Customer Reviews

Whittling Twigs and Branches

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently purchased this book after seeing Chris Lubkemann demonstrate his rooster carving techniques on the FYI channel. With the help of this book and a little previous wood working experience, I was able to whittle three roosters and a hen from branches collected in my own yard. This book is a tidy, complete, well-illustrated user's guide to whittling twigs and branches. He provides clear step-by-step instructions, and openly shares his opinions and experiences with various types of wood, knives, finishes, etc. As with all really good reference works, I find myself going back and forth between whittling and re-reading the book. I learn something new with each closer look at these pages. Lubkemann's rocking chair philosophy explores what an average person can accomplish with a twenty-dollar pocket knife and a few branches that are absolutely free. I applaud not only his uncluttered approach to this noble craft, but his genuine desire to pass it along to anyone who is interested. An aside: this book is an excellent gift idea for anyone interested in folk art, woodcraft, or chickens.

Folks, whittling ain't carving and this book should not be confused with that art form. Whittling is a way to keep your mind and hands busy without watching the [...] tube. The author does a good job of passing on his skills to other whittlers. Twig whittling is an inexpensive way of creating a little give-away art for the people you come into contact with during lifes journey. Materials cost little or nothing; what else could you ask? Very detailed instructions, illustrations are informative and authors advice is invaluable. If you enjoy giving your pocket knife a workout while spending quality time inside your own mind, this book is worth the price.

For anyone who likes to go for nature walks and collect twigs and branches and do some whittling with them, then this is the book to get.

Easy to follow and read, very good.

I have been very pleased. One of the few "how to" books to learn a skill that I have come across that can actually do the job straight from the book without already having some skill or personal lessons to go along with it. I have been having fun making animals and leaving them around for my children to find.

After meeting Chris Lubkemann at an Amish farm in Wisconsin, this book became an inspiration for my three sons to become whittlers! Chris is a wonderful man and his books are well written, superbly illustrated, and easy to follow. A true inspiration for people of all ages who might be interested in whittling or wood carving!

The full color pictures are great in showing step by step how to carve. My boys are 10 & 12 and are learning how to carve! Sometimes they fight over the book. Maybe we'll have to order another one!!

I brought this for a friends kid who is 8 and loves to whittle, it is a much nicer book than I expected, nice and glossy, large with easy to understand instructions, but I was suprised after reading the other reviews that no-one mentioned that apart from a tree , flower and letter opener everything was a bird of some description.

The birds are fantastic and very cleverly done, this kid has chickens so I'm sure she will be attempting to make a chicken or two, but I was hoping for a bit more variation in items to whittle.

I am still happy that I brought this book, the kid was thrilled , but I just wanted to let others know that it really is mainly chickens etc...maybe the title should be Birds and other items to whittle ;-)

I would recommend this item for it's quality, just be sure they like birds though

We bought this book for our grandson who is a boy scout and also just got his first pocket knife. It's great because it focuses on using materials you find in your backyard--no special wood purchases. The book has great pictures and clear instructions. Although it is supposed to be for both beginners and practiced whittlers, it is a bit of a challenge for him. It will take a little patience and practice for a 9 year old, but I think he will be able to do it eventually. All in all, a good purchase to go with his new knife.

Now I just recently started woodcarving and my wife bought me this book as a gift. I must say it is an interesting book for what it covers. Basically the author shows you how to pick out twigs and branches to make the birds featured in this book. The cuts seem basic and with a glance at them it seems that it would just be a matter of practicing to duplicate his work.

If you go camping and want something to do around a camfire, this might be the book for you.

Great book, nice colors and step by step instructions. I bought this book couple of weeks ano and I recommended.