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Customer Reviews (7)

Buy This Book
Last October, I won Best of Show with one of my carvings. Then I received this book for Christmas.It was my favorite gift.I'd recommend it highly - whether you're a beginning or you've been carving for a while.It's thorough, well-written and nicely done.

An excellent, step-by-step introductory guide
By the time I worked my way through this excellent book, I felt I'd been carving for months instead of days. I can't imagine a better introductory guide to the craft of woodcarving than this one.

A Fabulous Carving Resource
This book is incredible!! It covers a great variety of information in exceptionally clear prose and the numerous photos are fabulous. All in all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime reference book.

For example, the 50-page sharpening "chapter" (treatise) is a masterpiece of practical, useful tips on bringing out the best in your tools. No needless fluff, no pitching of over-priced gadgets, nothing but good, solid information about sharpening properly and with a minimum of expense, time and trouble. Not interested in a pair of $100 diamond stones? No problem; the author describes which grits of wet-dry paper will do the same job- for a whopping $2- and how to use them so they won't damage your tools. Problems with a gouge not reaching into the corners? Here's how to re-shape it properly. Etc, etc, etc; the sharpening chapter is absolutely amazing!

Each and every other chapter is similarly thorough and wonderfully practical, and I couldn't be more pleased or impressed. The sample projects are well chosen and make me want to start several of them immediately. Thank you ever so much, Mr. Ellenwood, for such a fine encyclopedia of all things carving-related! Your book will undoubtedly cause generations of carvers to enjoy their hobby a great deal more, and you are to be commended.

Highly recommended
The book is beautifully illustrated. Has many interesting projects in it. Reads like a trade manual from a carver's school.Has everything needed for a successful carving experience.

Great Reference For Woodcarving
This is an excellent reference book for those getting started in woodcarving.Everett helped me understand the different kinds of woodcarving, the tools required and sharpening systems available.Importantly, he provides a pro's and con's comparison of the different techniques that proved very helpful in generating an understanding of what is required.

By the time I started meeting other woodcarvers at clubs and shows, I had a good working knowledge of what I wanted to do and what I needed.Plus, I had a good understanding of the language of the woodcarving art.This guide helped me make the best choices for the tools I needed to get started. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

interests in wood carving
It was interesting, not exactly what i was looking for but none the less it was interesting.

Good low cost beginners book.
If I had to pick just one book to get started carving wood this one would be in the running.

A book that will get you started in a hobby for under $8.00?That's almost unheard of. It's true in this case.If you want to learn how to carve there is plenty here to build your skills.

This book gives you projects to get started carving wood right now.Plus, it gives the tools and methods to design your own projects.I really can't ask more of a beginners book than that.

The projects are explained in clear language.The pictures are well done and there's plenty of them.

Most importantly, this book has plenty of patterns and designs to get you started.Yes, there are a few campy and cartoonish patterns, but there are also patterns based on National Wildlife Federation stamps, wild animals, Abe Lincoln, dogs, birds, etc.

I found it useful to see the level of detail for the various patterns in order to design my own projects.There is also a section that talks about pattern making.

I'm giving four stars rather than five because after almost 30 years it could stand a new edition with some updates for the computer age and new resources.All in all though this is a solid book and a steal at $8.00.

OK For What I needed
The biggest negative to this book is the lack of color illustrations. This disappointed me. It would hace been nice, in the chapter on birds, to show how color is applied, and what finishes to use.

After reading this, I realized this book is just about carving wood. Wood is wood. You can stain it, paint it, using oils or anything else that sticks to wood. This not about canvas, or glass. The authors use a conversational style, which I liked.

The initial publication was in 1983, before digital photography. The publisher is Dover, and they have a reputation for good books at a low price.

Not bad but you could do better
If you need an overview of woodcarving and were not very picky about the need for step by step assistance, this book would work for you. It does go over the basic cuts and offers text on a variety of topics in wood carving, i.e. types of woodcarving, tools, materials, painting, etc. It provides a number of patterns, many of them fairly cheesy and probably would not appeal to most starting out. There is a nice selection of bird patterns, but not much pictoral instructions on how to carve them. You would probably be better off with a different beginner's book with more appealing projects and then find books on specific woodcarving interests from there.

