[AlArchie]

Rick Ferry has a few free patterns for beginners at http://www.littleshavers.com/FreePatternProjects.html

He also has a great site for supplies of all sorts, and advice on just about any carving topic you have questions on.

Another site with a few free patterns is From L.S. Irish (Susan on this board) at
http://www.carvingpatterns.com/fishdecoy.htm

There are also dozens (maybe hundreds of other patterns, both simple and complex at Susan's site.

Check these both out, then run a search on the internet for carving patterns or free carving patterns, and I'm sure you willfind others. these two are just plain good folks!

Al

[Claude]

Hi, Josh.

Take a look at http://carverscompanion.com/Ezine/WWWEzine.html - the back issues go back nine years and almost every issue has one or more patterns in it, ranging from simple to "holy cow, I could never do that..."

Claude

[kykarver]

Thank you all so very much for your kind suggestions! ly, I haven't gotten to start on much carving here lately with yardwork and housework and all. Still trying to transition after moving (2 months later, I might add!) but I've got some nice pieces of basswood to experiment on!

Thanks again! I'll keep everyone posted on any developments with this new woodcraft of mine!

[jillsy]

Hi Ky,

One way to decide what to carve is thinking about what it is you like. I started out carving Santa because it was something I was very interested in. As a beginner, I knew how hard it might be to learn, so I figured carving something I really love would keep me motivated to not give up.

There are so many great books out there. I'm a very visual person and learn more by looking at something, rather than reading directions. If you're like me, you may want to find books with lots of pictures showing the step-by-step carving process. Sometimes I can't understand the directions, but as soon as I see the picture, I see exactly what the book means.

Whitecree brought up an excellent idea of looking at childrens books. I've been doing that alot lately and have found it incredibly helpful (especially when trying to carve alittle animal).

Keep us posted and please don't be afraid to show your first carvings. As a beginner myself, I know how intimidating it can be compared to all the amazing carvings on this board, but we're all at different levels and everyone is very supportive. It's also fun seeing first carvings because as you get better you see how much you've progressed. Some of my very first carvings, with all their mistakes and flaws, are my most special ones.

Jillsy