Classic Carving Patterns [Paperback]

Lora S Irish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999

Woodcarving remains one of the most popular crafts in the U.S. and continues to grow in popularity. While there are many books on how to carve wood, including Taunton's popular How to Carve Wood (1985), this book provides inspiration for carvers through original patterns. Any carver knows that once the technique is mastered, the greatest challenge is finding clear, well-illustrated designs to carve. This book solves that problem by offering a wide variety of carefully detailed drawings of designs especially suited to carving.

Trained in European carving and drawing techniques, artist/author Lora Irish presents an extensive library of ornamental designs with a traditional look. Included here are classic ornamental motifs from 18th century and other period furniture as well as original designs by the author. The motifs include line designs, triangular designs, square and rectangular designs, circular and oval designs, S- and C-curve designs, mirror-image designs, and free-form designs.

The book can be used in number of ways: The drawings can be adapted to the carver's preference or used directly as patterns, easily enlarged by photocopying and transferred directly to the wood to be carved. The patterns can also be used in other woodcrafts including woodburning and woodpainting.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Classic Carving Patterns is an inspiring collection of beautiful designs for carvers, wood burners, and painters from beginners to full-time professionals. This creative treasury of classic design ideas and patterns for enhancing wood is presented in full-size outline drawings that can be used right out of the book or transformed by the craftsman's imagination into endless personal designs. Browsing through this fascinating resource, the reader will discover traditional patterns like lions and eagles, intricate leaf and floral patterns, natural patterns like grapes, oak and acorns, and whimsical patterns such as winged dragons. Classic Carving Patterns even includes detailed pencil sketches to help visualize the final dimensions of carvings and shading lines of wood paintings. No woodcrafter reference library can be considered complete without the inclusion of Lora Irish's Classic Carving Patterns. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

If you've ever wondered what design to carve next or what style of pattern to use to enhance your current woodworking project, Lora Irish's treasury of classic wood patterns is for you. Within its pages, you'll find a vast selection of traditional themes to carve, burn, or paint. Each design is presented as an easy-to-reproduce outline pattern, which can be transferred directly to your project, and as a sharply detailed sketch to guide the carving or shading of the design. Along with the patterns are tips on design composition, planning, and placement on the furniture form. As you browse through the pages of this design collection, you'll discover lions and eagles, scrolls and ribbons, traditional leaf trims and intricate floral centerpieces. In the fantasy realm there are gargoyles and dragons. Natural patterns include grapes and vines, oak leaves and acorns, and much more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583189
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583188
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lora S. Irish is the author of Landscapes in Relief and Wildlife Carving in Relief. She lives in Mt. Airy, Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great carving drawings (patterns), October 22, 2001

By 

Ben Hamlin (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Carving Patterns (Paperback)

I have to admit, I should have taken the title more literally. This book has some beautiful patterns for those who are lacking the artistic inspiration (myself included in that list). What the book is lacking is the transformation process from drawing board to the actual works rendered in wood. The line drawings are truly beautiful, but some appear to be almost impossible to complete as outlined in the pattern. I would have appreciated more input from the author as to the techniques she prefers to achieve some of the artisitc effect of her drawings. The photos are too few and incomplete, and there is no reference to the rendering process for these lovely patterns. I was fooled by the cover photo depicting a woodworker's bench with a roll of carving tools and a partially carved project. I will keep the book for a reference should I ever become stuck for ideas on a particular project. I don't think it will become one of my most frequently used books.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding !, July 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Classic Carving Patterns (Hardcover)

I have been attempting to learn carving & engraving techniques for sometime. I had reached a point where I had exhausted my resourses. I was out of ideas, and lacking enough experence to develop my own style. I believe I can do that now. This is a very well prepaired manuel. My Thanks, William Talley

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book of carving patterns, December 7, 2007

By 

Bernie Bernbaum (Villa Park, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Carving Patterns (Paperback)

This book is just what the title says - "Classic Carving Patterns". It is not a "How to Carve" book. If you don't already know how to carve, don't buy this book.

Once you know the basics, most people want more challenging projects but don't have the experience to draw their own designs. This book picks up right at the spot. It contains patterns of intermediate complexity which will challenge journeymen carvers to improve their skills.

There aren't many books like this available - books with lots of patterns that are intended to be carved. If you're a developing or experienced carver looking for new challenges, or even ideas to incorporate in your own designs, this is the book for you.