For wood carvers looking to create something different comes a collection of patterns and projects for making whimsical puppets or cane toppers. Kids will love Billy Parrot, Squeaker Squirrel, and Chipper Chimp!

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!

Have fun making these cool wooden toys, games and even gumball machines that are unexpectedly action packed. Most of the projects can be built in an hour, but will be sure to provide hours of entertainment. Easy-to-make projects that will delight children and the young at heart. Full-color photographs, detailed drawings, a chapter on getting started, and two step-by-step projects included.

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.

FEATURES Best of Show Award-winning carvings from the nation's top woodcarving shows Sharing the Joy of Carving Wood By Dave Brock Build self confidence and provide a life-long hobby by teaching kids to carve First Cuts Mark Gargac and Fred Wilbur provide valuable tips for carvers and share their first carvings Exploring the Culture of Maori Woodcarving By Mike Davies New Zealand natives use woodcarving to document their history and honor their ancestors PROJECTS Making a Tramp Art Frame By Jim Sebring Easy chip cuts and simple joints make this frame an ideal project for novice carvers Hand Carve a Realistic Wolf By Dee Gipson Woodburn detailed fur texture on this classic predator Power Carve an Eagle Pin By Al Groncki Miniature project hones your carving and burning techniques Create a Nostalgic Whirligig By Vernon DePauw Simple carved features, spinning arms, and a rustic finish make this project a winner Carving a Wren in the Round By Chris Pye Work with the grain and supporting wood to add strength to fragile areas Making a Gargoyle Cane By Shawn Cipa Construction techniques for carving a functional cane Carving a Watchful Dragon By Floyd Rhadigan This fun shelf sitter is the perfect guardian for your bookshelf TECHNIQUES How to Select the Right Power Carving Equipment By Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton An overview of the types of tools and different models Carving Realistic Wrinkles and Folds By Mary-Ann Jack-Bleach and Fred Zavadil Create accurate details by studying how clothing relates to anatomy Creating a Simple Armature By Marv Kaisersatt Design your own carving with the aid of armatures and clay models DEPARTMENTS Editor's Column From Our Mailbag News and Notes Tips and Techniques Reader Gallery Product Review Relief Column Calendar of Events Coming Features Ad Directory & Classifieds Woodchips

FEATURES Overcoming Adversity By Dr. Lawrence Varner Decoy carver Karl Schmidt is a lesson in perseverance An Introduction to Carving with Power An Introduction to Carving with Power By Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton Releasing a Wood Spirit by Mark Gargac First Cuts First Cuts Gary Falin and Doug Raine provide valuable tips for carvers and share their first carvings. Hate to Sharpen? Disposable Blade Carving Tools may be the Answer By Bob Duncan Inexpensive tools are great for detail work and small carvings Projects Carving a Troll By Marna Holley Disposable blades and doll hair make this project ideal for beginners Painted Turtle By Gordon and Marsha Stiller Colorful reptile project provides an opportunity to experiment with contrasting textures Build Your Own Carving Stand By Jim Farley Make your own custom version of a $500 stand for only $50 Carving a Musical Frog By Everett Ellenwood Quick and easy project is a fun musical instrument Releasing a Wood Spirit By Mark Gargac Uncover the character hiding in found wood Carving Custom Light-switch Covers By Ben Mayfield Add character to your home with relief- and chip-carved accents Peek-A-Boo Jay By Doug Brooks Delightful critter splitter carving is sure to get a second look Carving a Pierced Relief By Chris Pye Open Spaces add movement and drama to a relief carving Creating Handcarved Magnets By Fred Wilbur Functional floral decorations are a lesson in traditional carving techniques TECHNIQUES Anatomy of Wood By Everett Ellenwood Improve your carving efficiency with an understanding of wood grain Adding Subtle Color By Lora S. Irish Roughing and dry-brushing techniques add life to your carving without overpowering the wood All About Punches By Roger Schroeder Add texture and designs to your carving with these simple tools DEPARTMENTS Editor's Column From Our Mailbag News and Notes Tips and Techniques Reader Gallery Product Review Relief Column Calendar of Events Coming Features Ad Directory & Classifieds Woodchips