wood patterns for beginner

Hello,
I am new to wood carving and would like some suggestions as where to get patterns to work from with a beginner in mind. Thanks

[AlArchie]

Here's a link to the Boy Scout neckerchief slide site. http://members.tripod.com/~cubclub/slidemon.html

these are designed as neckerchief slides, but each one is a simple woodcarving pattern that can be adapted to any purpose. they range from the really simple to quite complex and will give you a good introduction to simple woodcarving. Plus tey are FREE!

Al

Try 'Whittling' by Bill Higginbotham published by Sterling press. It's around $10 American and covers tools, patterns, woods, etc. First project s are simple mice and rats and goes through sylized birds and animals and finishes with characatures all with patterns and explainations. Most of the patterns do need to be blown up on a copier though. Some of the simpler ones you can free hand using a grid system which he has already layed out. You can do all the projects with a knife and a gouge or two.

Try the library,if you do not wish to purchase a book.

Hi,
Before purchasing a book, check to see if you have a carving club in your area. Many clubs have a 'library' of reference material, patterns, carving books, tapes, etc. for members to check out free of charge. They may also offer basic carving classes which would be a tremendous help to a new wannabe carver. Plus, the fellowship and help you can get from other carvers is priceless.
Wood Carving Illustrated and National Wood Carvers Association (Chip Chats) can provide some assistance in locating clubs--or post the inquiry here with specific area identified.
I agree that the Higginbotham book is an excellent place to start--when we have a club class series, we use two or three designs out of that book.
Good Luck!
Donna T

Try the Chip Chats site also the have a beginners course.

I have taught my two daughters using patterns and step by step in Carving Whimsical Birds, $12.95.

There are a number of fine books available, all under $20 from Fox Chapel, and Schiffer Publishing,(http://www.schifferbooks.com).

Wood Carving Illustrated also has fine features and step by step for the beginner.

Good Luck
John

any of the carving books by Rick Butz are good for beginers, especially the 'How to Carve Wood' one. It is very helpful, has good patterns, and good step-by-step instructions. And it is worth it to buy it so you can have it right there on your bench with you

[barkerlakebob]

Originally Posted by Guest

Hello,
I am new to wood carving and would like some suggestions as where to get patterns to work from with a beginner in mind. Thanks

I to am new to carving. Currently I am experimenting with Wood Spirit carvings and am looking for a half dozen patterns to copy from. If anyone has any they would care to e-mail me I would appreciate it. If possible, they should not be to complicated or to large. After all, I am just a beginner with a limited amout of wood and tools...!!

Thanks

bbccrawley@shaw.ca

[Old_Gord]

Some of the books and web site suggested are good suggestions.
For beginners patterns I usually suggest "Old Joe's" web page for beginners, lots of different patterns , I would think the Shelf mouse and the Hedgehog are two that any beginner could tackle and have good results with, they also require a minimum of tools.
Check out Old Joe's web site , url listed below.

http://www.oldjoe.org/BeginnerProjects.html

OG