This one-of-a-kind book from master carver Chris Pye illustrates how simple carved elements can beautify turned and woodworking projects. With expert tips and techniques that will expand your crafting talents, Pye provides all the carving basics needed to add lettering, decorative marks, piercing, and relief carving to bowls, plates, furniture, and so much more.

The first step into a new craft can be overwhelming: Where to start? What tools to buy? What projects to begin with? Thanks to author and internationally acclaimed woodcarver Chris Pye, this guide is filled with everything a beginning woodcarver needs to know. Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual is akin to having a one-on-one course with a master carver. You'll learn what to look for in a workbench, the importance of commissioning your carving tools – there's more to it than just sharpening! – and how to make exacting cuts and execute a variety of techniques. Like any good instructor, Pye includes practice exercises to make you comfortable with the tools and techniques so you can build your skills and carve with confidence. Pye's conversational teaching style will encourage you as you follow the step-by-step instructions and work on a number of motifs, as well as projects for low, high, and pierced relief, and in-the-round. With the help of Chris Pye, you'll learn to carve: four types of molding, a beautiful koi project in three levels of relief carving, a realistic baseball cap in-the-round, and a charming wren in-the-round.

This handsome book, by talented wordworker and teacher Chris Pye, provides background and introduction to two truly disparate, yet entirely complementary, crafts: carving and turning. Discover how simple decorative marks, through to advanced carving and shaping techniques, can enhance your turned objects and add an element of artistry. Begin with a beautiful sun bowl and a wheat-ear breadboard. Make a vase using low relief, or a dolphin mirror with pierced relief and practice shaping skills while working on a mortar and pestle. 12 projects, arranged by difficulty, introduce more and more skills and provide progressive lessons in technique; all accompanied with friendly text, illustrations and photographs. Watch as both your woodworking pleasure and scope grow before your eyes!

Jam-packed with information about the fundamentals of woodcarving, this illustrated guide covers all you need to know about the tools of the trade. Filled with nearly 700 photos and drawings, each page features detailed information on everything from basic tools to safety tips. Experienced craftsmen and novices alike will find the guide handy.

In clear, straightforward language, Sayers carefully guides the reader through the fundamentals — what tools and materials to use and how to use them. Still the finest book for the beginning student in wood sculpture.

FEATURES Strategy with a Theme Jim Arnold's clever chess set designs Hobo Nickels By Bob Shamey Modern carvers recreate unique American folk art For more information on this unique art form visit www.hobonickels.org First Cuts Bruce Henn, Dennis Thornton, Harley Schmitgen, and Jack Price share their carving stories Carving on Turning Modern woodturning masters embellish their work with carving Woodland Treasures Jewelry By Kathleen Ryan The artistic carvings of Geoff King Awakening a Passion The work of professional Austrian carver Helli Mayr Electronic Saloon Clock By Jack A. Boggio Detailed caricature scene is brought to life with recorded voices and chiming gun shots PROJECTS Checkmate By Barry McKenzie Novel chip-carved chess set is sure to become a family heirloom Serpentine Walking Stick By David Stehly Staff and realistic snake are carved from a single piece of wood Rugged Bear Bench By Jeffrey Cooper Rustic carving highlights sturdy children's furniture Color Guard By Mary-Ann Jack-Bleach Suggest form and flow with a basic relief carving honoring the armed forces Goat of Many Colors By Larry Koosed Charming folk-art design is easy to carve Carving a Knotwork Brooch By Geoff King Basic techniques for carving wooden jewelry 5-Minute Wizard By Tom Hindes Beginner project is a quick and easy introduction to woodcarving TECHNIQUES Basic Relief Techniques By Chris Pye Learn the fundamentals of carving in low relief Paint Primer By Vicki Rhodes Essential knowledge for a professional finish DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Letter From Our Mailbag News & Notes Tips & Techniques Reader Gallery New Products Relief Column Calendar of Events Coming Features Advertising Directory & Classifieds Teacher’s Corner - Sharpening V-tools Woodchips - New Department

This is a book about refining the technique of skiing. It shows how to carve true arcs on traditional skis and carve extreme arcs on deep sidecut skis. It aims to tone a skier's skills to the maximum, whether he is a beginner or an accomplished skier.