Imitation of Life

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

By Dorissa Bolinski

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

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

Two-in-One Measuring Spoon

Get cooking with a useful carving for the kitchen

By Emmet Van Driesche

Magic Touch

Cecilia Schiller’s entertaining automata encourage interaction

By Dorissa Bolinski

Stylish Leprechaun Caricature

Practice adding accessories with this swaggering man-about-town

By Mehmet Berat Tas

Buckle Up!

Fun and wearable carving might encourage some fish stories

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Chip Carved Bracelet

Easy bangle makes an impressive statement piece

By Charlene Lynum

It’s Elementary!

Solve the riddle of capturing a caricature’s essence with this ode to Sherlock Holmes

By Kevin Applegate

Butterfly and Flower Pyrography

A clever coloring technique gives life to this organic wood burning

By Shannon Lyon

Desk Clock

Set aside some time to chip carve this striking office accessory

By Marty Leenhouts

Realistic Walleye

Whopping trophy is a fisherman’s dream

By Charles Weiss

Caricature-Chef Bottle Stopper

Add some joie de vivre to your dinners with this quick and fun carve

By W. Todd Martin

Interlocking Heart Relief

Surprise your one-and-only with a piece of Celtic-inspired wall art

By Lisa Laughy

Carving a Leaf Spoon

Finish this nature-inspired utensil with milk paint accents

By Elizabeth Weber

Stylized Shorebird

Smooth avian project puts the “sand” in “sanderling”

By Wouter de Bruijn

Power-Carved Bullfrog

Sculpt a full-size pond dweller so lifelike, you’ll expect him to ribbit

By B. David Duncan

Balancing Stones

Find your Zen with this easy branch whittling project

By L. P. Parslow

My Cat Pearl

This cute calico caricature is ready to pounce

By Floyd Rhadigan

Flying Dragon

Flat-plane carving style lends a scaly look to this beast of lore

By Dave Atkin

Easy Gnome

Build your confidence with a simple face you don’t have to paint

By Birce Keser

Soap Rabbit

Quickly carve a nest of bunnies to brighten any bathroom

By Makiko Sone

Power-Carved Eagle Log

Different colors of wood from the same log make this bird of prey soar

By Jordy Johnson

Making a Hook Knife

Treat your spoon projects to a handmade tool that’s inexpensive to construct

By Doug Stowe

Alphabetical Arboretum Woodcut

From A to Z, these leaves make an attractive handmade print

By Beth Lewis

Power Carving Basics

Getting started power carving? Here are a few main things to consider

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Selecting the Right Power Carving Equipment

Follow these wisdoms to build your dream kit

By Dave Hamilton, Jack Kochan, Frank Russell, and Chuck Solomon

Choosing Power Carving Bits

Make smart purchases with a basic understanding of the cutters available

By Dave Hamilton and Chuck Solomon

Tools for Removing Wood Quickly

We test-drive the hardiest “toys” on the market

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Introduction to Reciprocating Carvers

Blend an edged-tool texture with the speed of a power carver

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Power Carving Safety

Anticipate potential dangers for a safer shop experience

By Dave Hamilton, Jack Kochan, Frank Russell, and Chuck Solomon

Dust Collection Roundup

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

By Jon Deck

Cleaning and Maintaining Bits

Prolong the life of burrs with these quick hacks

By Frank Russell

Woodburning Tips

Learn why pyrography is a key skill to add to your arsenal

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Airbrushing on the Cheap

You could have two-thirds of an airbrush setup hiding in your workshop!

