Thinking about woodcarving...

[pkunzie]

Hello All!

My name is Paul and I just signed up for this Message Board. I have thought about woodcarving off and on over the years, and I would like to ask a few questions:

I have no artistic ability! I can barely draw a stick person! Any thoughts on this? Should I even consider making an attempt at woodcarving?

If I were to try woodcarving, what is the simplest and best style of woodcarving to learn/start with?

What is the best beginner book(s) to start with?

Also, just curious… I saw some books on “Scandinavian” carving. What is the difference between this and “Caricature” carving?

Just a note… as of now, I have a whittling knife – and that is it for woodcarving tools!

Thank you all in advance for your answers/advice!

Paul

[schwert]

I think Whittling Twigs and Branches: Unique Birds, Flowers, Trees and More from easy-to-find wood by Chris Lubkemann is an excellent way to start.

Amazon.com: Whittling Twigs & Branches: Unique Birds, Flowers, Trees & More from Easy-to-Find Wood: Chris Lubkemann: Books

Chris has very very easy step-by-step carving sequences in this book that takes just about any twig to a fun animal. I have had 6 year old kids carve these projects and have a great time doing it.

Before you know it you will see shapes and forms in twigs that easily come out.

This book uses a Swiss Army knife for everything so nothing special required and I think it not only is fun but trains your eye and hand at the same time.

This may or may not be the best way to start, but it is a fun way.

Worth the coin.

[big dave]

paul, don't sweat it give it a try i can't draw any stick paople either heck i can't even draw a strait line with a ruler,but i get a lot of enjoyment from carving and the best part of it is all the great friends you make, it takes alot of practice,be patient and carve a little each day,i say carving is a lot like golf not many can go out and shoot in the 80's when they play only once or twice a year. and not many can pick up a set of carving tools a carve a master piece if they only carve once or twice a year.so practice practice practice,larry green has a book called first projects that is good for a beginner, there is also good strater projects in wci

welcome and good luck
keep the bandaids close

[Keoma]

Hello and Welcome!
I for one, cannot draw a straight line crooked, but I love to carve. The fact that you are here and your interested shows so much. Just try.
Get a stick
Get a knife
...get a glove
and GET GOING!
Have fun and always keep in mind, carving is a functional project, if your not making art...youre making kindling

[Mitchell]

I did a search on beginner tips and there's quite a few bits of advice in these threads:

Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board - Search Results

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Paul, first welcome to the board. I can not draw at all, but I love carving and I get better with each carving. Ask alot of questions here, there are a bunch of very talented people here that are very eager to help. Also here is a link to a great website, they offer beginners kits, tools, supplies and lots of good advice, good honest people. Hope this helps.

Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

Dave

[againstthegrain]

Before recommending a book, I have to ask what type of carving you are interested in? Do you like relief carving, chip carving, hand carving, power carving, chain saw carving...just to name afew? Once you decide on the type of carving you'd like to try, it is easier to decide on the tools you need.
You don't mention where you are from...is there a wood carving store near you that offers classes, tools, etc.?

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Hi Paul, welcome to the WCI Board I was going to do exactly what Mitchell did and search, I know there was just a post on beginner books for woodcarving. Plenty of your questions are already answered so take a look around, when I started carving I had no idea if I would be good at it or not. Turns out I have all kinds of hidden away natural or genetic talent.
Carl

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Paul. Your story is shared by many here on the board. Pick up a stick or piece of wood and join the group. You'll get it eventually.

[Robert Cahill]

welcome paul. I think scandinavian carving is also flat plane carving. Check out the tutorial section in this forum and Gene has does that style of carving there are other tutorial also. I recommend Lora Irishs site Woodcarving Patterns, Classic Carving Patterns Online, Wood Carving Designs & Patterns Online as she has free tutorial and patterns for different type of carvings and as has been mentioned little shavers has some good instructions.