Learn to whittle 12 woodland creatures with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use patterns in Woodcarving the Country Bear and His Friends. Each fun whittling project features full color photographs, detailed patterns, and helpful tips. Also included is a complete overview of carving tools and techniques.

A whole clan of colorful characters comes to life in this collection of rustic carving patterns. The carving lessons demonstrate how to use the quick and easy clean-cut method to impart warmth and personality to each of the ten Ozark folk style caricatures—from Ma and Pa to Ol' Blue the coon hound. Very few tools are required and technical notes advise artisans on how best to experiment with tool sharpening. Stains and paints are also addressed, including an easy formula for wood stain that can be mixed in a blender. There are even a few down-home tales along the way, bringing a little bit of country into the woodshop.

· The most successful whittling book ever published now available in a handsome new hardcover gift edition · Features 18 step-by-step projects for knives, forks, birds, animals, trees, flowers, and more · Includes information on wood selection, knife selection, safety, and sharpening · Great gift for beginners looking for an easy way to get started, and for more advanced carvers looking for a relaxing way to spend their time

Beginning with a plain block of bass wood or white pine, Tom creates bunnies and bears that are the epitome of cuddly, and are a favorite of children and adults alike. These projects are perfect for the person who carves for relaxation. After bandsawing the patterns, they can be completed with the simplest of toolsa knife, a gouge, a veiner, and nailset.

This summer issue of Woodcarving Illustrated shines a spotlight on small but mighty projects! Ranging in size from a whittled aquarium that can fit inside a matchbox to a summery Circle of Chips wall hanging, the projects featured in this issue are perfect for every carver. Carve a petite unicorn, a chip carved jewelry box, stylized sharks, a realistic tropical fish, a scallop shell relief carving, and more! Also included in this issue are impressive artist features, workshop tips, reader galleries (plus a new challenge!), and bonus patterns and projects.

Step-by-step instructions and over 100 how-to photos show you how to whittle, paint, and stain the salty Old Sea Captain and his first and second mates. Carving patterns are included for making caricatures, buoys, lobster traps, and wooden crates to set an entire sea-faring scene!

FEATURES The next Generation of Woodcarvers By Kathleen Ryan Meet six award-winning young carvers The Work of Mavasta Honyouti By Alan Garbers Hopi carver carries on the tradition in cottonwood roots PATTERNS Carving Folk-Art Birds By Don Deeroff Highlight the tool marks with a little paint to simulate feathers on these simple designs Patriotic Bear By Mike Shipley Celebrate the stars and stripes with a droll version of Uncle Sam Cooper Hawk Portrait By Sue Walters Woodburn (or relief carve) a striking wildlife portrait Genie Bottle Stopper By Lawrence Spinak Easy-carve caricature embodies a fun play on words PROJECTS Whittling Summer Earrings By Pete Luxbacher Simple designs will delight all summer long Bill’s Smile Walking Stick By Dick Bryant Add a friendly wood spirit to your walking stick Making a Hook Knife By Cariboo Blades Turn an old saw blade into a useful carving knife Carving a Caricature Cowboy By Ellis Olson Old-timer looks as rugged as the land he works Chip-Carved Toolbox By David Stewart Build and embellish your own toolbox Power Carving a Bark Outhouse By Robert De Vries Cute carving makes a useful lavatory nightlight Carving a Seashell By Bill Donaldson Stylized hardwood shell is modeled after the real thing Carving a Fisherman By Dennis Thornton Carve a curmudgeonly caricature for your favorite fisherman TECHNIQUES Shop-made Sanding Drums By Bill Kinnear Make custom rotary-tool sanders from inexpensive hardware Outdoor Finishes and Glues By Bob Duncan Use the right products to ensure your outdoor projects last Carving Lips By Harold Enlow Simple techniques to carve smiling and frowning lips Learn to Paint: Using Oil Paints Learn the basics of oil painting by making a summery plaque