Summer Harvest Bowl

Share the season’s bounty with a stunning chip carved vessel

By Marty Leenhouts

Lighthouse In-the-Round

Make a nautical novelty with a few pieces of basswood

By Aaron and Andy Mayer

Carving a Hot-Air Balloon

Pay tribute to a legendary mode of transport with this vivid little project

By Mehmet Berat Tas

Honeybee Relief

Channel those summer vibes in a sweet ode to backyard pollinators

By Lucy Fox

Painting a Power-Carved Bluebird

Texturing, layering, blending: this realistic flier is all about the details

By Randy Conner

Caricature Pirate Captain

Peg legs are so last season—and it looks like this seafarer just got an upgrade

By Dwayne Gosnell

Carved Succulents

Turn Instagram’s favorite plant into a wooden desk sitter using just one knife!   

By David Young

Stylized Nuthatch

Perch this dynamic bird on a real tree branch

By Wouter de Bruijn

Tic-Tac-Toe

Build this classic game with some string and branches from your backyard

By Frank and Lillian Egholm

Whittled Turtle

Transform a block of wood into a sea of woodchips in this cute project

By Tom Hindes

Kelly the Clown

This colorful circus performer is sure to be the life of the party

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Four-Point Ribbon

Create a classic whimsey in just a few steps

By Garth Burgon

Uncle Sam Chip Clip

Carve a patriotic addition to your pantry

By Mark Akers

Simple Dinosaur

Travel back to the Jurassic Period with a creature you can carve using just three tools

By Parn Aniwat

Shaving Brush Caricature

Personalize your beard-care routine with a handcarved handle

By Roger Beane

Choosing Wood for Beginners

New to carving? Never fear! Here are the best materials for the job

By Jon Deck

The Basics of Sharpening

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable carving

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

The Right Bench Knife for You

Looking for your first carving tool or a reliable upgrade? Check out these quality options

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Teaching Kids to Carve

Thinking about bringing a child into the fold? Here are some things to consider

By Doug Stowe

Getting Started

Sketch the top and side pattern views on the block with a pencil, or photocopy the patterns and attach them with repositionable spray adhesive. Cut the top view on a scroll saw, and then turn the piece on its side and secure it in a vise. Cut the second view on a band saw. Note: The side pattern view is too thick to cut on a scroll saw, as scroll saws can typically handle wood no more than 2″ (5.1cm) thick.

You’ll notice that this pattern has an arch shape. Straight hair combs and forks are great, but the arch shape sits around the contours of your head instead of just pressing against them. This allows you to wear it all day without getting a headache.

Carving

Shape the comb. Round over all harsh edges on the blank, including between the teeth, using a rotary tool with a fluted cone-shaped carbide cutter. Widen the space between the teeth, removing a little wood at a time and maintaining a soft arc shape between the teeth. Note: When carving spacing between the teeth, remember to round the arc shapes instead of squaring then off.

Refine the comb’s shape. Use the rotary tool with a sanding disc to smooth and round each tooth completely, tapering the teeth to somewhat sharp points with blunted ends. Then smooth the top and sides of the comb. Do this on the front and back. Add ornamentation as desired; I recommend woodburning, painting, or relief carving. I included a bonus relief carving pattern of oak and gingko biloba leaves, available online.

Tip: It’s All About The Teeth

In order for the comb to slide easily through your hair, it helps to round the two outermost teeth so they face slightly inward. The remaining (inner) teeth can be straight.

Finishing

Finish the comb. As this will be used in hair, a natural finish is always better; I recommend raw linseed oil mixed with a drop of lavender essential oil (substitute your favorite scent here). Over time, each comb will pick up the natural body oils of its owner and take on a glow all its own. If you prefer a clear, glossy finish, I recommend using three to four coats of a spray-on clear enamel, buffing with a fine sanding sponge between applications.

Tip: Go To Gift

Hair combs make wonder-ful gifts for anyone with long hair. Do you ever see women using pens or pencils to hold their hair up? They need a handmade hair comb! I like to leave one for my server when I leave an eating establishment.

Materials

• Hardwood, such as Osage orange or walnut, 1 1/2″ (3.8cm) thick: approx. 3″ x 6″ (7.6cm x 15.2cm)

• Pencil

• Spray adhesive: repositionable (optional)

• Sandpaper: assorted grits

• Natural finish, such as raw linseed oil

• Essential oil, such as lavender: 1 drop (optional)

• Clear spray enamel (optional)

• Acrylic paints (optional)

Tools

• Band saw

• Scroll saw

• Rotary tool with bits: sanding disc, fluted cone-shaped carbide cutter

• Sanding sponge

• Vise

• Woodburner (optional)

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