The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving [Paperback]

Charles Beiderman (Author), William Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1988

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. The authors also include handy tips on tools, techniques, painting, finishing, and even how to exhibit finished pieces. "An excellent book for all carvers." — The Mallet.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (August 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486256871
• ISBN-13: 978-0486256870
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

238 of 238 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to woodcarving, March 27, 2000

By 

"odicbear" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving (Paperback)

Just as the title says this is a good introductory text for the person interested in starting woodcarving. There is not a lot of in-depth information about each type of carving, but there is enough to get you started in the right direction.

Types of carving included are line, relief, in the round, bird, and carved gifts, with a few patterns of each type. If you already know the basics of your type of woodcarving, a more detailed book would be a better investment. If you are curious about what tools you might need, some basics of types of wood, a few patterns for your first project, how to get your tools really sharp, basic techniques of making cuts, and how to finish your projects this book will serve you well. Also included in this book are sections on starting a woodcarving club and lists of publications, tool and wood suppliers, books, and sources of glass eyes and bird feet.

If you do decide to continue with woodcarving I strongly urge you to find a woodcarving club in your area. The help the members can give you is invaluable.

83 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I feel better now, June 26, 2003

By 

Margaret L. FalerSweany "Margaret F." (Richardson, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving (Paperback)

I have wanted to carve wood for some time, but had no idea how to go about learning. Most of the books I've looked at were either too technical or too advanced for me. Finally, this book has given me the confidence to begin. The discussions are well written at a level that's good for a beginner like me. I read the entire book in about 3 hours and am now going back and starting my first project. The projects look doable and I know what I'm supposed to be learning in each one. Unlike most books, this one doesn't assume a progression from project to project so that you have to do them all--whether they interest you or not. I like being able to focus on whittling or chip work and being able to put off other types until I have a reason to do them.

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very basic shapes, August 15, 2007

By 

Water Monkey "Marc B." (Santa Clarita, Ca.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving, Relief Carving, Carving in the Round, and Bird Carving (Paperback)

Like many beginning woodcarving books this book describes the basic cuts you need to practice and it gives some information on wood types. Beyond that, the only reason to purchase this book is if you need the patterns in them.

Being new to wood carving I like the price of the book and I thought I would give it a try. Once I saw the patterns though, I changed my mind and bought another book. This is just a matter of taste but the cutesy mouse and the fisherman weren't what I wanted to carve and I feel that you really need to find carvings that interest you (especially while you are learning) to prevent boredom. Once again, if the patterns on the cover look interesting to you, then by all means get this book (if you are a complete beginner).