I'm a beginner and am having trouble with the concept of patterns, if have books with patterns, but don't understand how to mark the wood, front, side, top, etc..and then to start carving. Can anyone help me or suggest any resources or web sites that show step by step directions

[ArizonaPaPa]

I think a good place to start is with the book 'first projects' by Larry Green and Mike Altman. It is a pictorial intro to carving that shows step by step photos . It also covers wood grain which is a consideration before you ever trace your pattern onto the wood. as far as the tracing goes, I make a copy of the pattern first. either by tracing or copy machine. that way i don't ruin my original pattern. I then use cabon paper and the copy of the pattern to trace the pattern onto the wood. trace the profile first, the sides can be cut out at a later time. Also look at some of the other topics on this message board , they can be a wealth of information

GOOD CARVING!!!!!!!

[ArizonaPaPa]

sorry, I meant the sides can be cut out after the profile..........