Customer Reviews

The Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I thought that a book with this title would have a significant beginners section for a starting whittler, but it doesn't. The book is primarily a pattern book with some hints for working the wood and possibly a short history for pattern classifications. A redeeming factor is the patterns have a front and side shot. Complicated patterns, such as a dutch shoe will have exploded details. A nice book if your looking for what to do next. Not a good learning book for beginners. Bill Hampton (billsducks@aol.com)

I was disappointed in this book because I was hoping this would provide tips for someone with absolutely no experience to get started on. It doesn't do that. Basically, it has a lot of different patterns to use once you are already carving. If that's what you're looking for, it might be a good book for you.

I was thrilled by the range of styles shown. For someone like me, who has been carving small figural objects (mostly dolls) for a couple of years, this book is a dream come true. Carving styles from all over the world are featured, and techniques for the various styles are discussed. There are small sketches of hundreds of different motifs and items to inspire and inform. I would not strictly call them patterns, as other reviewers have, but all could be made into patterns with any printer that can blow up small sketches.

I liked the variety shown. Whether you like bas relief carving, whittled figures, doll house furniture, or toys like jumping jacks, you can find them here.

As other reviewers have noted, this may not be the best choice for a book to instruct the complete novice, nor did I get the impression ( as others have) that this is the purpose of it. The photos on the front of the book do not depict beginning projects, but intermediate ones, for example. For someone like me, who knows the basics, it's a book full of possibility, which is rare in a world where most craft books offer 20 uninspired projects that only serve to kill my interest, when what I want is to pique it. I found the book in a store today just as they closed. As soon as I left I regretted not buying it so ran home to order one. I can't wait for my copy~!

If and when I might get good at wood carving I might consult this book for designs and so on. There was alot of history about some of the patterns which was interesting.