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.

Basic Knife Cuts

Master four foundational carving cuts so you can take on any project

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Whittling Safety 

These basic rules can help prevent injuries

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Knife Selection

Follow these tips when selecting a whittling knife

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

The Basics of Sharpening

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling

By Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Comfortable Carving

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

By Don Swartz

Teaching Kids to Whittle

For fun and easy learning, heed these simple suggestions

By Mindy Kinsey

Hobby Knife Kits to Try

We tested four popular budget knife sets so you don’t have to

By Kaylee Schofield

Wingin’ It

When life started throwing punches, caricature carver Sara Barraclough started making woodchips 

By Hannah Carroll

Heart-in-a-Cage Whimsey

Complete this sweet take on a classic design in just five steps 

By Lieve Roelants

Easy-Carve Magnets

These simple shapes will add personality and charm to your refrigerator

By Parn Aniwat

Avocado Pit Cat

Repurpose your food waste into an elegant piece of jewelry

By Anna Prikazchikova

Thoughtful Angel

With only basic features, this winged whittle is a beginner’s dream

By Roxana Cristean

Making a Clover Chain

Tackle this take on the traditional carved chain in just eight steps 

By Bjarne Jespersen

Miniature Twig Tree

Once you master this whittling  technique, the possibilities are endless

By Chris Lubkemann

Momma Polar Bear and Cub 

Practice the basic knife cuts as you build a wintry home for this cute duo 

By Tom Hindes

Soap Penguin 

This cool character makes a great beginner project

By Janet Bolyard

[button link=”https://woodcarving.zeeframes.com/?p=21537&preview=true” bg_color=”#ff0000″]Click Here for Step-by-Step Guide[/button]

  Sven the Sailor

Sail the high seas with this flat-plane character

By James Ray Miller

Whittling a Spurtle

Create a versatile kitchen utensil in an afternoon

By John Welch

Leaping Fox

Try your hand at carving miniatures with a sprightly critter

By Steve Tomashek

Bundled-Up Santa Ornament

This rosy-cheeked Claus is great practice for cutting into corners 

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Whittling a Dragon & Egg

A common lighter puts the finishing touches on this fiery creature 

By Annabell Hellwig

One-Knife Spoon

Transform a block of basswood into a Celtic-inspired keepsake

By Dave Western

Sliding Ball-in-Cage

Mastered the basic whimsey? Take it up a notch with this new twist 

By Bart Hopson

Carving a Leaning Figure

Learn how to add movement to carves with this dynamic project 

By Dave Stetson

Scrappy Seagull

Carve a feathered friend (and a perch for him to stand on) from one piece of wood

By Dan Riggott

Laid-Back Guy

Remove wood with confidence on this flat-plane piece 

By Charles Banks

Duck Wheely Toy

Enjoy endless fun with this nostalgic heirloom-to-be 

By Sara Barraclough

Basic Knife Cuts

Learn the four type of cuts to take on any future project

By the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Whittling Safety

Heed these simple rules to prevent injuries

By the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Knife Selection

Follow these tips when selecting a folding knife

By the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

The Basics of Sharpening

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling

By the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

Comfortable Carving

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

By Don Swartz

Teaching Kids to Whittle

Simple suggestions make it fun and easy

By Mindy Kinsey

“It Floats” Sailboat

Soap whittling offers smooth sailing and good, clean fun for beginners

By Janet Bolyard

Product Review: BeaverCraft Carving Kit for Beginners

Introduce someone you love to the craft with this all-in-one box of cheer

By James Miller 

Avocado Pit Owl

Instead of ditching your food waste, why not turn it into a unique piece of jewelry?

By Anna Prikazchikova

Trick-or-Treater Caricature

Transform a basswood turning into an adorable work of art

By Lori Dickie

Balancing Birds

Defy gravity with this aerodynamic design 

By Chris Lubkemann

Sitting Squirrel

Carve a cute backyard critter in just eight short steps

By Gene Messer

Flat-Plane Cat

Customize this flat-plane feline in dozens of ways, so everyone gets the purr-fect gift

