A novice wood carver is momentarily defeated when people laugh at the result of a winter of work.

Whittling is something of lost art, harking back to the days when everyone had a pocket knife and free time on their hands. Wiebe walks beginners through the basics. Knives and their care are reviewed, with emphasis on sharpening, plus a list of recommended material for projects. Technique is key and crucial for safety and success. Types of cuts needed for a carving are also clearly illustrated. Projects progress in difficulty and include toys, utensils,...

All you need are sharp tools, a piece of wood, and an imagination to create your own works of art by carving wood. Seven woodcarving projects include all the information you need for success, including tool lists, materials and supply lists, skill lists, and step-by-step photographic instructions especially designed for kids.

With the aid of oer 160 close-up photos professional woodcarver Barton shows how to sharpen the knives an duse them to create many different types of carving-on jewlry boxes, humidors, chair backs, buttons and barometers, shingles and more-and how to finish your work.