Break out of the mold with this organic ornament By Wayne Barton Chip-carve ornaments are usually based on geometric figures. However, I decided to branch out and make an ornament with a more positive image and organic style. You can display the ornament alone, attach it to the top of […] The post Chip Carving a Flower appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

By John Allard The benefits of a custom handle are enormous! You can fit the tool to the exact size of your hand, creating a comfortable grip for a safe, enjoyable carving experience. You can also extend the life of a favorite blade if the handle has become worn or […] The post Make Your Own Blade Handle appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

The Spring 2025 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! In This Issue […] The post Woodcarving Illustrated Spring Issue, Issue #110 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Carve intricate loops and braids to create a holy keepsake By Dennis Drazkowski Design by Pat Moore While attending a woodcarving show in Wisconsin, I came across Randy and Pat Moore’s vendor table, Moore Wood and Roughouts, and saw their “Cross Braid” pattern roughout. It ended up being the perfect […] The post Infinity Cross appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Add life to a tree or window with these bright avian adornments By Michele Parsons I love to give inspirational gifts around the holidays, as days grow shorter and people start to pine after warmth and sunlight—and what better to deliver inspiration than a few friendly birds? These ornaments can […] The post Carve & Burn Bird Ornaments appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Easy methods to keep your tool tips clean By Lora S. Irish As you work with any woodburning tool, carbon deposits will build up on the tip. The hotter the temperature, the quicker the deposits develop. This black buildup can be transferred to your work, causing dark gray or black […] The post Keeping It Clean appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

The Winter 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! In This Issue […] The post Woodcarving Illustrated Winter Issue, Issue #109 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Some battle-weary warriors are finding comfort through woodworking By Dorissa Bolinski It’s easy to slip into the “zone” while engaged in an interesting project, when fifteen minutes become two hours and the worries of the day fall away. Like all creative pursuits, woodworking can remove us from our daily selves […] The post Carving Peace appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Make a black panther or a jaguar using the same pattern By Don Self There’s no specific type of cat called the “black panther.” Instead, the name can refer to any single-color (melanistic) big cat. In Asia and Africa, they are leopards, while those in the Americas are jaguars. I […] The post Carving a Big Cat appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more

Save your hands with this simple power sharpening hack By Dave Browne I find stropping carving tools rather time-consuming and uncomfortable thanks to a touch of arthritis, not to mention fiddly when I’m trying to get a precise angle. To remedy this, I created my own rotary strop, using odds […] The post Stropping Success appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated ..read more