The Whittling Handbook

A refreshed edition of a practical and delightful introduction to the time-honored craft of wood carving—now with brand-new step-by-step illustrations. Whittling can help you relax even as you create useful and beautiful art with just a knife and some timber. The Whittling Handbook helps beginners explore this time-honored craft and learn foundational skills, from gathering the basic tools to choosing the right wood to keeping your knife sharp. Begin with straightforward projects like a kitchen spatula, and then progress to more complex and intricate items such as a linked chain and a whistle. Easy-to-follow and full of friendly guidance from seasoned woodcarver Pete Benson, this guide is perfect for first-timers.

Whittle away the hours! Now available in a handsome new hardcover gift edition, this friendly guidebook features 18 step-by-step whittling projects for knives, forks, birds, animals, trees, flowers, and more. Also includes chapters on proper whittling tools and materials, what woods are best to carve, and how to start projects by selecting and safely sharpening the best knife for each project.

You can whittle just about anything—the only limit is your imagination. It’s so easy to get started in this relaxing and rewarding hobby. All you need is a knife, a twig, and this book! We’ve assembled a team of 12 leading woodcarvers to bring you a complete starter guide to whittling. They present 24 easy whittling projects for beginners that you can make in just a weekend, complete with step-by-step instructions, how-to photographs, ready-to-carve patterns, and helpful tips. Start off with fast and fun projects that build confidence and teach fundamental carving techniques, like a simple flying propeller or a 5-minute owl. Then move on to create whittled wonders like a musical frog or a slingshot. We show you how to whittle complex designs in easy steps, so that you’ll soon be carving attention-getting favorites like chain links or the classic ball-in-a-cage.

This handbook uses step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions to teach you how to whittle whimsical miniature creatures. With just a sharp knife, a little practice, and the tiniest block of wood, anyone can make a charming carving in less than an hour. You will &· create a simple turnip bear and a carrot mouse to start &· graduate to wood and master a variety of cuts and carving techniques &· learn how to sand, paint, and decorate your tiny carvings &· create a fox, an owl, a horse, a hen, and even a forest or farmyard setting for your miniature menagerie and more

Whittle a beautiful spoon, comb, pair of dice, and more with this fresh introduction to a folksy craft. Carve modernizes a mindful hobby that people have turned to for generations to help them slow down, relax, and connect with the outdoors. Choose from a dozen projects with bespoke details, all are designed to be useful at home or while camping. And because these objects are small, they require only a few hours and a tool or two to complete. You'll also learn how to choose the right knife and wood, helpful information on techniques and safety, and tips for refining, personalizing and maintaining your piece. Whether you're headed to the woods or just to the porch, this pocket-sized guide will have you carving your own unique designs in no time.

When the stresses of modern life get too much, what could be better than gathering a few simple tools, heading into the woods and literally whittling away a few hours? The gentle art of whittling is a relaxing and absorbing hobby that can be enjoyed almost anywhere from round the campfire to in a cozy armchair at home. All you need is a good pocket knife, a piece of wood and your imagination. Projects can range from the delightfully simple to impressively intricate--it's up to you. Woodland Whittling guides you through the basics explaining what equipment you need, how to hold the knife, and what timber to use. The projects are then all described in detail with clear step-by-step photographs. Projects include: letter opener, thumb stick, ring tree and egg cup.

In this wonderful resource for both novice and veteran carvers, two masters of the craft present detailed instructions and illustrations on how to confidently carve animals, flowers, figures, and more.

"In today's hectic world, many of us are looking for ways to slow down, take time out, and calm our busy minds. The benefits of doing this are well documented for overworked adults. However, there's an increasing focus on how much children can gain from regular, quiet, meditative practice. An absorbing pastime like whittling in a peaceful woodland setting offers exactly that. With an emphasis on safety and adult supervision, this book presents a range of simple and fun projects that children can make and enjoy hours of play with afterwards--projects such as a kazoo, mini furniture, duck call, whimmy diddle, rhythm sticks and elder wand."--Publisher's website.