Cane Topper Woodcarving: Projects, Patterns, and Essential Techniques for Custom Canes and Walking Sticks (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step Instructions and Expert Advice from Lora S. Irish

Discover how to create unique, beautiful canes that will be treasured as useful works of art!

• 4 detailed step-by-step tutorials for creating expressive canes
• 6 joinery methods for strong and durable joints between cane topper and staff
• Expert advice on carving expressive cane toppers from basswood blocks
• Useful tips for adding joint covers, hand grips, and custom features
• Using found wood, how to source and prepare staffs, and a guide to basic cane construction techniques

Legendary carving artist Lora S. Irish introduces you to all the essential components and techniques of cane topper carving in this comprehensive guide.

Chock full of important tips and tricks, Cane Topper Woodcarving will teach you how to take full advantage of this fun and rewarding carving genre.

With step-by-step projects, ready-to-use patterns, and beautiful color photographs, Lora provides expert advice on sourcing, carving, joinery, finishing, customization, and more.

This complete cane-carving handbook includes:

Staffs:

• Harvesting Staffs
• Common Tree Species
• Preparing a Staff

Joinery:

• Joinery Basics
• Hardware Joint Options
• Working with Bamboo
• Easy Tape Clamp

Joint Covers:

• Wrapping Basics
• Simple Leather Grip Wrapping
• Cord Wrapping
• Lanyard Wrapping
• More Joint Ideas

Extras:

• "What If" Bags
• Pipes
• Additional Wood
• Wire Elements
• Cane Tips
• Personalized Grips

Topper Carving Basics:

• Getting Started
• Knives
• Basic Cuts
• Wood Grain Direction
• Finishing
• Planning Your Cane

Projects:

• GI Joe Mushroom Topper: Carving the Planes of the Face
• Wood Spirit Topper
• Tiki Topper
• Twistie Snake Topper
• Bonus Projects

You'll also find patterns for the projects as well as 40 additional patterns for when you're ready to start carving cane toppers on your own!

Learn how to carve canes with character, with Cane Topper Woodcarving Projects!

"Lora Irish possesses a great ability to research any given subject matter and write about it in a clear and concise manner... she influences many aspiring artists and craftsmen." — Shawn Cipa, author of Carving Fantasy & Legend Figures in Wood

Lora S. Irish is an internationally known artist and author, whose acclaimed books include Great Book of Carving Patterns, Great Book of Celtic Patterns, Great Book of Dragon Patterns, Great Book of Tattoo Designs, The Official Vampire Artist's Handbook, Relief Carving Wood Spirits, World Wildlife Patterns for the Scroll Saw, and many more. Fox Chapel Publishing has sold more than 500,000 copies of Irish's books. Lora is also a frequent contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated and Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts magazines.