Beginner book/DVD suggestions?

[Learning2CarveDaily]

Hello everyone. I have been interested in wood carving for quite a while. The only type of carving I have done is pretty much twig whittling. I love doing fine scale models, so patience is something I have developed.
I recently stumbled onto your wonderful message board, and have been reading through as many post as I can. I love all the information you guys have assembled here. I hope to soon be an active member of the comunity.
Taking some advise that I read, I purchased a set of Pfiel Tools Intermediate Brienz Set, Flex Cut 11 Piece Craft Set, and a good ceramic sharpening set with a slip strop. I wanted to try the different tools to see what feels right to me.
Now to the question. I have found several great step by step tutorials on the web, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good book or DVD that would show me a few different techniques to try. I prefer books, but would consider a DVD if it came highly recomended. I am interested in relief carving, but I would love a book that has a little bit of everything. =P
Appologies for the long post, and thank you for your time.

[Learning2CarveDaily]

heh, sorry, I just found the same question. Please delete.

[Thor]

Hi there, and welcome.
I know we see a lot of the same questions here, but we also meet a lot of beginner carvers with the same good questions.
I always recommend Richard Butz's, "Learning to carve wood" as a best book, but you'll get as many answers as folks on here. We all have different interests and directions, but learn from being exposed to someone else's way of doing things.
I hope you will soon show us pictures of your first projects, and let us encourage you to carve more and more.
Thor (Christina)

[Claude]

Here's a relief carving DVD that came with my Flexcut set:

http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart...category_id=95

Claude

[BobD]

If you're interested in relief carving, Lora (Susan) Irish's book Landscapes in Relief is great for showing how to use tools and break a pattern down into levels...

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[heineda]

Hello,

What I would recomend are the following options:

a. Join a local carving club. You might have to drive an hour to get to one, but well worth it. There will be plenty of experienced carvers willing to help you.

b. Take a carving class at your local Woodcraft store

c. Take a week this summer and attend one of the many roundups, rendevous(sic), or other seminars within driving distance from you.

If you are interested in caricature carving, I woudl recomend Marv Kaiseratts book on head carving:
http://woodcarverswarehouse.com/cata...7d859a758becb3

If you are interested in relief carving, I would suggest Ivan Whillocks video:
http://woodcarverswarehouse.com/cata...7d859a758becb3

One more great source of information is the new carvers files here:
http://carverscompanion.com/NewCarverFiles.html

Finally, I woudl sugest http://www.carverscompanon.com as an excellent source of information, and a free online magazine.

Good Luck,
Dan Heine

[BobD]

Chris Pye's books are also top of the line, and he sends out a regular e-mail newsletter. He has put together a large number of lessons on his website

http://www.chrispye-woodcarving.com/

Bob