Customer Reviews

Carousel Animal Carving: Patterns & Techniques

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I bought my copy of this book after having spent a month at the carving school. (It wasn't out before I went). It is an excellent source of carving information for the beginner as well as the experienced carver. My horse is not yet finished, so I refer to the book often for ideas and help. Many of the things Bud had told us at the school I had forgotten, but were in the book. Everything he teaches at hte school is in the book except the one-on-one help. It is written in easy to understand language and carving terms are explained for the beginner. The pictures in the book are of those who work at the school and of students doing their own horses-not models. I recommend it for anyone wishing to carve their own carousel horse. It is an excellent gift idea also.

This book guided me through one of the greatest challenges in my woodcarving experience. After a couple of readings to become familiar with the process and sequence of operations, I began a project which has brought me more pride, and sense of accomplishment than anything I've ever undertaken. From the design stage through materials and tool selection, technique of workmanship, to the final painting and displaying of the project, instructions are clear and include many tips and tricks of the trade. Professional results are assured. For the first time carver, no clearer and concise guide is now available in my opinion. My interest in Carousel Carving encouraged me to gather many books on the subject. After reading them all, I return to this book for its store of relevant information and instructions on carving an Animal. My daughter is the proud owner of an authentic hand-carved Carousel Horse thanks to Bud Ellis and Rhonda Hoeckley's efforts in creating this fine instruction manual. An excellent companion to this book is the "Atlas of Animal Anatomy" by W. Ellenberger et al.

If you cannot get to the Horsin' Around Carousel Carving School yourself, this is the next best thing! Bud is a retired art teacher with a gift for helping you understand what needs to be done! The book has every element and every step needed to complete a carousel animal from start to finish. Lots of pictures. A must for the aspiring carver and excellent for the experienced carver as well. There are traditional patterns included, and information to customize your own animal. Whether you want to carve a horse, goat, zebra, rabbit, or something of your own design, this book is a great resource!

I think this is a great book. Bud Ellis provides precise information from how to have the wood prepared for carving, to tools needed to complete the carousel animal. The carousel in Chattanooga Tennessee is a wonderful example of some of Mr. Ellis's work. His book can't be beat.

I've wanted to know how to carve these beautiful animals since I was a teenager. This is the book. The techniques and "how tos" are very useful: from making patterns, to proper technique and tools, this is one of THE TWO books on the topic that will get you started.

Also, the author runs a "school" for carving. Horsin' Around. I think it runs for two weeks (edit: it actually runs longer) and is in the 1K plus range (edit: it is slightly more than 1K depending on what size animal you want to carve), but if you're serious about carving one of these magical creatures, then Bud Ellis is the man to see.

This is the best book to date on the subject of carving carousel animals. I recommend the purchase of this book even if you have Bud's first great book on the subject, as I do. This new book contains additional valuable tips and detailed instructions.

Bud and his staff have hit a home run with the their book "Carousel Animal Carving Patterns and Techniques". This book will give you a solid foundation on your jouney in creating a carousel animal. There are a number of books on carving carousel animals but this one is on the top of my list of favorites. This book should be on your carving bench. A additional benifit are the excellent patterns of animals in the book.

For woodcarvers liking this book, there is a new book coming out by The Connecticut Press called "Flying Horses: The Golden Age of American Carousel Art, 1870 - 1930." It has over 200 high quality photos of carousel horses and their history. To read more about it on Facebook, click on "Flying Horses."

This book is a real insiders look at a contemporary top of the line carving school. Worth the price for the photographs alone, it's a nice plus that the information inspires dreams. I can not speak to its usefulness as a carving project guide as I bought it primarily because it is about carousels and I collect carousel books. Carousel Animal Carving is an excellent new edition to a carousel book library.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A world of information if you wish to carve Carousel Animals. The pictures plans for making the animals great. Thank you.