Discover how to create unique and beautiful canes that will be treasured as useful works of art. Legendary carving artist Lora S. Irish introduces you to all of the essential components and woodcarving techniques of cane topper carving in this comprehensive guide with 4 step-by-step projects and 6 joinery methods.

Put your wood carving skills to practical use! This must-have book features 13 wood carving projects with step-by-step instructions and photography for creative and elegant walking sticks. Including projects for beginner, intermediate, and advanced wood carvers, painting and finishing instructions are provided, as well as helpful information on types of wood used, methods for joining a head to a shank, and more. From a simple lyre-shaped thumb stick and a gent’s walking stick to derby sticks with the head of a fox, eagle, Labrador retriever, black swan, and other animals, author, contributor to The Guild of Master Craftsman’s magazines, and self-taught wood carver Paul Purnell will show you everything you need to know!

Legend has it that the forest of the world are inhabited by elusive creatures known as "Wood Spirits". Tom Wolfe finds them everywhere and brings them to life in this delightful new instructional book. Using found wood such as driftwood, roots, and old beams from dilapidated barns, he leads the reader through the carving of wondrous, fanciful faces, that are both enchanting and beautiful. On a smaller scale, Tom also finds the Wood Spirits in walking sticks, creating treasures that are handsome and functional at the same time. Tom has been carving these Spirits for years, and they are constantly in demand. Now he leads the carver, step-by-step, through their creation, each step illustrated in beautiful colour photographs. An extensive gallery is included, jam-packed with examples and ideas for the reader's own work.

"Carve beautiful wildlife walking sticks with step-by-step projects, ready-to-use patterns, an inspirational color photo gallery, and advice on wood sourcing and finishing"--Publisher's description.

Two complete projects, fascinating history and myth, and 26 additional full page patterns for creating functional and decorative gargoyles from wood. Learn to carve a traditional water-spouting gargoyle and classic grotesque with step-by-step instructions. Includes 10 additional patterns for mythical creatures incorporated into architectural elements, like a working doorknocker.

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.