Looking for some tutorials

[GuitarBoy]

I'm kind of new to carving, I've made some little stuff out of balsam wood (a snowman the only real successful one) and of course I've been chopping on sticks with pocket knives. A few days ago I got a little knive set at a show. It's really a handle with a set of blades ( I'm not sure what brand) I made a attempt at a spoon carved for a little block of basswood....you can tell its a spoon at least . I went to the woodcarvers club (actually just down my street) and they set me up with a Blue Heron and showed me the correct way to do things and how to sharpen my knives. It came out alright but I want to make some other stuff.

What would be great is some tutorials for begginers.

Also, I don't really understand how to use a pattern. I know with woodburning they stencil it ith graphite.


Thanks for any help in advance!

[bigEd_H]

Hi GuitarBoy, welcome to the forum. Gene Messer has some great tutorials for beginners on youtube under the name of whittler0507 and Arleen Zomer also has some great tutorials for beginners on youtube under the name of carverswoodshop. There are also several tutorials on this site that are great to do.

Most carvers will use a template or just do a rough outline on the side of the block and continue to re-draw the guide lines as they carve off the originals. One thing to remember is that you don't need to be exact with your carving unless you are going for realism. Even then, there is room for interpretation.

Hope this helps.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Ed has given some excellent advice, both Gene and Arleen have great videos, very easy to follow. Welcome to the forum.

Dave

[Riverman]

Hi Guitar Boy, welcome to the group!
Bob

[GuitarBoy]

Thanks, I'll have a look at those. I also noticed a tutorials section of the message board....is there anything good in there?

[mtngoat]

Welcome, thats the same way I got started. I got a Warren handle with a couple of blades and its been great ever since.

I will have to agree with the advise to check out Gene's you tube videos, They are a great place to start.

[LMiller]

If you want some help with caricature:

Missouri Woodcarver
There are two different tutorials that can be accessed from this site.

Another method for Caricature Design
This one will help in setting up 'patterns' for poses.

Beginners Carving Corner and Beyond
This one is dedicated to beginners.

Picasa Web Albums - OUT WEST BLOG
This one will either inspire you or haunt you. Don't get too worried about it not being a beginner's site. It is highly admired by caricature carvers and the often imitated style of Lynn Doughty is laid out in pictures with step by steps here. His blog has videos and they are at:
OutWestWoodCarving


YouTube - Woodcarving: Shelf Elf w/ Allen Goodman pt.1 of 5
Is another good one with video instructions.

There are also books and videos galore, if you are ready to spend some money, available to you.

Have you talked to members of your local carving club? Our club has a library of resources, both printed and video, that we can check out for help.

Good luck with your carving!!!

LMiller

[LMiller]

By the way, the suggestion to watch Gene's tutorials is a very good one.

[Claude]

Originally Posted by GuitarBoy

Thanks, I'll have a look at those. I also noticed a tutorials section of the message board....is there anything good in there?

Welcome to the forum! Yes, there is definitely some good stuff in the tutorials section of the board!

Claude

[GuitarBoy]

Thanks guys.

LMiller, I'm not quite sure what caricature is....is it just a fancy word for carving or something ?



Edit:

Looked it up, got it now :P