First Projects for Woodcarvers: A Pictorial Introduction to Wood Carving

First Projects for Woodcarvers is a pictorial starting place for the adventure of woodcarving. It introduces the new carver to safety considerations, the fundamentals of sharpening and carving. Three pro-jects are included, designed with the new carver in mind: a cowboy boot, a dog called Gandolf, and a 3-piece stylized nativity. The step-by-step photos and text will lead the carver through the three projects. A pictorial gallery includes completed carvings of the three projects featured in the book.

I was attending an art show in the 1970s in Tulsa, Okla., when a woodcarver piqued my attention. His carvings were lively, expressive, and detailed,  We talked, I asked questions. He saw my interest and volunteered to teach me. I often wonder if he had not been willing to invest the time if I would have become a woodcarver.

I have demonstrated in the Woodcarving Shop at the Dollywood Theme Park and written six books on woodcarving for Schiffer Publishing, yet I still feel like a novice. I attempt to learn a new cutting skill with every new creation. The constant adventure of discovery and transformation when changing a block of wood into an appreciated form keeps me picking up the knife.

I teach a week long woodcarving class at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. usually the first week of October. Click on the logo to discover the Folk School.