Describes the equipment, tools, and techniques used in the carving process, and offers step-by-step instructions for detailed projects.

Put your wood carving skills to practical use! This must-have book features 13 wood carving projects with step-by-step instructions and photography for creative and elegant walking sticks. Including projects for beginner, intermediate, and advanced wood carvers, painting and finishing instructions are provided, as well as helpful information on types of wood used, methods for joining a head to a shank, and more. From a simple lyre-shaped thumb stick and a gent’s walking stick to derby sticks with the head of a fox, eagle, Labrador retriever, black swan, and other animals, author, contributor to The Guild of Master Craftsman’s magazines, and self-taught wood carver Paul Purnell will show you everything you need to know!

Carvers will find this collection of 24 Santa and snowman designs especially delightful because they are both whimsical and classy. A step-by-step tutorial is included and detailed patterns with complete paint charts are supplied for each figure. Any incidental elements such as wooden eggs or cutouts are easily available at craft stores. With the help of this guide, even beginning carvers can create heirloom ornaments they will proudly display at Christmastime for many years to come.

A thoroughly practical approach to the art of figure carving. It takes the form of a progressively structured course of 12 projects, starting with simplified and familiar forms, progressing to complex and technically sophisticated pieces.