durable, and it keeps finishes and glue off my workbench.

Keep the small scraps you cut off when fitting the paper to your bench. I use these scraps, shiny side up, as disposable paint palettes. Mix the paints on it, and just roll it up and throw it away when you’re finished painting. Once your workbench is covered, try carving a pear-shaped Santa Claus for your next project!

About the Author

Steve Russell is from Independence, Iowa. About a year before his retirement from John Deere in 2010, Steve took up carving. Steve has won numerous awards at both the local and national level. He has held classes and workshops at his studio and with the Northeast Iowa Woodcarvers Club. Contact Steve at sjr1953@hotmail.com.

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Woodcarving Illustrated Winter Issue, Issue #113

kelly — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:42:11 +0000

The Winter 2025 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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In This Issue

Techniques

Santa’s List

Discover a unique painting technique that provides a stunning depth of color

By Kevin Applegate

Cottonwood Bark Santa

Embrace the uniqueness of this free-form wood and use its flaws to your advantage

By Bob Hershey

Projects

	White Christmas Bear This friendly guy is ready to spread some cheer during the holidays By Dale Green
	Lumberjack Santa Carve an undercover Claus who’s hunting for the perfect Christmas tree By Jonathan Creason
	Arctic Fox Practice carving movement with this frosty creature on the run By Wouter de Bruijn
	Happy Christmas Tree Get into the holiday spirit with a cheerful carving that looks like a cartoon character By Gerard Canavan
	Bottle Buddy Santa Create a gift that keeps on giving with a jolly bottle opener By Dwayne Gosnell
	Santa Pyrography A few basic woodburning nibs create a jolly and easy holiday wall hanging By Minisa Robinson
	Christmas Elf Showcase the hard workers of the North Pole as they prepare for Santa’s big night By Matt Kincade

Patterns

	Caricature Candy Cane Big posable hands and friendly expressions make these ornaments irresistible By Pete Zanauskas
	Elf Boot Ornament These festive little ornaments make a charming jingle jangle By Wade Huggins
	Festive Rolling Pins Cook up a chip-carved holiday cookie press By Jan Jenson
	Chip-Carved Ornaments A layer of acrylic paint accentuates a festive design By Charlene Lynum
	Old Fashioned Ornaments Imitate the look of retro glass decorations with this fun project By Jim Hiser
	Two-in-One Knife Box Keep carving tools safe and ready to go with this compact geometric case By Marty Leenhouts

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Chip-Carving a Summer Scene

kelly — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:56:00 +0000

You won’t want to cover these coaster-sized designs

By Roman Chernikov

I love chip carving, and I like experimenting with patterns. For a fresh new look, I used traditional chips to create two summer scenes. I use the tiles as coasters, but they would also make great decorations for a memorabilia box or key holder. If you want a more colorful finish, learn how to add stain to make the chip details pop!

Making a Coaster

Cut the squares to size. Transfer the patterns to the blanks using a hot tool with a laser print or graphite transfer paper. Strop your knife.

I use simple three-corner chips with straight edges to carve these scenes. Refer to the photos to keep track of where the deepest part of the chip should be.

Apply several light coats of acrylic spray finish or apply an oil finish, such as walnut, tung, or boiled linseed oil.

TIP

Warming Up

Carve several chips on a practice board before you start the project. This helps to ensure that your hand position is correct and your knife is sharp. Draw your own practice board or buy a preprinted board.

MATERIALS

• Basswood, at least 1/4″ (6mm) thick: 4″ (10.2cm) square

• Graphite transfer paper (optional)

• Finish, such as clear acrylic spray, walnut, tung, or boiled linseed oil

TOOLS

• Chip-carving knife

• Hot tool (to transfer pattern, optional)

• Paintbrushes

About the Author

Roman Chernikov is a software engineer who has been carving as a hobby since 2013. He lives near San Francisco and attends the Santa Clara Valley Carvers Club. For more of his work, visit readNtry.com.

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Adding Color to Chip Carvings

kelly — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:53:51 +0000

By Marty Leenhouts

Many first-time chip carvers experience issues with color bleeding out of the chips and into the surrounding wood when staining projects. Here’s what you can do to keep the color inside the chips. Once you master adding color to chip carvings, test it out on some summer-themed coasters.

When your carving is finished, first seal the wood completely. Apply several light coats of spray satin lacquer, matte acrylic, or shellac-based sanding sealer to the entire carving—front, back, and edges. If your carved item is quite thin, avoid a penetrating sealer, as this will cause the wood to cup.

With the wood properly sealed, brush a gel stain into the recesses of your carving and wipe off the surface with a cotton cloth. Gel stains do not absorb into the wood like penetrating oil stains. Let the stain dry overnight and spray on a final topcoat to complete the finish.

If you try to color the chips with a penetrating oil stain or dye before sealing the wood properly, the colors will bleed.

