Shelf Sitter Elf

Carve and paint this fun elf shelf sitter.

Fantasy caricature hangs out on any ledge

Floyd Rhadigan loves to create projects that incorporate his two passions: fantasy literature and caricature carving. Floyd's elf shelf sitter blends the two together perfectly and is guaranteed to incite a smile.

"Fantasy caricatures are a lot of fun because they allow you to take creative liberties," said Floyd. "While there are generalizations, such as pointed ears on an elf, there are no hard rules that must be followed."

Here are a few extra photos our photographer took while Floyd was carving this piece. You might find them helpful while you carve your own elf shelf sitter. You'll find the pattern and step-by-step instructions in Woodcarving Illustrated Issue 52 (Fall 2010). 

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Woodworking books and magazines from Fox Chapel Publishing.

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Shape the side of the nose.

Stab in with a medium-sweep gouge to shape the wings of the nose.

Shape the smile lines.

Use a carving knife to separate the smile lines from the upper lip and to shape the upper lip.

Rough in the eye sockets

Use a 1/4" #11 gouge to shape the temple and outer eye socket.

Draw in the hands.

Sketch the thumb and the outline of the four fingers onto the blank.

Draw in the sideburns.

Use a pencil or marker to draw in the sideburns between the ears and the face.

Outline the shirt.

Draw in the bottom edge of the shirt. Stop cut along the line with a carving knife.

Add the fur trim to the shirt.

Draw in the fur trim. Stop cut along the fur trim with a carving knife.

Add texture to the pants.

Use a 3/16" #11 gouge to carve the wrinkles and texture into the back of the knees.

Draw the cap stripes.

Draw a series of circles around the cap.

Carve the hat stripes.

Carve along the hat stripe lines using a 3/16" #11 gouge.

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