[Ric]

Thought we could share some carving book reviews with each other. This might help determine if a book is worth buying or not. If you care to review some of your books, jump in.

The first one I will add is 'Woodcarving the Country Bear and his Friends' by Mike Shipley. I picked this one up a couple months ago and found it to be a fun project book. It's written for the beginner - advanced carvers that want some quick projects that make great gifts. I have carved a couple of the bears and my wife claims them before my daughters get a chance. Good book and I would recommend it. I bought this at Little Shavers.
Ric

[Kenny_S]

A good topic Rick.
Illustrated Guide to Carving Bark
By Rick Jensen and Jack A. Williams

tells what species we have and the differences in them, How to book with illustrations and pictures and even how to finish the Bark project by painting or other meduim. What tools he usesing in his demostration, Repair problems areas, what glues to use and why.
More books to follow.Thanks rick for starting this topic.

[Ric]

The Weekend Crafter; Woodcarving 20 Great Projects for Beginners & Weekend Carvers, by John Hillyer.

This is a good book for those that are looking for something new to carve. Great illustrations and projects from relief, in the round, to walking sticks. Another fun project book.

Ric

[Ky_Whittler]

Carving Found Wood by Vic Hood and Jack A. Williams

Carvings are represented in bark , driftwood, pinion pine and slabs from the sawmill . A step by step carving done in bark is illistrated and an excellent project. Each carver gives their favorite woods and finishing methods. I like it and have been inspired by it to try things out of my comfort zone. Whittler

Ric,
I actually learned something from your book review.

I didn't know John Hillyer had a book out; I carved with him for a week in North Carolina about 1995. He was teaching Carving Caricature Busts at the John C. Campbell Folkschool.

He told me I wasn't a woodcarver; I was an artist.

Most likely because I don't follow direction and it's hard to keep me in a classroom more than a couple hours. I just love wandering around the smokey mountains in the spring.

We were supposed to carve a caricature bust of a cowboy and I carved a realistic bust of an Indian in a cowboy hat.

I will do two reviews.
Bill Howrilla's 'Carving Golfers' has great patterns that have multiple profiles including one from the top. The lessons on carving are precise but need more detail. Worth having! I have carved all of the patterns and was very pleased.

Dave Stetson's 'Caricature Carving from Head to Toe' This book does a great job on facial details. The best book I have seen for facial characature detail work. However, do not look to this book for lots of patterns. There are only four patterns. One of the problems with the patterns that are there is that they are done at an angle rather than a full face, back, & side so it is very hard to use them.

[Ric]

Rick
I got this book at Barnes & Noble. It's published by Lark Books with a 2002 copyright date. I didn't see your name in the acknowledgments so apparently he still thinks you are an artist. Holidays.
Ric

[Bob_in_TN]

Rick
You met John Hillyer, before I met my first carving knife. I did take a 10 or 12 week class with him at Asheville-Buncombe Community College in 2000 or 2001, thought he was a very good instructor. I too have his book and would recommend it.

Bob