Archive for September, 2017

Setting Up Your Painting Area

Setting Up Your Painting Area

Organize your finishing area for maximum efficiency by Vicki Rhodes This article was first published in issue 44 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Having a dedicated area set up to paint is as important as having an area set up for carving. It could be an extension of your carving area, but make […]

by September 11, 2017 Finishing for Beginners, Get Started Carving
The Basics of Sharpening

The Basics of Sharpening

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling by Bob Duncan   Although it may seem contradictory, a sharp knife is a safe knife. When a knife is dull, or not shaped properly, it requires more force to push the blade through the wood. The more force required to make […]

Laughing Bear

Laughing Bear

Simple cuts add texture to this happy fellow by Jim Villars When I started getting requests for handcarved bears, I carved them using models and patterns. Those first attempts were so bad that the fireplace rejected them. I decided to create my own version, depicting a bear how I thought […]

by September 6, 2017 Patterns & Projects
Woods for Carving

Woods for Carving

Members of the Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board choose their top carving woods   Carvers today can choose from a variety of woods, but it can be difficult to know which wood to choose for a specific project. We surveyed the members of the Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board to find their […]

by September 6, 2017 Get Started Carving, Materials for Beginners
Great Gouges: the Essential Tool Kit

Great Gouges: the Essential Tool Kit

A stress-free beginner’s guide to choosing tools by Bob Duncan Beginning carvers often buy a set of carving tools and end up with an assortment of tools they will never use. Instead of paying for tools that don’t fit your needs, buy tools à la carte and create your own […]

by September 4, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners