Woodcarving Illustrated - How To Magazine for Carvers: Hand Carving a Simple Reindeer

Hand Carving a Simple Reindeer
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Don-Swartz on 01/27/2010 20:27:00
 
Step-by-step photos by Bob Duncan
Carve this rustic deer as a stand-alone project or size the pattern to create
the perfect complement to your favorite carved Santa. Use twigs for the antlers
to add to the rustic charm and simplify the carving process.
I use knives, chisels, and gouges to carve the deer, leaving the tool marks
visible. Use power carving tools or sand away the tool marks and woodburn fur
texture for a more realistic reindeer.
Create a herd of deer and give one a red nose in honor of Santa’s favorite
reindeer, Rudolph. Add leather reins and position the deer in front of a sleigh
for a dramatic mantel display.
The pattern for this reindeer is based on drawings in Doug Lindstrand's Alaska
Sketchbook, available from Fox Chapel, www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.
See Woodcarving Illustrated Holiday 2009 issue #49 for additional step-by-step
instructions for completing this project.