Whittling 2019: Volume 6
Whittling, a special issue of Woodcarving Illustrated, includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is not a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112.
Scroll down for a sneak peek!
Click HERE to purchase the issue.
Starter Guide
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Choosing a Whittling KnifeBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated
What to look for when selecting a folding knife |
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The Basics of SharpeningBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated
Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling |
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Whittling SafetyBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated
A few simple rules to prevent injuries |
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Basic Knife Cuts for WhittlingBy the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated
Complete most projects with four types of cuts |
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Teaching Kids to WhittleBy Mindy Kinsey
Simple suggestions make it fun and easy |
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Woodsy BearBy Janet Bolyard
Learning to whittle a simple soap bear can lead to a lifetime of pleasure |
Beginning Carvers
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Man in the MoonBy Dave Stetson
Clever carving uses just a knife and a scrap of basswood |
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Twisted Spiral OrnamentBy Carol Kent
Whittle this seemingly complex design in just eight steps |
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10-Minute DogsBy Tom Hindes
This pattern is fast and easy–and adaptable to any breed |
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Whimmy DiddleBy Chris Lubkemann
Turn a stick or two into an entertaining toy |
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Whittling a Tiny HippoBy Steve Tomashek
Practice carving animal caricatures with this amusing miniature |
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Simple SantaBy Kathleen Schuck
Spread holiday cheer with this basic design |
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Slip-Bark WhistleBy Andrew Thomas-Price
This kid favorite is quick, easy, and really, really loud |
Quick & Easy
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Celtic KnotworkBy Dave Western
Simple design can be a brooch, pendant, or ornament |
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Bark Pine TreesBy Betsy Elswit
Use cottonwood bark scraps to create whimsical pine tree magnets |
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Caricature SnowmanBy Greg Young
Start your holiday early with this fun design |
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Letter Opener By Chris Lubkemann
Four simple steps to a long-lasting tool |
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5-Minute WizardBy Tom Hindes
Beginner project is a great introduction to woodcarving |
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Whittling a Nuthatch By Glyn Cutts
Use a utility knife to carve a charming folk art bird |
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Wilma WitchBy Lori Dickie
Whittle a wacky witch from a basswood Santa blank |
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Miniature Gargoyles By Tom Hindes
Tiny but fierce figures to stand watch on your computer of coffee table |
Weekend Projects
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Cottonwood Bark ChainBy Rick Wiebe
Choosing a different type of wood makes it easier to join the “chain gang” |
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Whittling Java JohnBy Harley Refsal
Use large flat planes to emphasize exaggerated features |
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A Family of OwlsBy Steven Kulp
These watchful egg owls are a hoot to hold and to make |
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Classic Ball-in-CageBy Addison “Dusty” Dussinger
This old-time whittling project is a real attention-grabber |
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Americana Eagle Walking StickBy Shawn Cipa
Folk art hiking stick inspired by historic carvings. PLUS: Harvesting blanks for walking sticks |
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Whittle a Spoon Without a Hook KnifeBy Jon Mac
This surprisingly elegant rough-hewn spoon proves you can create curves by carving straight lines |
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Branch RoosterBy Chris Lubkemann
Turn a twig into a classic carving |
Online Exclusives
Bonus Pattern
Download a free pattern for Mocha Mary (companion to Java John) HERE.
Video Extras
See how-to videos for Chris Lubkemann’s Letter Opener and Curl Technique.
Free Project Downloads
Find more free whittling projects and patterns in the How To section of our website HERE.

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