By Jon Deck

Micromotors: A Master Class

Get your hands on some tips and techniques for micromotor power carving

By Kristin LeVier

Carolina Wren

Carve a bird so lifelike it’ll make you do a double take

By B. David Duncan

Smoking Garden Gnome

This spunky character comes with a pipe and a whole lot of personality

By Edgar Shrum

Crescent Moon Wand

Make a little magic for the fantasy fan in your life

By Tamara Seevers

Three-Point Ribbon

Create a classic wooden whimsy with just a rotary tool and a knife

By Garth Burgon

Hardwood Mouse

Transform colorful scraps into a cute little rodent on a bed of leaves

By Paul Purnell

Ice Skate Ornament

Add an unexpected embellishment to an easy holiday ornament

By Keoma McCaffrey

Tiny T. Rex

This king of lizards will be a hit with dino lovers of all ages

By Brian Altison

Realistic Bear Head

Make this handsome beast without endless hours of fur texturing   

By Lori Andrews

Carving the Female Face

Master the technique of sculpting a human portrait

By Chris Howard

Power-Carved Pirate Ship

Indulge your inner pirate by making a miniature Jolly Roger

By Benjamin Tyler

Realistic Tropical Fish

Hone your fish-carving skills on a vibrant reef dweller

By James Spencer

Golden Eagle Walking Stick

Dress up a functional cane with this glorious raptor

By Paul Purnell

Autumn Jewelry

Sculpt a lovely array of wearable acorns and leaves

By Keoma McCaffrey

Making a Rustic Measuring Cup

Power carve a kitchen staple from salvaged wood

By David Drake

Rolling Pin Santa

Use a reciprocating carver to give old utensils a new face

By Randy George

Great Horned Owl

Let the chips fly where they may with this striking
chainsaw sculpture

By Michael Robinson

Getting Started

Transfer the patterns for the bird and base to the blanks. Use a piece of carbon or graphite paper. Cut the bird side view first using a band saw. Tape the pieces back together with clear packaging tape, and then cut out the top view. Separate and discard the scrap pieces from the cutout. Then cut the base.

Sketch a centerline starting at the beak, moving up and over the crown of the head to the tip of the tail. Draw the main landmarks, such as the head, beak, wings, and feet. Refer to the pattern, using a measuring scale or calipers for accuracy.

Step 1

Rough-shape the bird. Using a cone-shaped carbide-point bit, follow the lines you just made, thinning the neck and back areas to distinguish the wings and head from the torso. Switch to a tapered ruby bit. Round the head, moving from the beak to the crown. The crown should be noticeably smaller in circumference than the neck area. Make a small valley on either side of the head where the eyes will go, moving back from the brows to the nape of the neck until the valleys almost meet. Thin and round the tail.

Step 2

Separate the wing parts. Use the same bit. Contour the head, cheeks, and beak. Add round wells for the eyes. Sand the entire bird with 220-grit sandpaper or 240-grit Abranet®.

Step 3

Draw feathers onto the wing parts and tail. Refer to the pattern. Then lay a cylinder-shaped blue ceramic stone on its side and cut individual feathers into each wing and on the top and bottom of the tail.

Step 4

Fill out the feather texture. Lay a tapered cylinder-shaped white ceramic stone on its side and carve individual feathers on the cheeks, breast area, sides, and back of the bird. With the same stone, round each feather, and then carve the barbs. Add feather splits.

Step 5

Draw and carve the individual head feathers. Use a narrow, pointed ruby bit. Start at the beak and increase the feather size as you work toward the back.

Step 6

Round off and break the sharp corners of each feather. Use a sanding stick with a band of 220-grit sandpaper. Texture the head feathers with the tapered cylinder-shaped white ceramic stone.

Step 7

Burn the wing and tail feather texture. Use a bent shader tip in a woodburner. Don’t forget to add in the feather quills during this step.

Step 8

Burn in the barbs. Use the point of a skew tip. Add feather splits where desired. Note: To keep the burner tip clean and sharp, lay a piece of sandpaper on a flat surface. Then lay the burner tip at a sharp angle and run it across the sandpaper to remove any grit or grime.

Step 9

Set in the eyes. Make sure that the eye sockets are big enough to accommodate 3/16″ (5mm)-dia. brown eyes. The eyes should sit far enough into the socket that when looking at the bird’s head from above, you see just a bit of each one. Using a dental tool, place some epoxy putty in the eye sockets to hold the eyes in place. Then form a small ribbon of epoxy and place it around the eyes to form the eye rings. Work the epoxy around the eyes and blend it into the wood as feathers.

Step 10

Shape the feet. Note: Wear eye protection when performing this step. Cut six pieces of 1/32″ (1mm)-dia. brass rod into 1″ (2.5cm) lengths. Bend a radius on one end of each piece to form a nail shape, and then pound the nail flat. Hold the straight end of the brass rod with small locking pliers. Grind the nail to shape using a ball-shaped fluted carbide cutter bit. Bend the toes to shape after grinding.