Very basic shapes
Like many beginning woodcarving books this book describes the basic cuts you need to practice and it gives some information on wood types.Beyond that, the only reason to purchase this book is if you need the patterns in them.

Being new to wood carving I like the price of the book and I thought I would give it a try.Once I saw the patterns though, I changed my mind and bought another book.This is just a matter of taste but the cutesy mouse and the fisherman weren't what I wanted to carve and I feel that you really need to find carvings that interest you (especially while you are learning) to prevent boredom.Once again, if the patterns on the cover look interesting to you, then by all means get this book (if you are a complete beginner). ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

good reccomendation
Reccomended by a life-long wood carver for my son who is showing interest.He has enjoyed looking through the pages for ideas and easy lessons.Good pictures. ... Read more

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This pattern book provides over 100 woodcarving patterns and accompanying illustrations for 72 birds, animals, and fish. Each pattern has been used successfully by both Russell and his students to carve stunning figures in wood. While the patterns are the primary focus, general carving instructions for birds, animals, and fish are provided. Guidelines for enhancing the figures produced from these patterns include accurate glass eye placement, construction of wire birds' feet, and texturing techniques. Illustrations detail directional growth for fur, feather shading, and other fine attributes on the many subjects. This is an essential reference for every woodcarver with a passion for wildlife. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Woodcarving
Love the detail directions on carving animal figures along with the patterns. This author also made DVD on wood carving that came with my power carver. So really could follow his directions easily.

Carving Patterns by Frank C. Russell
The book was in new condition. I was looking for a book with patterns that were more in depth than just line drawings. This would be a great book for beginning wood carvers.

Carving Patternsby Frank C. Russell
As a serious carver and instructor at various carving clubs, I have found this book to be a exceptional tool.

The assortment of wildlife patternsallows selection and detailed plan to create a replica for personal enjoyment or gift.

I highly recommend it to the novice or master carver alike and am sure they will find a pattern to challenge their ability therein. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Carving country
The patterns are easy to use, and the variety make it easy to choose something easy or more difficult to work on. I have already carved the little short man in a hat and enjoyed every step. He looks pretty good for someone carving for fun and enjoyment.Fly with the Mourning Dove

Woodcarving Country Folk
Well photographed, good clear pictorial step-by-step instructions.Good for the beginner carver as practice/development exercises - but represents the "same ol" static figures making fun of "hill-billies"

woodcarving fan
loved ths book...have made almost all the caricatures listed...Am looking forward to his next book... ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Woodcarving Book
This book inspired me to start carving again.The history in the book as well as the great pictures of works by the masters of this style including Harley Refsal made this not only an interesting read but also an excellent how to guide.

Is it REALLY helpful?
Anyone who wants to try their hand at figure carving...get this book!. It has a few pages giving a background behind this style of carving, but has an EXCELLENT step by step project in the back. I thought I could never do it; all the figures I have seen looked like it took someone years to learn the trade. This may be so but I was able to finish my first figure over about 3-4 days and everyone is astonished at what I have done. Seriously, this book is one of the best Ive seen. Its a "must-have".

Follow the steps and you can do it!!
I have long wanted to learn how to carve, and jealously watched a friend develop this talent.He recommended this book to me.A weekend's worth of following the instructions in the book produced three carvings each a little better than the other.This instructive book also mixes the history of Scandinavian Carving along with rich color pictures of completed carvings.Take your wood working to another level.You to can create a masterpiece.

Fantastic! Informative and Enjoyable
This is the book I have been looking for! It clearly teaches step by step technique with GOOD photos. The many patterns are all easilly adaptable to whatever kind of character you wish to create. If you like to carveinteresting characters, this is THE book!

Great book
Harley's book leads off by providing a history of Norwegian wood carving, he then provides a large number of examples that represent not only his work but also the work of many leading artists in this field of wood carving. Harley then provides a step by step, easy to follow, lesson on carving Oskar with over 80 pictures. The final section of the book is a large number of patterns that can be used to carve some of the characters highlighted in the many high quality pictures included in the book. This book will become one of the most used books in my collection of wood carving books. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Good quality for the price
This is a good addition to a carver's library, whether you're new at the art or an old hand.

