Make Your Own Walking Sticks

Take your woodworking for a walk! Woodworkers, carvers, and turners of all skill levels will discover 15 fun walking stick projects that range from a basic pine staff to a sophisticated brass-adorned turned cane. Complete with step-by-step instructions, detailed patterns, and in-depth coverage of shaping, turning, and finishing techniques, this book also includes a valuable guide to woods and an impressive gallery of works from the private collection of Albert LeCoff, executive director of the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia.

"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.

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 projects with step-by-step instructions and photography for creative and elegant walking sticks. Including projects for both intermediate and advanced wood carvers, painting and finishing instructions are provided, as well as helpful information on types of wood used for walking stick shanks, 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, you'll enjoy putting your carving skills to the test by creating these beautifully useful walking sticks and canes. Author Paul Purnell is a self-taught wood carver for 15 years who specializes in birds, animals, and other wildlife. His carving style includes a mixture of tools, and he has carved projects for The Guild of Master Craftsman's Wood Carving and Woodworking Crafts magazines.

Read Along or Enhanced eBook: Walking sticks are among the world's most fascinating insects. And one many children can find right in their backyards! With a simple story, perfect for read-alouds, and colorful illustrations, this scientific look at a walking stick's life-cycle will captivate budding entomologists. Informative sidebars are included that let children learn even more about these wild insects.

Poor Margaret is waking up to another bad day. Ever since her parents died, her brother and sister have made her sweep the floors, chop the wood, cook the meals, feed the pigs, and anything else they can think to demand. Selfish, mean, and twice as big as Margaret, they always get their way. When at last Margaret has had enough, she runs away into the forest. Just as she is wondering how she will survive, she comes upon an old lady with a very sad story: a dog has run off with her walking stick, and she can’t do a thing without it. When the old lady promises Margaret a reward of three gold coins for its safe return, the girl readily agrees. Little does Margaret know that the old lady is really a witch, her reward a trick, and her walking stick a magic stick the witch has used to make a thousand miserable wishes come true . . .

Originally published in 1998 by The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Get ready for the out-of-the-ordinary adventure "Dude, Where's My Walking Stick?" Follow in the footsteps of Kevin Moore, an ordinary guy with an extraordinary spirit, as he embarks on a hilariously ill-prepared journey to conquer the rugged South Island section of New Zealand's legendary Te Araroa Trail. With little more than a backpack full of worn-out equipment, a few party favours and a hearty dose of determination, he's about to redefine what it means to take a walk on the wild side. In a world of meticulously planned treks and seasoned hikers, Kevin's quest is refreshingly unconventional. Armed with his trusty companion “Richard,” a sense of humour and sheer audacity, he tackles this challenging trail with a "just wing it" attitude. The results? Equal parts comedy and inspiration. From bewildering encounters with native wildlife to side-splitting misadventures with the incredible people he meets along the way, Kevin's journey is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster ride through the unbelievably gorgeous landscapes of Aotearoa. But beneath the humour lies a deeper story of human resilience. The impulsive decision to undertake this gruelling 1304-kilometre journey was born from the sudden loss of his mother. The unwavering power of determination, the camaraderie forged with newfound friends, and the unexpected beauty of New Zealand's untamed wilderness serve as guiding lights, leading Kevin through the long pathway of his grief. "Dude, Where's My Walking Stick?" is not just a travel memoir; it's a testament to the enduring human spirit. Through Kevin's escapades and mishaps, you'll discover that sometimes, the most memorable journeys are the ones where you have no idea what you're doing. You'll be inspired to embrace spontaneity, break free from your comfort zone, and tackle life's challenges head-on. Whether you're an avid hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply looking for a great read that will make you smile, "Dude, Where's My Walking Stick?" is the book you've been waiting for. It's a hilarious, heartwarming, and unforgettable tale of one man's audacious quest to conquer nature, himself, and the unknown. Join Kevin as he blazes through New Zealand’s long-distance trail, one misstep at a time, and discover that sometimes, the best adventures happen when you have no clue what you are doing. Grab your copy today, and get ready to laugh, cheer, and be inspired by "Dude, Where's My Walking Stick?"