Learn to select, clean, and store your brushes like a pro By Betty Padden Selecting paintbrushes can be a daunting task given the array of choices, but knowing the basics can make a world of difference! I’m here to break down the different types, shapes and sizes, and their uses. I’ll also cover brush cleaning and storage. As you use them, your brushes will become like old friends—much like your chisels and gouges; you’ll start to know how they will perform in a given situation. Care for these tools correctly and you’ll be able to use them for years! After learning all about brush care, try ou ..read more

The Summer 2024 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112. Scroll down for a sneak peek! Purchase the Issue  Print Magazine Subscription Digital Magazine Subscription In This Issue Features Creating a Simple Carving Station Easily secure your project for two-handed carving By Alec LaCasse ..read more

One-knife whittle is a perfect beginner project By James Ray Miller The easily recognizable appearance of owls makes them a great subject for a fledgling woodcarver. One common beginner-friendly design does not even involve rounding the wood at all; instead, key details like the beak, talons, and wings are suggested in a carefully simplistic manner, with the beak situated on a corner of the stout block. This design focuses on other aspects of an owl’s form: roundness, plumpness, and a serene stature. It requires more cuts to complete than the classic rectangular design, but in doing so, i ..read more

Find in depth instructions on how to carve this happy caricature fisherman By Jim Hiser If you are looking for more detailed directions on how to carve Jim Hiser’s “Angling for Fun” project in our summer issue (#107), check out the step-by-step instructions below. Roughing Out Step 1 Rough out the shape. Use a 5/8″ (16mm) soft V-tool or carving knife to start blocking out the figure by removing wood around the arms and hands. Keep them larger than needed to allow for adjustments later.   Step 2 Refine the basic shape. With the carving knife, round the corners of the blank to ma ..read more

Attend the upcoming Pennsylvania event that attracts carvers from all over the country Photo by Mike Wine The Lancaster County Woodcarvers (LCWC) are gearing up for their 49th Annual Woodcarving & Wildlife Art Festival in Millersville, Pa. The festival is expected to have a record number of exhibitors (over 60), including the Woodcarving Illustrated magazine team, and various vendors. Carvers will also have opportunities to carve and learn with a simple five-minute owl and hedgehog project, as well as numerous demonstrations throughout the weekend. Carvers leading demonstrations include St ..read more

The Spring 2024 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated includes a variety of projects, patterns, and features, as well as interesting techniques. This issue is a part of the regular magazine subscription. It is also available from your favorite retailer or from Fox Chapel Publishing, foxchapelpublishing.com or 1-800-457-9112. Scroll down for a sneak peek! Purchase the Issue  Print Magazine Subscription Digital Magazine Subscription In This Issue Features Magic Touch Cecilia Schiller’s entertaining automata encourage interaction By Dorissa Bolinski Pat ..read more

These earthy baubles are so easy and satisfying to make, you might  just fill a jewelry box By Jan Jenson At a carving show last summer, a woman asked me if I could recreate one of her earrings because she had lost its mate. This project is the result of our conversation. It was challenging, but also interesting, to make something so small. I experimented with different designs and finishing techniques, such as staining before or after carving. Because they’re made from wood, these earrings are very light and they don’t get cold on your neck in winter! Getting Started Ph ..read more

Learn about uncommon tools, ideal woods, and a game-changing technique By Joseph A. Savarese If you’re just getting started with relief carving, there’s a lot to take in. My goal in this article is to introduce approaches to design, woods you can try other than common basswood, useful techniques, and non-traditional carving tools on the market. As you pick up new tricks and techniques, be sure to stuff them into your pockets and carry them with you throughout your carving journey. You can even merge them with your own creations to form a unique carving style! I chose a rose as the subject, as ..read more

It all comes down to fit and steel quality By Lora S. Irish You will notice, as you search for a new carving knife, that there are enough choices on the market to make your head spin. So how do you sort through them all to find the tool that’s right for you? Here’s a quick guide to get you started. After you select the right knife for you, try it out on one of our carving projects, such as Heart-Shaped Bottle Stopper. Bench Knives The tool we call a bench knife comes in many shapes and sizes. Some have long blades that may extend up to 4″ (102mm) from the handle, while others, such as chip ..read more

Congratulations to the WINNERS of the Great Santa Carve Off Contest and thank all of those who shared their festive creativity with us.  The staff of Woodcarving Illustrated would also like to send a BIG THANKS the generous sponsors for their donations of prizes for our five talented winners. 1st Place: Alex Joiner   2nd Place: Walter Imfeld 3rd Place: Dave Deming   4th Place: Lee Simpkins 5th Place: Mary Beth Blair     Editor’s Picks: Bradley Gusloff and Jim Willis      Bradley Gusloff       &n ..read more