Like having a teacher by your side.
This book is full of wonderful information presented clearly and in a very understandable way.As a woodcarver for some years, I was delighted to get pointers and insight from a master carver.The book is also a delight to read.WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Well Written, Great Informative Book
This book is well written and easy to read.A lot of books by woodworkers or contractors are hard to read but this one is an easy read. Its' very informative but its' not enough for a beginner to read and start carving.It only covers information about the materials needed to start carving.It is still good for a beginner to read as it has a lot of good material about the tools and materials.It really opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities.

Basic woodcarving reference manual
This ought to be within reach if you love to carve in wood. Plenty of illustrations and easy to understand text. Having this book would keep you from having to own a lot of other related material. It covers it all, especially with vol.2.

Nothing else like it!
Very comprehensive set about carving tools equipment etc.
Both books tohether really gives you all you will need to know to get started and going the rest of your life...
Chris Pye is very thorough in his writing with high attention to detail, as can be witnessed in his other books also. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Carving Books
I love this book , as I do wood spirits , this book is wherelearned from and I would recommend this highly

A good beginning step by step book for wood carving.
I have enjoyed all of the Lora S. Irish's books that I have gotten.
This one is very good step by step for the beginner.
I would love to see her tips and tech for carving in harder woods especially oak.

Very happy customer
Product arrived early, in excellent condition and was exactly as expected, thank you for a great transaction

ONE OF THE BEST.
As is the norm for this artist, a superb publication and knowledge packed.
Everything in this book has value to the experienced, or beginner craftsman.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Just what I needed to get started
I only give this 4 stars because I have only started reading the book and have not had an opportunity to put any of the information to use. However, this book seems to be exactly what I needed to get started. I takes you from square one, and explains things in progessivly more detail and depth. Once I get started carving, I will re-visit this review and let you know how practical this info is. ... Read more

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Comprehensive sourcebook of ideas and designs ranging from simple projects (charms, pendants) to more elaborate objects (stylized birds, caricatures, rocking horse). Over 1,000 illustrations and photographs, plus useful suggestions help beginners and experienced woodworkers create Noah’s ark, nativity scene, masks and hundreds of other items.
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Customer Reviews (3)

intermediate carver's dream book
I was thrilled by the range of styles shown. For someone like me, who has been carving small figural objects(mostly dolls) for a couple of years, this book is a dream come true. Carving styles from all over the world are featured, and techniques for the various styles are discussed. There are small sketches ofhundreds of different motifs and items to inspire and inform. I would not strictly call them patterns, as other reviewers have, but all could be made into patterns with any printer that can blow up small sketches.

I liked thevariety shown. Whether you like bas relief carving, whittled figures, doll house furniture, or toys like jumping jacks, you can find them here.

As other reviewers have noted, thismay not be the best choice for a book to instruct the complete novice, nor did I get the impression ( as others have) that this is the purpose of it. The photos on the front of the book do not depict beginning projects, but intermediate ones, for example.For someone like me, who knows the basics, it's a book full of possibility, which is rare in a world where most craft books offer 20 uninspired projects that only serve to kill my interest, when what I want is to pique it. I found the book in a store today just as they closed. As soon as I left I regretted not buying it so ran home to order one. I can't wait for my copy~!

More advanced than I anticpated.
I thought that a book with this title would have a significant beginners section for a starting whittler, but it doesn't.The book is primarily apattern book with some hints for working the wood and possibly a shorthistory for pattern classifications.A redeeming factor is the patternshave a front and side shot.Complicated patterns, such as a dutch shoewill have exploded details.A nice book if your looking for what to donext.Not a good learning book for beginners.Bill Hampton(billsducks@aol.com)

Not for begginers
I was disappointed in this book because I was hoping this would provide tips for someone with absolutely no experience to get started on. It doesn't do that. Basically, it has a lot of different patterns to use onceyou are already carving. If that's what you're looking for, it might be agood book for you. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Great information!
Lora Irish provides excellent pictures and patterns in this book, along with what tools are needed to complete a project. Patterns are great for pyrography images, and can be combined with carving to create unique works of art!

101 artistic relief patterns/ lora irish
Lora Irish has always given me a lot of inspiration from her books. They are always full of good ideas for my woodcarving projects.

Guide to carving
I have been fiddling around woodcarving without any guidance,just chipping away,
And now I have found a true guide that will teach me how to do it properly.
Thanks to Lora S.Irish,an artist in the right sense of the word.

Good Ideas for Projects
I purchased this for doing patterns on gourds and have found it useful and with pretty results.

