Customer Reviews

Classic Carving Patterns

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

 

 

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.

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

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.

To my fellow woodcarvers and woodwrights: Greetings!

This is my 1st book review, so please be understanding.

Lora S. Irish has assembled a very useful resource for the cabinetmaker, furniture maker, woodwright and/or woodcarver. As an accomplished carver, I have found that the hardest part of woodcarving has been composition (for me anyway- others will have their own gremlins to deal with). Ms. Irish has thoughfully put together a wide range of example patterns to either copy line for line, or to use as inspiration for your own pattern.

The book progresses in a thoroughly understandable format: simple line designs give way to triangular compositions which progress to square and rectangular compositions and so on... Each format has their inning. There are even sections on building a light box, proportionality when laying out your design on furniture and cabinetry, mirror images, etc.

What this book will NOT do is teach you how to carve. You are expected to already know how to do that, and the content reflects it. If you're looking for a book of ideas, this is it. If you're looking for books on how to carve, I would suggest The Woodcarver's Handbook by Graham R. Bull (B+), Carving Facial Expressions by Ian Norbury (A), or anything by Jeff Phares (generally A to B+), Kurt Koch (A+), and David Bennet/Roger Schroeder (A+).

As a ready resource of useable patterns and/or ideas to enhance your cabinetwork or furniture, this book is hard to beat.

Overall I give it 5 stars (A+).

William C. Steinmann

This books contains only patterns for people who has no chance to draw their own (including myself). Patterns are nice but I rated a book in four stars, because, first of all, I did expect little bit more different kinds of patterns and secondly, I did expect some descriptions or recommendations.
But it's really worthly bbok for those who needs only patterns.

Lora Irish is one of my favorite designers as her patterns are easy to follow and are very detailed. This book is one you will never want to part with. There are many different useful designs in this book well worth its cost. Now make some wood chips!

Great book. Helpful information on every level. L Irish shares her vast knowledge freely. Inspiring stuff!

I just needed patterns to practice sculpturing on rock. I received more than I expected. Lot's of information on patterns,how to arrange them etc. Learned a lot. A lot of book for the money.