By Tom Hindes

Tiny Unicorn

Complete this petite project in just seven steps

By Lieve Roelants

Laid-Back Lumberjack

Spend your next camping trip making a character who loves wood as much as you do

By Peter Jofs

Bird in a Cage

A few simple cuts turn a classic design into a showstopper

By Daniel Breeding

Simple Tomte

No need to fret over eyes or hands on this beginner-friendly carve

By John Overby

Chubby Stylized Seal

This nautical creature is all smiles—and once you carve him, you will be, too

By James Miller

Snowman Ornament

This cute caricature will make you want to deck the halls all year long

By Sara Barraclough

Alaskan Fisherman

Beat the heat with this beginner-friendly project

By Nikki Reese

Feather Pendant

Charm your favorite avian enthusiast with a piece of stunningly detailed jewelry

By Giles Newman

Matchbox Lake Scene

Float into vacationland with this tiny (but oh-so-detailed) diorama

By Steve Tomashek

Carving a Human Figure

Learn to add movement and personality to caricatures with just a few cuts 

By Dave Stetson

Celtic Knife

Use simple techniques to create an elaborate knotwork pattern

By Bob Kozakiewicz

Little Vampire

Sink your teeth into this adorable carve

By Alex Joiner

Getting Started

Carving

Adding Details

Painting and Finishing

Use a woodburner to add details to the face, hat, pumpkin shirt, and shoes. Add paint. I used an assortment of acrylic paints (see Paint Guide and Paint Notes below). Paint the child’s face and hands with warm beige, or any color you desire. Once dry, paint the child’s eyes, eyebrows, and smile black. Add freckle’s around the child’s nose with red iron oxide. Then paint the cheeks with a mix of warm beige and red iron oxide. Paint the hair with bright red, or your desired shade. Paint the hat and shirt pumpkin. Then paint the jack-o’-lantern’s face with black. Paint the hat leaves and stem hunter green. Then paint the tops of the shoes with bright red and the soles with white. Allow the paint to dry fully. Once dry, apply finish. I used two coats of matte varnish.

Materials

Tools

• Carving knife
• Woodburner with nib: writing
• Paintbrushes: assorted
• Awl

SPECIAL SOURCES

Turned basswood blanks are available from:

•Stadtlander Woodcarving Supplies,
1-330-931-7847, stadtlandercarvings.com (item 5646)

•The Woodcraft Shop, 1-800-397-2278, thewoodcraftshop.com (item 554731)

Lori Dickie lives on a small farm in Michigan with her husband Steve. She has been carving for 20 years and displays her work at local shows. Find her on Etsy at lmdickie1.

Building a Basic Pyrography Kit

Avoid the heat when you burn by gathering these essentials ahead of time

By Lora S. Irish, Sue Walters, and Simon Easton

Before Your Burn 

Good preparation is the foundation of great results

By Sue Walters

Safety Tips

Avoid harming yourself and others by observing these guidelines

By Sue Walters

Keeping It Clean

Follow these easy methods to keep your tool tips clean

By Lora S. Irish

Coloring with Polyurethane 

This clever technique is great for adding even, subtle color

By Don White

Product Review: Walnut Hollow 

This design is sleek and powerful—and won’t break the bank

By Lora S. Irish

Extreme Burning

These artists push the boundaries on what it means to play with fire

By Hannah Rachel Carroll

Gourd Preparation

Get your gourds ready for burning in a few simple steps

By Lora S. Irish

Keeping It Legal

Have copyright questions? So did
we—so we asked an intellectual property lawyer

By Kaylee Schofield

Embers: Getting Inked

For pyrographer Andy Mills, tattooing and woodburning go hand in hand

By Hannah Rachel Carroll

Autumn Kaleidoscope

From fiery leaves to turkey tail mushrooms, this forest scene has more color than a carnival

By Deborah Pompano

Beginner Practice Patterns

New to burning? Test these simple designs on everything from spoons to jewelry

By Lora S. Irish

Dragonfly Soleil Gourd

Use gold leaf to highlight the details on this elusive insect

By Jenn Avery

Burning the Nose

Use contour lines and shading to burn a realistic facial feature

By Jo Schwartz

Woodburning a Dinner Scene

Learn to “burn glass” in an elegant tableau fit for royalty

By Minisa Robinson

Leather Key Fob

Practice simple shading and coloring techniques on this nostalgic design

By Michele Parsons

Pyrography Portraits from Pet Photos

Create personalized woodburnings of cats, dogs, hamsters, and more using these winning tips

By Lora S. Irish

Trio of Blooms

Use negative space to frame and flesh out three elegant botanicals

By Marsha Wilson

Creating Scale Texture

This fiery dragon scene brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “burned artwork” 

By Don Stephenson

Great Horned Owl

Let this stern flier keep watch over your domain

By Valarie Connell

Castle Cookie Jar

Store your sweets in a medieval fortress worthy of King Arthur

By Si Easton

Burning Smoke

Make a powerful steam train using just one tip

By Minisa Robinson

Mountain Lion

Burn a fierce face of the forest in just nine steps

By Minisa Robinson

Stylized Peony

Practice making fluid lines on a bold, elegant summer blossom

By Shannon Mahoney

Henna Gourd

Transform an ordinary gourd into a mesmerizing piece of art with simple swirls and shapes 