101 Artistic Relief Patterns
Wonderful book.Many detailed photographs and ideas of projects that a beginning
student can take on.Detailed direction and varied prints, with good explaination
of the "how too's".Would purchase from this author again... and again.

KC
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Customer Reviews (1)

1001 Designs for Whittling and Woodcarving
Without any review, I never had a chance to really know if this is the book that I need.Unfortunately, it is not what I was looking for.

However, the book itself is OK for beginners who are looking for simpleobjects like Christmas tree ornaments, butter and cookie molds, chip-carvedpieces, tramp-carving, gouge decoration, silhouettes and more.

Forexperienced carvers, challenging projects like toys, weather vanes, signs,noisemakers, musical instruments, cigar-store, animals and humans,caricatures, carved jigsaw puzzles and more. ... Read more

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This in-depth profile of Scandinavian-style woodcarving includes a history of the style's use in American and Scandinavian art, biographies of great carvers in the genre, and detailed instructions for a variety of projects. Directions, front and sideview patterns, and step-by-step photographs reveal how to make a few simple cuts and leave large flat planes intact. The lively personalities of such typical Scandinavian figures as Oskar and a traditional Swedish folk art horse are charmingly rendered in the samples and projects included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not for aspiring beginners starting from scratch
I completely agree with a previous costumer which rated 1 star. While this book can be a shallow photo catalog of scandinavian style figures, it is certainly not real help for the aspiring beginner (the "where-to-find-the- knive" and "how-to-hold-it" issues, for example). I guess one could get similar results by researching photographs through library books or Internet and try to make the whole thing alone.
In an effort to recover some background of artisans related with such carving stylethrough history, mixed with the author's personal idea of the reader gaining expertise with around 40 patterns (which, by the way, are not worth their printed space through 20 good quality paper pages inthis book), based only in two previos detailed examples, theauthor fails in making a final product to cover seriously both issues.
A nice marketing strategy, but a great mistake in trustingHarley Refsal and Fox CHapel Publishing for the next woodcarving related choices.
Not recommended.

Misleading Cover, Useless for the Beginner
The cover of this book says "Step-by-Step Instructions & Patterns for 40 Flat-Plane Carving Projects".

What it should say is "Step-by-Step Instructions For 2 Projects, & Patterns for 40 more".

In this 120 page book, there are less that 20 pages of step-by-step instructions. Two projects are covered (I admit, in detail and with good photos) but there is no foundation whatsoever for those 20 pages. What kind of knife do you use? How do you hold it? What strokes are used for carving? What do you need to know about cutting with or across the grain? None of these questions are answered in this book. If you are a beginner picking up this book, you will be completely lost.

The section on the history and practitioners of Scandinavian woodcarving takes up the majority of this book. While it is somewhat interesting, that is not why I bought the book.

Detailed Instruction from a World Famous Master
This is the best and most detailed book you are going to find on the subject of Flat-Plane carving.The photos are bright and the steps clear enough to not leave you hanging (avoids being a very frustrated beginner.)For those of you lucky enough, Harley still teaches classes in the upper midwest and occasionally at our nations craft houses.What I learned most about Harley's methods, is you really don't need a bucket full of hand tools.Every thing is done with a knife.Finding his particular knife is not easy.A sturdy bench knife will do just fine.I never carved a thing in my life until I picked up this book.I followed along and eventually discovered what the photo was telling me.Now after carving some more and reading other authors, I can really appreciate the time they took on this book.

Harley Refsal's Latest
This book is a revision of the 1992 classic by Harley Refsal.The new book is a larger format with a lot more color.My previous copy had been getting pretty dog-eared so the new one came along just in time.For those of you who may not be familiar with Harley's previous work, his is the foremost publication that describes the history and methods of "Scandinavian Flat Plane Carving".In my opinion, Scandinavia is the origin of the genre that we all love and call caricature carving.

The new book has added a section on carving and finishing the Dalcarlian Horse - the classic horse carved in Sweden for almost two centuries.The demonstration of Flat-Plane figure carving is of Harley's Oskar, an immigrant-era figure.The instruction is extremely detailed and about like having Harley over your shoulder taking you through the entire process.A number of new patterns have been added to this edition.

If I had a limit on the carving books in my collection, (and thank goodness I don't have) Harley Refsal's would be one of the select few.