Marty used the technique outlined above on his “Chip-Carved Ball-Foot Box” from the fall 2019 issue (#88).

About the Author

Marty Leenhouts is the founder of MyChipCarving.com with over 30k subscribers and 200k hours of watch time. Courses, videos, patterns and more are available at his website. He and his wife Shelley, also run Red Barn Retreats in Garden City, Minn.

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Woodcarving Illustrated Fall Issue, Issue #112

kelly — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:27:15 +0000

The Fall 2025 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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In This Issue

Feature

Imitation of Life

Artist David Boone captures moments in time and place with his storytelling carvings

By Dorissa Bolinski

Patterns

	Stretching Cat Dramatic woodgrain adds appeal to this elegant feline figure By Bartłomiej Kaczmarek
	Decorative Plate Patience and attention to detail can yield a museum-worthy chip-carved piece By Marty Leenhouts
	Rock and Roll Gnome Round out a block of wood to discover the character living within By Manuel De Santis
	Pumpkin Candlestick Practice achieving symmetry in this spooky decoration By Tony Tanev
	Little Pumpkin Carve one or a handful of these friendly-faced trinkets By Kevin Johnson

Projects

	Hipster Frankenstein This cool ghoul is always on the guest list for the best Halloween parties By Dwayne Gosnell
	Angry Viking Plunder a block of basswood and get started on a hilarious carve By Chris Hammack
	Cottonwood Bark House Create a whimsical dwelling with unique features and texture By Ales Janosik
	Hardwood Mouse Transform colorful scraps into a cute little rodent on a bed of leaves By Paul Purnell
	Goofy Gargoyle Carve a glaring roof-sitter who’s more friend than foe By Rich Wetherbee
	Pumpkin Patch Scarecrow Easy painting technique highlights the wood on this friendly piece By Jim Willis
	Oktoberfest Celebration Everything is going “accordion” to plan with this charming music maker By W. Todd Martin

Technique

Two-in-One Measuring Spoon

Get cooking with a useful carving for the kitchen

By Emmet Van Driesche

Web Extras

Free Project – Want more Halloween projects? Carve Floyd Rhadigan’s “Jack o’Phantom.”

The post Woodcarving Illustrated Fall Issue, Issue #112 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Carving Folk-Art Birds

kelly — Tue, 13 May 2025 18:11:00 +0000

Highlight the tool marks with a little paint to simulate feathers on these simple designs

By Don Dearolf

Carve these simple designs with just a few tools. The pattern is generic enough that you can easily adapt the design to your favorite bird with only a few knife cuts and some paint. Before making your first cut, check out our exclusive article on adding cushions to your gouge handles.

Carving the Birds

Transfer the pattern to the blank and cut the two profiles with a band saw. Leave the wood thick around the beak. Then, carefully round the sharp corners with a knife. Thin the edges of the tail, but leave the middle thicker to create an oval shape when looking at the end. Carve the eye channels. Then, carve the beak. Burn the outlines of the eyes, around the base of the beak, and the mouth lines. Drill a small hole in the bottom and insert a toothpick (to mount the bird to the base, and to hold the bird while painting).

Painting the Birds

Finish the project with thinned acrylic paints. Apply thin washes of color and build up the color in layers. Use Payne’s grey for the dark parts of the back, burnt umber for the brown areas, and raw sienna for the breast. Then, when the paint is dry, apply a heavily thinned coat of burnt umber to tie everything together.

Paint each eye with full-strength Mars black and allow it to dry. Then add a dot of full-strength burnt umber in the bottom front corner and a titanium white highlight dot in the upper back corner of each eye. When the eyes are fully dry, dry-brush titanium white over the whole piece to highlight the tool marks.

Making the Base

Slice a small section of a tree limb across the grain. Drill a hole matching the diameter of the toothpick in the center of the slice. Apply a clear finish to the base. When it is dry, glue a toothpick into the bottom of the bird and the hole in the base.

Materials

• Basswood, 1 1/4″ (3.2cm) thick: 2 1/2″ x 3″ (6.4cm x 7.6cm)

• Tree limb slice, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: 2″ (5.1cm)-dia.

• Toothpick

• Acrylic paints, such as Liquitex: burnt umber, Mars black, Payne’s grey, raw sienna, titanium white

• Clear finish (for base)

• Glue

Tools

• Carving knife

• Small gouge

• Woodburner with nibs: assorted

• Paintbrushes: assorted

• Drill with bit: 1/16″ (2mm)-dia.

About the Author

Don Dearolf painted for several years before taking up carving in 1994 after his brother Dave took him to the Lancaster County Woodcarvers Show. Don loved to carve and share patterns, blanks, and rough outs with others.

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Cushioning Gouge Handles

kelly — Tue, 13 May 2025 18:10:50 +0000

By Vernon DePauw

I’ve tried gloves and padding for my hands, but my palms still hurt after using full size gouges. So, I decided to add ribbed rubber chair tips to my gouge handles, and not only has this helped ease the pain, it has also reduced my carpal tunnel pain.

