Patterns & Projects

Whittling with Chris: Choosing Wood

Whittling with Chris: Choosing Wood

Learn which woods are best for whittling   Want to start whittling? Author and expert Chris Lubkemann makes it fun and easy. In this video, Chris will tell you which twigs, branches, and even household items are best for shaping into flowers, forks, roosters, owls, and other quick projects.   […]

by June 1, 2017 Videos, Whittling, Whittling with Chris
Fan-Tailed Hummingbird

Fan-Tailed Hummingbird

Learn the secrets that unlock this striking technique By Rick Wiebe   I learned the basic process of making wooden fan birds from books and magazine articles, and then developed my unique style and process by lots of trial, error, and practice. It does take practice to get good at […]

by May 3, 2017 Patterns & Projects, Whittling
Chip-Carve an Heirloom Hand Mirror

Chip-Carve an Heirloom Hand Mirror

Use a few simple cuts to transform a simple blank into a meaningful gift By Wayne Barton This organic inspired design combines stylized leaves with geometric designs. The combination of classic and modern makes it a good choice for almost adults and children. The durable design will allow it to be […]

by May 2, 2017 Patterns & Projects
Paint Tote Case

Paint Tote Case

Build a simple but sturdy organizer for your paint collection By Dick Truesdell Like many woodcarvers, I have accumulated a sizeable collection of paint bottles. Storing, organizing, and transporting all of them to classes was difficult, so I decided to build this handy case. Done as a weekend project, I […]

by April 10, 2017 Patterns & Projects, Shop Tips
Simple Spring Bunny Pin

Simple Spring Bunny Pin

Use this easy relief carving as a pin, pendant, or magnet By Larry Spinak Need an Easter accessory or last minute gift? This bunny can be carved quickly and used as a pin, pendant, or magnet. Change the angles of the eyelid lines and the positions of the painted eyes […]

by April 10, 2017 Patterns & Projects, Spring Carving
Daffodil Lovespoon

Daffodil Lovespoon

This spoon is rich with symbols of spring, luck, and love By Sharon Littley and Clive Griffin Lovespoons have been carved for centuries in Europe and Scandinavia. They are thought to have been invented as a courtship ritual; young men would carve spoons to impress the young women they desired. […]

by April 10, 2017 Patterns & Projects, Spring Carving
Puzzle Playsets Video

Puzzle Playsets Video

Puzzle Playsets: Easy to Make, Fun to Give! Puzzle playsets are quick, easy, and fun to make. Each one is a puzzle, a toy, and a creative decoration all in one. Watch our video overview and learn how to use simple woodworking to make your own puzzle playsets. You’ll need […]

by April 4, 2017 Holiday Carving, News, Videos
Projects from Coloring Books

Projects from Coloring Books

The coloring fad has a side benefit: the designs are great for woodworking, too! By Mindy Kinsey We’ve all heard the buzz: adults are reclaiming their inner kid by coloring. Thousands of coloring books designed for adults have been released in the past two years, and rumor has it the […]

by February 8, 2017 Patterns & Projects
Fantasy Pastry Crimper

Fantasy Pastry Crimper

Recreate this historic functional folk-art design By Mike Bloomquist A couple of years ago, I saw a photo of a pastry crimper that was carved from wood. Its handle was in the form of a hippocampus (front end of a horse, rear end of a fish), and it had an […]

by February 8, 2017 Patterns & Projects
Perpetual Calendar

Perpetual Calendar

Customize this calendar with carved decorations and date tiles Original design by Paul Meisel Adapted design and carving by Andy DiPace For years, I’ve wanted to make a perpetual calendar. Each month, you set the days, and you can add tiles to represent holidays, birthdays, or appointments. A few years […]

by February 8, 2017 Patterns & Projects, Spring Carving