Step 11

Attach the feet. Drill six holes 1/16″ (2mm) in diameter by 9/32″ (7mm) deep in the bottom of the bird; refer to the pattern. Cut 1/16″ (2mm)-deep grooves from the outer body to the holes. Place a small amount of cyanoacrylate (CA) glue on the toe shafts and insert the toes into the holes. Drill a 3/16″ (5mm)-deep hole in the bottom center of the bird to accommodate a 1/8″ (3mm)-dia. wood dowel.

Step 12

Draw the bark lines. Sketch a circle 1/4″ (6mm) in from the edge. Add spokes at regular intervals going out toward the edge, and then carve along these lines using the tapered ruby bit. Make random vertical cuts all around the outside of the base to simulate bark texture. Drill a 3/16″ (5mm)-deep hole in the center of the base for the wood dowel.

Step 13

Define the rings. Cut around the inside and outside of each bark section with the pointed ruby bit. Add growth rings fanning out from the central dowel hole. Use the same bit.

Step 14

Shape the bark pieces. Break sharp corners and remove rough edges in and around each bark section with a piece of 240-grit Abranet or 220-grit sandpaper. Slightly round the top of each bark section.

Step 15

Add more bark details. Burnish the sections of bark using a ball stylus. The bark should look rough and bumpy. Then glue the dowel in place.

Step 16

Spray the bird and base with clear satin finish. The project will be easier to finish if mounted on a paint stick. Paint the bird, referring often to the Paint Notes on page X. (I use a #6 round brush to apply base coats and a 1/8″ (3mm) angular shading brush for drybrushing and detailing.) Once done, shade all feathers and feather splits by adding just a slight touch of black to the basecoat colors and apply around the bottom of each feather. Scrape the excess paint from the glass eyes with a knife. Do not use sandpaper. Let the paint dry, and then attach the bird to the dowel with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue.

Paint Notes

Cap, bib, beak: Mars black

Breast, cheeks, rump, highlights to feather-edges and toes: titanium white

Side flanks: raw sienna, titanium white (blend into the white areas of the breast and rump with a watery brush)

Back and shoulder area: raw umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white (mix to a brownish grey)

Top of wings, tail: burnt umber, Payne’s gray, ultramarine blue, titanium white (mix to a dark grey)

Toes: burnt umber, Payne’s gray, small amount of titanium white

Base (first coat): yellow oxide, titanium white

Base (second coat): watered-down Payne’s gray and burnt umber (use to darken growth rings and cracks)

Base highlights: drybrush titanium white

Underside of tail and wings: neutral gray

MATERIALS

• Tupelo, 1 3/4″ (4.4cm) thick: 1 3/4″ x 3 1/4″ (4.4cm x 8.3cm)

• Tupelo, 1/2″ (1.3cm) thick: 2 1/2″ (6.4cm) square

• Wood dowel: 1/8″ (3mm)-dia., 5/16″ (8mm) long

• Glass eyes: two, 5mm-dia. brown

• Brass rod: 1/32″ (1mm)-dia., 6″ (15.2cm) long

• Carbon or graphite paper

• Epoxy putty

• Finish: clear satin, such as Deft

• Acrylic paint (see Paint Notes above)

• Glue: cyanoacrylate (CA)

• Sandpaper: 220-grit or 240-grit Abranet

• Tape: clear packaging

TOOLS

• Drill with bits: assorted small

• Knife (optional)

• Band saw

• Graphite pencil

• Measuring scale or calipers

• Rotary tool

• Ruby bits: tapered, pointed

• Blue ceramic stone: cylinder

• Fluted carbide cutter: ball-shaped

• Carbide-point bit: cone-shaped

• White ceramic stone: tapered cylinder

• Stick with 220-grit sandpaper band

• Woodburner with nibs: skew, bent shader

• Ball stylus

• Locking pliers

• Dental tool

• Paintbrushes: #6 round, 1/8″ (3mm) angular shader

Butch Clark lives in rural Darke County, Ohio, with his wife, Janie. He began carving in 1992, specializing in realistic songbirds, and now teaches classes on songbirds and their habitat. Butch is a member and past president of the “Brukner Nature Carvers” woodcarving club in Troy, Ohio. He has won numerous awards at woodcarving shows throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Contact Butch at butch0547@embarqmail.com.

Controls are on the power hub, not the tool handle.

The Power Hub

The MakerX hub transfers the energy of a 20-volt lithium ion battery to any attached tool through a super flexible cord. The hub has an onboard power switch and variable speed control, negating the need for them to be incorporated into the individual tools. The kit we tested includes a rotary tool and an airbrush—but the hub can power additional MakerX tools, such as an angle grinder, heat gun, and burnisher. The WorX Power Share battery can provide up to three hours of power on a single charge, depending on the tool and how it’s being used.

Changing bits is easy with the integral spindle lock and the wrench supplied in the kit.

The rotary tool has excellent power, with speeds up to 35,000RPM.

The Rotary Tool

The handpiece has a comfortable ergonomic design with a soft-textured rubber grip. There’s plenty of power in the brushless motor, which allows for speeds from 5,000 to 35,000 RPM. We used several carving bits on pine and walnut blanks, and the tool performed well. The universal 1/8″ (3mm) collet holds any brand of rotary accessories.

The tool is not loud, but has a high-pitched whine, especially at faster speeds. It’s worth noting that the tool will shut off when pushed too hard. This is a design feature that surprised us at first—but it occurs so that the bit or blade will not kick back or become difficult to control. If this occurs, reset the system by turning the startup button on the hub off, and then turn on again. Once familiar with the tool, we were able to carve with minimal interruptions.

The compressor pump provides a stable base for the airbrush to stand upright.

The Airbrush

No noisy, bulky compressor or hose needed with the MakerX airbrush! The airbrush pen mounts directly onto a lightweight canister-type compressor that provdes 14-18 psi of air pressure. It also doubles as a comfortable handle for the brush, and solidly supports the unit upright when not in use. The pen itself is a high-quality tool that rivals those from well-known airbrush manufacturers.

Adjust paint flow with the knob on the end of the pen.

Conclusion

When you place all the elements of the system into the well-designed carry bag, you’ll truly appreciate the compact portability of the MakerX. The tote is lined with pockets to hold the tools safely and separately, with ample space left over for carving blanks, a water bottle, several bottles of paint, and an extra battery or two to keep you crafting on the go. The price is modest for the array of quality tools in the kit—not to mention the capability to power carve nearly anywhere you want.

Kit Contents

MakerX rotary tool

MakerX airbrush

Airbrush compressor

MakerX hub

20V battery

Battery charger

Accessory case

Storage bag

Steel brush (1)

Bristle brush (1)

Drum mandrel (1)

Cutting accessories (8)

Sanding accessories (12)

Polishing accessories (4)

Grinding accessories (5)

Engraving accessories (4)

Screw-on mandrel (1)

Threaded mandrel (1)

Drill bit: 1 1/8″ (29mm) (1)

Spanner wrench (1)

Dropper (1)

Cleaning brush (1)

Flexible Shaft vs. Micromotor

Flexible shaft tools are powerful. They can rip through wood at an astonishing rate. But most of them max out at 15,000 to 20,000 rpm, and the bits you generally use to add details, such as diamond and ruby, work better at higher speeds. That’s why most carvers switch to micromotors, which can reach speeds of 50,000 rpm, for intricate work.

And while flexible shaft tools are fine for larger projects clamped securely to a bench, I find them too powerful for smaller pieces that need to be handheld.

Using one, I find myself bracing against the bench and tightening my wrist muscles to withstand the power of the tool. I’m constantly adjusting my position to keep from bending the shaft too sharply, which makes the handpiece jerk around.

Micromotors, conversely, are less powerful but offer better speed and comfort. The handpiece connects to the power supply with a soft, flexible cord, and is easy to hold at all speeds. (I grip it in a fist when roughing out with carbide-point bits, and hold it like a pencil to carve fine detail.)

They are powered in one of two ways, by brushed or brushless motors. Because of how they are constructed, the brushless ones are noticeably more powerful (they tend to last longer, too). The rub is that they cost significantly more: brushed units start at $200, while brushless versions start at around $700. That’s where Foredom’s new brushless micromotor comes in—it lists for less than $600. And while you might expect that that price comes at the expense of other desirable attributes, the opposite is true: the K.1060 revs to 50,000 rpm and is one of the most user-friendly micromotors I’ve ever worked with.

Chuck in an aggressive carbide-point bit to remove waste wood in a hurry.