Measure the end of your gouge handle; I used a circle drafting template, but you could also use calipers. The tips should fit tightly. The tips usually cost around a $1 each and are available in most hardware stores, but I found the largest selection at youngs-inc.com. Choose a tip with a flat bottom, because a rounded bottom will continue to focus the pressure into the center of your palm.

The tips spread out the pressure as I carve, and, as a bonus, the ribs give you another gripping surface. Once you have added the cushioned tips to your handles, test them out on this folk-art bird project.

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Woodcarving Illustrated Summer Issue, Issue #111

kelly — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:09:08 +0000

The Summer 2025 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!

[button link=”https://foxchapelpublishing.com/products/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-109-winter-2024?_pos=1&_psq=109&_ss=e&_v=1.0″ bg_color=”#ff0000″]Purchase the Latest Issue [/button] [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/wood-carving-illustrated-subscription.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Print Magazine Subscription[/button] [button link=”https://woodcarvingillustrated.zinioapps.com/shop” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Digital Magazine Subscription[/button]

In This Issue

Feature

Think Sharp

Behind the blade with Flexcut’s product manager Matt Retkowski
By Dorissa Bolinski

Patterns

Peace, Man

Follow this guy to the biggest festival of the summer

By Bruce Ankeny

Classic Gnome

Walk in the enchanted forest with this friendly little character

By Mehmet Berat Tas

Magical Seahorse

Carve an elegant decoration that’s sure to please any fan of the open sea

By Birce Keser

Wacky Blade Cover

This funny tool guard will protect your favorite knife

By Mark Akers

Hummingbird and Crane

Soar above the clouds with miniature birds in flight

By Steve Tomashek

Crop Circles Frame

Use a burr meant for roughing out to carve a textured design

By Kristin LeVier

Realistic Atlantic Salmon

Reel in a trophy fish that looks like the real thing

By Charles Weiss

Celtic Chip Carving

Create a wall hanging or decorate a box lid with an ancient design

By Blandine Champagneur

Projects

	Salty Sea Captain Embark on a high seas adventure with a friendly seafaring gent By Jonathan Creason
	Happy Hopper This charming fishing frog is ready to star in his own fairy tale By Alice Wang
	Diamond Rosettes Take chip carving to the next level with four unique geometric designs By Nikolas Rocha
	Walking Farmer Get a groove on and put some movement into your carvings By Blake Lunsford
	Sunflower Starburst Catch the summer sun in a medium relief carving that exudes happiness By Dustin Strenke
	Easy Dolphin Whittle a sweet, pocket-sized sea mammal By Tom Hindes

Technique

Mustache Man

Curve the centerline to add interest and a natural flow to carvings

By Dave Dion

Web Extras

Upcoming Events – Find information on future carving shows in our Calendar of Events section.

Free Projects – Check out our online collection of carving projects and patterns under the Free Articles section.

Club Information – Discover what carving clubs are active in your area on our website.

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Chip Carving a Flower

kelly — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:31:19 +0000

Break out of the mold with this organic ornament

By Wayne Barton

Chip-carve ornaments are usually based on geometric figures. However, I decided to branch out and make an ornament with a more positive image and organic style. You can display the ornament alone, attach it to the top of a box, or even carve several to decorate a mantel or door frame. In addition to this chip-carved ornament, try your hand at making your own carving knife handle with a block of wood and a few materials and tools.

Carving the Flower

Transfer the pattern to the wood with graphite paper. I always advise transferring the pattern with graphite paper rather than gluing the pattern. This way you can see if you are removing or cracking away wood that isn’t supposed to be removed.

As you carve the flower, hold the blade at approximately a 65° angle to the wood. When making tight or small curved cuts, raise the angled blade up so it’s more on its tip, reducing the amount of metal in the wood. Don’t cut deeper than necessary to remove the chips. Keep the “vein” lines narrow so they don’t overpower the carving. If desired, add a scalloped border on the back side of the ornament.

Finishing the Flower

Spray both sides of the ornament with three coats of polyurethane, such as Minwax. If desired, paint the outer edge and add a message on the back. Apply a light brown finishing wax, such as Briwax, to both sides of the ornament to emphasize the carved areas while preserving a natural appearance.

MATERIALS

• Wood, such as basswood, 3/8″ (10mm) thick: 5″ square (12.7cm)

• Graphite transfer paper

• Spray polyurethane, such as Minwax

• Paint

• Colored wax, such as Briwax: light brown

TOOLS

• Chip-carving knives

About the Author

Wayne Barton Wayne is the founder of The Alpine School of Woodcarving, Ltd. He has written several books and teaches seminars around the country. For more information, visit his website at www.chipcarving.com.

Get the Latest Issue!

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