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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 [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/customcart/addtocart/link?pid=7696&qty=1″ 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 Illustrated Summer 2021, Issue #95 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

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!)

[button link=”[button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/whittling-in-your-free-time.html” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Get Whittling in Your Free Time Here[/button]

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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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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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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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 [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-93-winter-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 Illustrated Winter 2020, Issue #93 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

 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.

Get the Winter 2020 Issue [button link=”https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/woodcarving-illustrated-issue-93-winter-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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Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It’s the one day a year you can be anyone or anything you want to be. We woodcarvers don’t want to be left out, so this pumpkin-headed ghost is my whimsical Halloween treat.

Carving the Ghost

This piece is not hard to carve. Cut 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 the Ghost

Seal the carving with a coat of matte Krylon spray finish. For most of this carving, I thinned 1 drop of paint with 15 drops of water. For the body, use titanium white with a hint of light blue in the folds. Use gray for the area inside the sleeves and under the sheet/robe. Paint the head cadmium orange, and use burnt sienna in the creases. Paint the stem burnt umber and the eye and mouth openings bright yellow. Then, paint the teeth titanium white. Allow the paint to dry, and then seal it with another coat of Krylon finish. Allow the finish to dry fully.

To antique the carving, create a mixture of 70% Watco natural finishing wax and 30% Watco dark finishing wax. Apply the mixture with a stiff brush. Pat off the excess and buff it with paper towels. Note: Dispose of the paper towels properly; Watco finishing wax contains linseed oil, which can spontaneously combust.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WEB-StropTalk20-Ghost-Pumpkin-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for the Patterns[/button]

Materials & Tools

About the Author

Floyd Rhadigan has been carving for 50 years and teaching the craft for 44. He is a member and past president of the Caricature Carvers of America, and was awarded the Woodcarving Illustrated Woodcarver of the Year Award in 2016. Floyd spends his time traveling around the United States, teaching the art he loves so dearly. See more of his work at fantasycarving.com.

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Features

	5 Under 35 Meet five rising stars in woodcarving By Hannah Rachel Carroll
	Carving Down Under Germaine Keys doesn’t just carve birds—she carves tiny cartoon birds in fanciful boats By Kaylee Schofield
	Paintbrush Care for Carvers Learn to select, clean, and store your brushes like a pro By Betty Padden
	So You Want to Teach Wood Carving? Heed these helpful pointers as you plan your first class By Tom Hindes
	Woodchips: Off the Chain Traveling chainsaw artist brings extreme carving to the masses By Hannah Rachel Carroll

Patterns

Chip Carved Phone Holder The Digital Age meets Old World style in this sweet celebration of autumn  By Charlene Lynum

Projects

	Friendly Gnome Carve a cute, classic character with a twist By Sara Barraclough
	Stylized Sugar Spoon Add elegance to your breakfast ritual with this simple hardwood tool  By Saskia De Jager
	Acanthus Leaf Jewelry Why let buildings and furniture have all the fun? Turn an ancient design motif into wearable art By Mary May
	Bird in a Boat This cheery little seafarer will brighten your day in an instant  By Germaine Keys
	Light-Up Ghost Carve and paint a glowing ghoul that’s all treats, no tricks By Betty Padden
	Noble Bison Practice flat-plane carving techniques on this mighty lord of the prairie  By James Miller
	Carving a Pumpkin Girl Bring this cute and quirky jack-o’-lantern to life in just a few cuts By Alex Joiner
	Vampire Skull Bottle Stopper Sink your teeth into this practical, skill-building project By Randy George
	Power Carved Lion Bust Feel like the king of beasts with this realistic walking stick topper By Paul Purnell
	Mouse and Pumpkin Pin This plucky critter is a great intro to carving and painting By Wayne Laramore

Techniques

	A Ball Within A Ball Transform a golf ball into a sports lover’s new favorite keepsake By Rick Stoddard
	Leather Bookmark Use woodburning to embellish a classic gift for bookworms By Michele Parsons
	Woodsy Bear & Tree Learning to whittle a simple soap creature can lead to a lifetime of pleasure By Janet Bolyard

Online Exclusives

Free Project

Burn and color a fall forest scene by pyrography artist Deborah Pompano.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/blog/2020/06/26/flights-of-fancy/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Flights of Fancy[/button]

Extra Pattern

Make another one of Alex Joiner’s pumpkin people (page 65) just in time for Halloween.

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/WEB-WCI92-Pumpkin-Boy-Patterns.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Pumpkin Boy Pattern[/button]

Bonus Feature

Be sure to watch nearly a dozen free carving videos from our Woodcarving Wednesday series, available on our site now!

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for More [/button]

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By Deborah Pompano

This soaring chickadee project is a perfect way to practice your burning and painting skills. Most of the design consists of basic line work, which you can enhance as desired with shading and your preferred blend of watercolor paints. My version uses vivid jewel tones to give the effect of a blustery, moonlit night in early November.

Burning and Painting

Place the pattern on the blank, and carefully follow the pattern lines using graphite paper and a pencil. Outline the large foreground leaves, stems, berries, and bird with a small writing nib on the medium heat setting. Using the same nib, reduce the heat setting and outline the smaller background leaves and the moon. Then use a shading nib to add depth to the feathers, face, berries, and leaves. Sign your work with a writing nib of your choice.

Add paint. Keep the watercolor paints somewhat diluted so your woodburned lines show through. Blot the paint with a clean paper towel anywhere the color is too thick. Once dry, spray on light coats of a clear satin lacquer. Display as desired.

Materials & Tools

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By Vernon DePauw

Add a whimsical touch to your summer celebrations with this patriotic swimmer. I change the size and vary the pattern to make each one a little different than the last. Play around with the stars and stripes to make your own marine mammal.

Making the Whale

Enlarge the pattern as desired using a photocopy machine. Transfer it to the wood and cut the whale and stars with a band saw. Round the corners and carve the design using your preferred tools. Be sure to carve the entire surface or the finish will be uneven.

Paint the whale and stars with acrylic paints. To match the American flag, the first full stripe below the blue field should be white. When the paint is dry, seal the whale with clear satin varnish and once dry, distress it with sandpaper. Apply a coat of Minwax aged oak gel stain to antique the piece. Let the stain dry, and apply a top coat of clear satin varnish. Clip the heads off long straight pins to attach the stars. If you are mounting the whale on a base, drill holes for welding rods; otherwise, attach a hanger to the back.

For a 21″ wall hanging, enlarge the pattern 192%. For a 16″ whale to mount on a stand, enlarge the pattern 150%. 

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WEB-StropTalk18-Whale-Pattern.pdf” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Whale Pattern[/button] 

Materials & Tools

About the Author

Vernon DePauw started carving in seventh-grade shop class and has been carving for pleasure and profit ever since. For more of his work, visit his website at www.vldwoodcarver.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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