More Power = Faster Wood Removal

To test the Foredom, I first put an aggressive carbide-point bit in a brushed micromotor and dug into a piece of oak. I couldn’t press very hard before the bit bogged down and the motor stalled. With the K.1060, I had to apply a great deal more pressure to get the tool to stall, and it tore through the hard oak much faster. Not as fast as a flexible shaft tool, perhaps, but plenty fast for my purposes.

With a finer bit, like this fluted cylinder, you can carve fur flow and texture.

Digital Readout = Safer, Easier Use

Where most other micromotors have rough speed marks on the control dial, the Foredom has a precise digital readout, making it safer because you can make sure you’re not exceeding the bit manufacturer’s maximum allowed speed. Moreover, once you dial in a comfortable speed for different bits, you can easily return to that speed after changing them.

Handpiece

The K.1060’s quick-change handpiece accommodates bits with 3/32″ (2.4mm) and 1/8″ (3mm)-diameter shafts. Bit changes take seconds, and the collets grip well. As noted, the handpiece is comfortable to hold and the power cord is flexible and easy to maneuver.

Even finer bits, like this inverted cone (right), add more intricate detail. Below: a sample of bits the K.1060 can handle.

Workability

Power carver Lori Andrews creates most of her projects—including the bear on our cover—using flexible shaft tools. I duplicated her project using just the Foredom. While I had to substitute a smaller carbide-point bit—Lori uses a large cylinder-shaped one with a 1/4″ (6mm)-diameter shaft—I was able to carve the bear in a similar amount of time, quickly and easily. In fact, I prefer the high-speed tool for adding the fur details because it allowed me to take light, quick cuts.

Overall Opinion

If you already have and regularly use a flexible shaft tool, you may not need a micromotor this powerful. But if you’re looking to start power carving, especially if you’re having trouble using edged tools, I highly recommend this bad boy. For most of my power carving, it’s now the only tool I use.

Holiday Shopping Guide

Virtual classes make a great gift for carvers at any skill level

By Kaylee Schofield

Hiding in Plain Sight

Thomas Dambo creates gargantuan trolls from pallets and scrap wood

By Hannah Carroll

Power Carved Snowman

Build this smiling creature using just a few raw materials

By Edgar Shrum

A Trio of Woodland Ornaments

With a little burning and low relief carving, you can turn craft store rounds into works of art

By Michele Parsons

Kindly Santa Ornament

Practice carving curls and hair texture with this rosy-cheeked caricature 

By Tony Harris and Bob Kozakiewicz

Flat-Plane Winter Bird

Celebrate the understated beauty of the female cardinal with one knife and a little paint

By James Ray Miller

Smiling Star Tree Topper

“Light” this year’s tree by adding a beaming caricature on top 

By Richard Embling

Cookie Thief Santa

Enjoy a snack break with this off-duty St. Nick  

By Bruce Ankeny

Carving an Atlantic Puffin

Create a stylized showstopper in just eight steps 

By Wouter de Bruijn

Christmas Gnomes

Carve these beginner-friendly guys with just three little tools 

By David Young

Folk Art Polar Bear

Peaceful features combine with dramatic textures in a must-have winter carve 

By Dave Francis

Winter Cottage in Cottonwood Bark

This cozy woodland hideaway is a perfect introduction to bark carving 

By Kathy Overcash

Gnomes in Pajamas

Catch this pair of sleepy characters before they vanish for their winter nap! 

By Nikki Reese

Floppy Hat Santa Ornament

Same Santa, new duds—this easy carve is a recipe for success

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Holly Berry Earrings

Carve a pair of festive baubles—for your ears! 

By Akane

Chip Carved Bottle Holder

Impress dinner guests with a gravity-defying piece

By Marty Leenhouts

Chip Carved Mitten Ornaments

Mimic the look of knitwear with a pair of carved “accessories” for the tree 

By Charlene Lynum

Snowman Relief Ornament

Create a clever holiday tableau using scrap wood and wire

By Betty Padden

Product Review: Jonaker Hatchet

This lightweight roughing hatchet is ideal for carvers on the go

By Luke Voytas

Product Review: Tibro Axe

Use this classic carpenter’s axe for anything—from building a house to shaping a spoon

By Luke Voytas

Knots and All

Sophie Sellu’s practical sculpture celebrates natural shapes and quirky grain patterns

