Welcome to the sixth issue of Strop Talk! We are dedicated to bringing you new, fun, and informative content in each of our Strop Talk e-newsletters. Combined with our magazine, website, and online forum, Strop Talk is another way to help keep the creativity flowing and the carving knives sharp all […]
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 […]
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 Leah Goddard Rabbits are undeniably cute and gentle creatures. They are quick and ever alert, which probably has something to do with their low position on the food-chain. This was made most apparent to me one day while I was sitting outside my home, and a rabbit came racing past. […]
By Barry McKenzie With the classically shingled roof and brilliant, stylized chip carving, you might be hesitant to hang this birdhouse outdoors. But returning songbirds will reward your generosity with their cheerful presence. The birdhouse is fairly simple to construct. In fact, over 50 of them were completed by students […]
By Chris Pye Carving in the round means exactly that: carving the subject completely three dimensionally. You can view the carving from any direction. In some ways, in-the-round carving is easier than relief because the perspectives and proportions will be true. Relief carving often needs distortion or perspective to allow […]
These pretty tulips are a perfect sign of spring By Betty Padden Use simple relief carving techniques to create a cheery spring sign. It looks great by itself on a wall, table, bookcase, or above a door. Or, pair it with a welcome sign to create a warm message […]
Carved puzzle play set fits into a castle-shaped box By Carolea Hower My son, Kevin, has liked dragons from the time the television movie The Hobbit was produced. With several other puzzle designs completed, I decided to design a dragon puzzle for his birthday. Since I also carve and wanted […]
A self-help seminar inspired Phil and Vicki Bishop to quit their jobs and carve full time By Kathleen Ryan With distinctive down-home features, peculiarities of figure, and deliberately exaggerated faces, carvings by Phil and Vicki Bishop are designed to evoke smiles and keep us from taking life too seriously. Although […]
Mix your own dyes and stains By Robert Triplett and Bob Duncan It can be difficult to find the perfect dye or stain color for your project. Instead of searching the stores or settling for something other than what you envisioned, create the exact color you want. The Differences Between […]