By Mary McConnell

Dream Catcher Clock

Repeating designs let you burn a practical gift in record time

By Si Easton

By Bob Duncan

What to look for when selecting a folding knife

By Bob Duncan

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling

By Bob Duncan

A few simple rules to prevent injuries

By Bob Duncan

Complete most projects with four types of cuts

By Mindy Kinsey

Simple suggestions make it fun and easy

By Janet Bolyard

Learning to whittle a simple soap bear can lead to a lifetime of pleasure

By Dave Stetson

Clever carving uses just a knife and a scrap of basswood

By Carol Kent

Whittle this seemingly complex design in just eight steps

By Tom Hindes

This pattern is fast and easy–and adaptable to any breed

By Chris Lubkemann

Turn a stick or two into an entertaining toy

By Steve Tomashek 

Practice carving animal caricatures with this amusing miniature

By Kathleen Schuck

Spread holiday cheer with this basic design

By Andrew Thomas-Price

This kid favorite is quick, easy, and really, really loud

By Dave Western

Simple design can be a brooch, pendant, or ornament

By Betsy Elswit

Use cottonwood bark scraps to create whimsical pine tree magnets

By Greg Young

Start your holiday early with this fun design

By Chris Lubkemann 

Four simple steps to a long-lasting tool

By Tom Hindes

Beginner project is a great introduction to woodcarving

By Glyn Cutts

Use a utility knife to carve a charming folk art bird

By Lori Dickie

Whittle a wacky witch from a basswood Santa blank

By Tom Hindes

Tiny but fierce figures to stand watch on your computer of coffee table

By Rick Wiebe

Choosing a different type of wood makes it easier to join the “chain gang”

By Harley Refsal

Use large flat planes to emphasize exaggerated features

By Steven Kulp

These watchful egg owls are a hoot to hold and to make

By Addison “Dusty” Dussinger

This old-time whittling project is a real attention-grabber

By Shawn Cipa

Folk art hiking stick inspired by historic carvings. PLUS: Harvesting blanks for walking sticks

By Jon Mac

This surprisingly elegant rough-hewn spoon proves you can create curves by carving straight lines

By Chris Lubkemann

Turn a twig into a classic carving

By Tom Hindes 

This pattern is fast and easy—and adaptable to any breed

By Gary Fenton

A simple trick ensures this cover stays in place to protect your blade

By Heath Dawson

This family of foxes fits together to form a puzzle, game, or finger fidget

By Harley Refsal 

Learn to carve with the grain by making a fishing lure

By Andrew Thomas-Price

This kid favorite is quick, easy, and really, really loud

By Ron Vance 

Use straight cuts and a classic technique to turn a craft stick into a cross

By Chris Lubkemann 

Turn a twig into a pen or a back scratcher with just a few cuts

By Don Self 

Make a black panther or a jaguar using the same pattern

By Rick Wiebe 

Choosing a different type of wood makes it easier to join the “chain gang”

By Tom Hindes 

This elephant in the room is too cute to ignore

By Steven Kulp

Comfort critters are easy to make with basswood eggs and a simple template

By Chris Lubkemann 

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be carving these “owl” day long

By Lori Dickie 

Start with a premade basswood shape so you can get to the fun part faster

By John Overby

This jolly ornament is so easy you’ll be making dozens in no time flat

By Chris Morgan

Hone your carving skills with this sweet-smelling beginner project

By James Miller

Combine flat-plane carving with painted details to create canines with character

By Peter Benson 

Whittle and sand your own streamlined comfort animal

By Don Mertz 

Tiny cartoon carvings are perfect for practicing expressions

By Greg Young 

Grab a chunk of wood and a knife to carve this majestic eagle

By Frank Egholm

Use this all-in-one pattern to carve and paint your own favorite backyard bird

By Harley Refsal 

This adorable officer is so easy it should be illegal

By Douglas Schauer 

Carve and finish this beautiful stylized design in an afternoon

By Chris Lubkemann

You’ll go nuts for the curly tails on these cute critters

By Jon Mac 

This surprisingly elegant rough-hewn spoon proves you can create curves by carving straight lines

By Frank Egholm

Rounded edges give this traditional favorite a fresh new look

By Keith Randich

Carve this new take on a classic whimsey

By Bob Duncan 

What to look for when selecting a folding knife

By Bob Duncan 

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling

By Don Swartz

Simple changes and stretches make it comfortable to carve for long periods of time

By Bob Duncan 

A few simple rules prevent injuries while whittling

By Bob Duncan 

Complete most projects with four types of cuts