[Ky_Whittler]

For me the most fun I ever had carving was when my kids were young. I got inspiration from their story books. After all the pattern was right there to look at every night and they got great pleasure when Pooh ,piglet and Eor came to sit on the shelves permanantly.Simple folk art versions of these and other characters are handy when your getting started. You'll have fun and you'll know that they will be loved and apreciated. All of these were created from pine two by fours. Whittler

[Mitchell]

I rarely use patterns any more. However, I only "doodle" instead of trying to carve a specific item. I will usually carve a caricature figure - sometimes a bust. My starting block can be similar in size to what you indicated earlier - 2x2x6 or even smaller. Often I will begin with a 1x1x6 or down to 1/4"x1/4"x4 -6". I will ususally carve more than one item from the smaller pieces.

A good source for ideas is Pete LeClair's book - "Carving Caricatures From Scratch"

If I want to carve something bigger (more complex item), then I will use a pattern. Sometimes I draw my own, or use a pattern by a professional. Inspiration can come from anywhere - as KY Whittler states above - and others.

[Ron D]

i usually dont use just one pattern alot of times i will put 2or 3 patterns together to make up what i carve.and susan has alot of patterns on her site that are perfect for that

[S-Shamrock]

paterns are realy nice for begining especialy, to not have to worry about design and focus on the carving aspect. most of my carvings just start out as drawings in my sketch book. I some times get ideas from pictures of other carvings.
silas

[KimHoJo]

A fun, easy project to carve from a piece of wood that size is a candy bar. Models are readily available at your nearest convenience store. I carved a foot long Snickers bar and it was a huge hit with the kids. (Tried uploading a picture but I'll be darned if I can figure out how to do it!)

[wade clark]

Kim,
Admit it, you ate it, you termite!
Wade