By Kaylee Schofield

Chip Carved Celtic Knot

Elevate an array of objects with this twisting, turning design

By Marty Leenhouts

Cluster of Columbines

Woodburn a lovely flower composition on a live-edge slab 

By Shannon Mahoney

The Farmer

Pay homage to the good old days with this advanced caricature 

By Myron Compton

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/final_pattern.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Complete Farmer Pattern[/button]

Bittersweet Conversation Hearts

These super-easy shapes are a breeze to carve and color

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Hammerin’ Hank

This cartoon handyman is great practice for incorporating carved add-ons

By Kevin Applegate

Dog and Butterfly

With big eyes and simplified features, this cute canine is a beginner carver’s dream 

By Parn Aniwat

Man in the Moon

Make a serene relief that evokes the night sky

By Mary May

Bucktooth Bird

Sweeping cuts and subtle details give this silly bird plenty of sass 

By Bruce Ankeny

Carving a Jam Knife

Fancy up your morning toast routine with a super-sleek wooden spreader

By John Welch

Love Bug 

Craft wire, movable parts, and splashes of paint bring this cute caricature to life  

By Betty Padden

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/WEB-WCI98-Love-Bug-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Complete Love Bug Pattern[/button]

Gnome with Balloons

This vivid character has a fun accessory in tow 

By Miroslaw Czeladka

Boisterous Bunny

Power carve a charming mammal made of green wood  

By Edgar Shrum

Greenman Pendant

Add a touch of earthy elegance to your jewelry collection with this statement piece

By Igor Hršak

Super-Simple Unicorn

Bring this fantastical animal to life in one sitting using just a knife  

By James Ray Miller

Valentine’s Day Monster

This cute, customizable grump will melt your heart 

By Gerard Canavan

Fish Fin Measuring Spoon

You’ll flip for this one-of-a-kind kitchen utensil 

By Emilie Rigby

Carving a Golf Ball Caricature

Learn to whittle stylized faces while clearing out your stash of spare golf balls

By Sara Barraclough

Stylized Koi Fish

Neodymium magnets, colored resin, and rich mahogany make for a Zen piece that’ll stop viewers in their tracks 

By Daniel Caplinger

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Māori woodcarver ‘Broxh’ levels up his craft online

By Hannah Carroll

Product Review: MakerX® Rotary Tool & Airbrush Combo

Unique power hub gives you the freedom to craft wood wherever the open road takes you

By The Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Storytelling With Wood

Nikki Reese carves everything from fishermen and gnomes to classic video game tropes—and crafts wild bios
for them all

By Kaylee Schofield

Comfortable Carving 

Practice these simple stretches to enjoy carving for long periods of time

By Don Swartz

Carving a Viking Drinking Cup

This dragon-shaped drinking vessel is fit for a fairy tale 

By Jon Mac

Twig & Leaf Drawer Handle

Add woodland flair to drawers and doors with this one-of-a-kind embellishment

By Robert Kennedy

Sea Captain

Use the rich tones of cottonwood bark to highlight this weathered
sailor’s features

By Alec LaCasse

Spooky Jack-O’-Lantern Caricature

This expressive pumpkin is ready for Fright Night

By Matt Kincade

Power-Carved Barn Owl Chicks

Shape, sand, and texture these baby birds of prey   

By Paul Purnell

Simple Scarecrow Pin

Make a fashion statement this fall with a classic three-step brooch

By Wayne Laramore

Wendy the Shelf-Sitter Witch

This charming carve is sure to light up your favorite ledge, desk, or book nook

By Richard Embling

Tiny Gnome Home

Turn basswood scraps into clever little cottages

By Nikki Reese

Grumpy Lil’ Man

This walnut-sized carve has a whole lot of attitude

By Karen Scalin

Mr. Chanticleer the Rooster

Deck out this folk art fowl with bright colors and playful patterns

By Larry Green

Little Pilgrim

With a splash of paint and just a few tools, you can add this classic
character to your harvest collection

By Alex Joiner

Trick-or-Treater Caricature

Transform a basswood turning into an adorable work of art

By Lori Dickie

Gridiron Gus

Rush into fall with this game-winning football caricature

By Floyd Rhadigan

Spooky Santa

This costumed Kris Kringle mixes two favorite holidays into one fun piece

By Dave Francis

Classic Swirl Rosette

Get comfortable carving three-corner chips with this elegant repeating design

By Marty Leenhouts

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

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

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

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