"A primer for woodcarvers in the vocabulary of classical ornamentation, and the practical skills needed to carve it."--"Woodshop News." "Blueprints are provided for moldings, volutes, rosettes, and capitals. The geometry of these designs is celebrated as the author brings these ancient motifs into making present-day objects such as picture frames, mantelpieces, and gateposts."--"Chip Chats."

Classical Ornament is recognized around the world, wherever Western culture has had an influence. All woodworkers will benefit from an understanding of the artistic principles behind it and the practical techniques involved in carving it. Having introduced the basic elements of classical style in his previous book (Carving Architectural Detail in Wood: The Classical Tradition), Fred Wilbur now explains how the motifs evolved through the Greek, Roman, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical periods. Clear color photographs present a wide range of source material, and the carving techniques are described and illustrated in impressive detail. A final project chapter gives examples of how these motifs can be brought together in the making of chests and mirror frames. Book jacket.

Woodcarvers of all abilities will develop new skills, as well as gain an understanding of various carving styles as they evolved through history.

Follow along as Wilbur illustrates how to use historic ornamentation to accent items for your home, like classically carved bookends, an heirloom quality jewelry box, a cabinet for storing CD's, and much more. Perfect for the beginner or advanced carver, this book takes you from start to finish with detailed instructions and step-by-step photography.

Whether you're a woodcarver expanding your talents, a seasoned carver refining your skills, or a beginner newly introduced to this fulfilling craft, this is the only carving book you need. Brimming with expert instruction and 8 attractive step-by-step woodcarving projects, you'll learn all the classic carving styles and techniques along with the fundamentals of wood and tool selection, sharpening, creating a workspace, and finishing your completed work. Also included is a complete chapter on power carving.

A how-to guide to architectural projects that are within reach of any budget and level of experience, with practical tips on how to arrange the work area for this special kind of woodworking, practice the best hand and power carving techniques, work from patterns, photos, and models, and take little-known shortcuts to save time and make money.

The first step into a new craft can be overwhelming: Where to start? What tools to buy? What projects to begin with? Thanks to author and internationally acclaimed woodcarver Chris Pye, this guide is filled with everything a beginning woodcarver needs to know. Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual is akin to having a one-on-one course with a master carver. You'll learn what to look for in a workbench, the importance of commissioning your carving tools – there's more to it than just sharpening! – and how to make exacting cuts and execute a variety of techniques. Like any good instructor, Pye includes practice exercises to make you comfortable with the tools and techniques so you can build your skills and carve with confidence. Pye's conversational teaching style will encourage you as you follow the step-by-step instructions and work on a number of motifs, as well as projects for low, high, and pierced relief, and in-the-round. With the help of Chris Pye, you'll learn to carve: four types of molding, a beautiful koi project in three levels of relief carving, a realistic baseball cap in-the-round, and a charming wren in-the-round.