In this book, you'll learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark. Included is a complete guide to the various species of cottonwood bark and the best tools to use. A step-by-step wood carving project of a magical tree house is included, along with a beautiful gallery including wood spirits, animals, whimsical tree houses, and much more.

Carving Woodspirits: The Basics is A Complete Step-By-Step Guide for Carving Faces in Wood. In this book you will learn basic woodcarving fundamentals including, tool selection, safety, best woods to carve, how to sharpen carving tools, how to apply finish to a project, and how to make basic woodcarving cuts. The main body of the book covers in great detail how to carve a woodspirit face. Beginner carvers will appreciate that only 3 commonly used tools are required to complete the project. The concepts and techniques learned in Carving Woodspirits: The Basics can easily be applied to other face carving projects. Authors Susan Hendrix and PJ Peery have been teaching woodcarvers for over 20 years and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Tips, tricks, and techniques from these many years of experience are clearly explained to help shorted the learning curve and will provide a foundation for newer carvers. This truly is the best first book and best first project for a woodcarver.

Fan-carving is the process of slicing wood into thin blades (feathers) and then twisting and interlocking them to create a 3-dimensional design from one piece of wood. Fans and birds are the most popular items made. Legends and customs associated with the fan bird are of a religious and spiritual nature. With the help of European museums, the Nyes have traced the history and migration of this Old World folk art from the ancient Russian region, through Europe, to North America. Preserving this folk art is the purpose of this book. It contains easy to follow step-by-step instructions on how to make fans and birds. Full color photos accompany each step. Also included are six full-scale templates: a fan, plus five birds. This book contains a comprehensive chart of twelve species of wood, each evaluated for its performance. Fan-carving is an entry level project to woodcarving. Within three hours a novice can create a very respectable bird. The story about fan-carving is as interesting as making a bird.

By making things yourself you have to think. Developing the skills necessary to make things and actually practicing those skills, is good satisfying work. This book is helpful.