Hi my name mark im 13 and im new to wood carving and i found this site while searching google an did like to say hi and if u guy sknow any good site for wood working that have pics of there carvings and patterens and ideas thx

[Callynne]

Hi Mark, welcome! You are the age most of us 'late bloomers' wished we'd found carving! I sincerely hope you've read through back posts recommending wearing a carving glove and thumb guard. Accidents happen very, very easily!!
As far as patterns, one site you might want to check out is http://carvingpatterns.com/ you might find some ideas there. Also, check out the library in your town, they probably have some carving books. Good luck, have fun....be careful!! Callynne

Hi Mark

Here are my three favorites

http://www.chrispye-woodcarving.com/
http://www.klitsas.com/
http://norahall.com/

Good Luck
Dale

Welcome Mark,
It is refreshing to have youth on this board and please if you have an idea that you think you would like to share with us please feel free to do so. I have found through to years and trust me there have been a lot of them, that I can learn from everyone even the very young it doesnt matter how old you are idea's have come to me from people from nine to ninety. Life is a learning process. Good luck I like Callynne envy you I sure wish I had started at your age.
Colin

[AlArchie]

Mark, glad to have you join us! Here is a site with some very simple patterns.

http://members.tripod.com/~cubclub/slidemon.html

They were originally designed as neckerchief slides for Scouts, but can be easily adapted for beginners carving subjects. You will find everything from caricatures, to animals, to vehicles, and everday items. Most can be carved form small basswood or pine blocks. There are also painting and finishing tips with each project. don't let yourself be put off by the 'neckerchief slide' concept; they could just as easily be adapted to bolo tie slides, or scaled up to use as carvings to put on a shelf for display. Most can be finished in a single sitting and can get you started without putting in a whole lot of time or study. As you progress, move on to other sites listed.

You could also check some of the woodcarvers suppy stores for kits. They usually have several different styles and come with the proper knife for carving, a block of wood (sometimes already roughed out) and step by step instructions. Check with Rick Ferry or Dale O. on this site. I believe both have roughouts available and will give you excellent advice along the way.

Al

yea my dad is a wood working an dhe has all the tools so i already have good tools for carving but i got to take the tip for gloves i toke a junk out of my skins and other cut the really hurt when carvin.. but i the carving im doing now is a bit hard but a good one for new people to carving it is like a rain drop affect its like rain drop when it hits the ground it look really cool and im almost done no come the sanding ...thx for the links

[lorax]

Hi Mark
I started carving at age 14 (4 carvings before I picked up a book and learned what a chisel was). The first book I got was Rick Butz 'Learn to Carve'. It is great instruction for a beginner, and there is like 5 or six projects in there to get you started.

[macktruck]

Hi lorax,
Try picking up Bill Higgenbottoms, book on carving. It has sharpening technjques and variuos patterns from stylized animals to carictures of people. It's called 'Begining Woodcarving'.
Best of luck. And I agree with Callyann that i wish i had started at your age. macktruck