Easily the Best Carving Book Available
Harley's new book builds on his previous book on Scandinavian woodcarving, but he adds much more both in the area of carving and the history of carving.There is the old familiar Oskar but there is also a Scandinavian horse. There is additional information in the history area, a section on painting, as well as an expanded section on patterns.The photography is in color and quite detailed.If you are a wood carver, this book will be a wonderful addition to your woodcarving library.
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Customer Reviews (6)

This is not for kids or beginners
For those who are thinking about getting this book for your kids.. Please don't .. It is far too advanced.. and doesn't give enough detail for them.. Not to mention the crafts are quite difficult. My son whittles. and is very good at it.. He has made spoons,canes, knives.. and much more.. but this was completely worthless. I am really upset after the title says for kids and beginners.. He cannot make one of these projects.
Another book may be better suited for kids.

Carve Away
The photographs in the book are clear.One can learn to carve by looking at the photos and reading the easy to understand directions.

Excellent starter book
If you are just starting out in the craft, this is an excellent book to start with. The book illustrates and gives step by steps on a wide range of woodcarving techniques. These include relief, 3-dimensional, and pierced carving. Each project includes the recommended dimensions, wood type, and a list of the tools needed to complete them. There are also small sections describing tools, carving techniques, and methods for transferring patterns. These do not go into great detail, but enough to give you the general idea.

Just a note on woodworking books in general - Once general technique for carving is covered, there is little else that can be taught by text. One has to actually carve the wood ;) No book will do that for you.

Lots of fun projects.
I like the selection of projects.Very nice patterns too.

Given as a Gift
Great as a gift for someone with woodcarving as a hobby! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The book is helpful in moving from beginner to intermediate
The book covers many examples of relief carving and lettering not found in other books of its type.The section on wood engraving and use of the v-tool is particularly interesting.There are challenging projectsincluded, but step by step plans do not accompany some of them.The bookis not for beginners.Mr. Norbury covers not only a wide range of skillsbut uses varied subjects as well. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Outstanding
My wife is just starting into this endeavor and she LOVES this book!It is written to give a beginner the information needed to get started on a long and enjoyable path into the hobby of woodcarving.

Woodcarving:The Beginner's Guide
This is the best book on traditional woodcarving that there is.It was written by a woodcarver from Britain, and was originally published over there.In the book he teaches the proper methods of holding and using thewoodcarving chisels.He also teaches proper methods of sharpening andtaking care of the chisels. I have been privileged to take two classes froma world-renowned master woodcarver who recommends this book in his classes. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great beginner book !!
I am a rookie carver so I purchased this book for learning and fun. It has a great section on tools and how to use and care for them. Then it has step by step instructions that are easy to follow and will give you great results. I carved the Pumpkins and the Mummy and everybody really likes them, but it was easy using this book !! ... Read more

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Excellent introduction shows how to avoid pitfalls of craft and gives full information on tools, basic cutting strokes, then presents a wide range of projects: handles, bookends, pipes, chessmen, picture frames, puzzles, ships in bottles, more. 464 illustrations.
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Customer Reviews (6)

Historical Reference
This is an interesting look at the history f the early days of woodcarving as a hobby. It is not an instructional book for the beginner, as there are no detailed how-to projects, rater it gives an overview of all of the styles of what we consider "classical"carving and whittling. An interesting read and worth the modest price.

good book
I haven't looked at the book but my dad (whom I gave it to) says it is full of interesting whittling ideas and great tips for beginners.He says he's gotten some great creative ideas from looking through it.

Great reference, but DRY & no templates
I have a love hate relationship with this book.My wife's Grandfather left it to me with some tools.It is OLD school & dry (I read it to go to sleep).However, it has a grand breadth of projects and depth of detail.It is a great reference.Don't expect full sized, exciting templates.This was written before the copy machine.Do expect a challenging variety of projects and keen insights.This book is not directly related to my goals as a carver.However, it does challenge me indirectly to become better.

It's ok
I'm a brand new whittler and this guy is a tad dry for me.Or perhaps a little intimidating.All the wood carving stuff is beside my point.Good stuff; I just don't love this book.

Very helpful
This book is great for a beginner to learn all the basics of whittling. i was making a wooden chain in no time at all and im ready to go on to the more challenging projects. ... Read more