MATERIALS

• Basswood turning, pear-shaped: 2 5/8″ (6.7cm) dia. by 3 1/2″ (8.9cm) tall

• Simple Green®

• Acrylic paints: alizarin crimson, black, burnt sienna, ivory white, medium flesh, tompte red

• Finish: boiled linseed oil

• Oil paint: burnt sienna

• Mineral spirits

• Paper towels

TOOLS

• Carving knife

• #11 gouges: 5/32″ (4mm), 3/16″ (5mm), 9/32″ (7mm)

• V-tools: 1/8″ (3mm), 1/4″ (6mm), 3/8″ (10mm)

• Paintbrushes: assorted

Roger Beane is a retired middle school teacher who started carving in the early 1980s. He carves a variety of caricatures and Christmas items and teaches carving classes. He lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with his wife, Andrea (who helped him write this article).

Santa’s List

Discover a unique painting technique that provides a stunning depth of color

By Kevin Applegate

Cottonwood Bark Santa

Embrace the uniqueness of this free-form wood and use its flaws to your advantage

By Bob Hershey

White Christmas Bear

This friendly guy is ready to spread some cheer during the holidays

By Dale Green

Lumberjack Santa

Carve an undercover Claus who’s hunting for the perfect Christmas tree

By Jonathan Creason

Arctic Fox

Practice carving movement with this frosty creature on the run

By Wouter de Bruijn

Happy Christmas Tree

Get into the holiday spirit with a cheerful carving that looks like a cartoon character

By Gerard Canavan

Bottle Buddy Santa

Create a gift that keeps on giving with a jolly bottle opener

By Dwayne Gosnell

Santa Pyrography

A few basic woodburning nibs create a jolly and easy holiday wall hanging

By Minisa Robinson

Christmas Elf

Showcase the hard workers of the North Pole as they prepare for Santa’s big night

By Matt Kincade

Caricature Candy Cane

Big posable hands and friendly expressions make these ornaments irresistible

By Pete Zanauskas

Elf Boot Ornament

These festive little ornaments make a charming jingle jangle

By Wade Huggins

Festive Rolling Pins

Cook up a chip-carved holiday cookie press 

By Jan Jenson

Chip-Carved Ornaments

A layer of acrylic paint accentuates a festive design

By Charlene Lynum

Old Fashioned Ornaments

Imitate the look of retro glass decorations with this fun project

By Jim Hiser

Two-in-One Knife Box

Keep carving tools safe and ready to go with this compact geometric case

By Marty Leenhouts

Imitation of Life

Artist David Boone captures moments in time and place with his storytelling carvings

By Dorissa Bolinski

Stretching Cat

Dramatic woodgrain adds appeal to this elegant feline figure

By Bartłomiej Kaczmarek

Decorative Plate

Patience and attention to detail can yield a museum-worthy chip-carved piece

By Marty Leenhouts

Rock and Roll Gnome

Round out a block of wood to discover the character living within

By Manuel De Santis

Pumpkin Candlestick

Practice achieving symmetry in this spooky decoration

By Tony Tanev

Little Pumpkin

Carve one or a handful of these friendly-faced trinkets

By Kevin Johnson

Hipster Frankenstein

This cool ghoul is always on the guest list for the best Halloween parties

By Dwayne Gosnell

Angry Viking

Plunder a block of basswood and get started on a hilarious carve

By Chris Hammack

Cottonwood Bark House

Create a whimsical dwelling with unique features and texture

By Ales Janosik

Hardwood Mouse

Transform colorful scraps into a cute little rodent on a bed of leaves

By Paul Purnell

Goofy Gargoyle

Carve a glaring roof-sitter who’s more friend than foe

By Rich Wetherbee

Pumpkin Patch Scarecrow

Easy painting technique highlights the wood on this friendly piece

By Jim Willis

Oktoberfest Celebration

Everything is going “accordion” to plan with this charming music maker

By W. Todd Martin

Two-in-One Measuring Spoon

Get cooking with a useful carving for the kitchen

By Emmet Van Driesche

Think Sharp

Behind the blade with Flexcut’s product manager Matt Retkowski
By Dorissa Bolinski

Peace, Man

Follow this guy to the biggest festival of the summer

By Bruce Ankeny

Classic Gnome

Walk in the enchanted forest with this friendly little character

By Mehmet Berat Tas

Magical Seahorse

Carve an elegant decoration that’s sure to please any fan of the open sea

By Birce Keser

Wacky Blade Cover

This funny tool guard will protect your favorite knife

By Mark Akers

Hummingbird and Crane

Soar above the clouds with miniature birds in flight

By Steve Tomashek

Crop Circles Frame

Use a burr meant for roughing out to carve a textured design

By Kristin LeVier

Realistic Atlantic Salmon

Reel in a trophy fish that looks like the real thing

By Charles Weiss

Celtic Chip Carving

Create a wall hanging or decorate a box lid with an ancient design

By Blandine Champagneur

Salty Sea Captain

Embark on a high seas adventure with a friendly seafaring gent

By Jonathan Creason

Happy Hopper

This charming fishing frog is ready to star in his own fairy tale

By Alice Wang

Diamond Rosettes

Take chip carving to the next level with four unique geometric designs

By Nikolas Rocha

Walking Farmer

Get a groove on and put some movement into your carvings

By Blake Lunsford

Sunflower Starburst

Catch the summer sun in a medium relief carving that exudes happiness

By Dustin Strenke

Easy Dolphin

Whittle a sweet, pocket-sized sea mammal

By Tom Hindes

Mustache Man

Curve the centerline to add interest and a natural flow to carvings

By Dave Dion

Tree Charmer

Carole Jean Boyd combines multiple styles in her imaginative carvings

By Dorissa Bolinski

Comfort Hearts

Carve a pocket full of cheer with these sweet Valentines

By Charlene Lynum

Chip-Carved Cross

Intricate cuts create a reverent masterpiece

By Marty Leenhouts

Folk Art Robin

The early bird gets the worm with this Americana-inspired piece

By Brooks Wilson

Bad Hair Day

Spring weather came in like a lion for this guy’s hilarious hair

By Kevin Applegate

Valentine Gnomes

Enhance the charm of this cute couple with folksy painting

By Roxana Cristean

Goofy Golf Balls

Hit a hole in one practicing expressions with these fun carves

By Tony Harris

Hidden Greenman

A mysterious woodland character lurks in found wood

By Alec LaCasse

First Date

Create a sense of movement with posture in this wistful character

By Jerry McNulty

Flat-Plane Viking

Carve a sea-faring caricature with just a few tools

By James Ray Miller

Climbing Squirrel

Add interest to your yard with a beginner-friendly chainsaw carving

By Pawel Drozd

Whimsical Mushroom

Hone your symmetry skills with this one-knife project

By Nikki Reese

Swizzle Stick

This comical wizard could use a little magic

By Chris Hammack

Sleek Bunny

Hop to it with a smooth rabbit carving

By Tom Mellott

Chickadee in Acorn Nest

Bring the outdoors in with a flock of tiny bird carvings

By Steve Tomashek

Cup and Saucer

Add depth to shallow relief carvings

By Mary May

Carving it Up in Colorado

Woodchips fly at the annual Carvin’ the Rockies show

By Dorissa Bolinski

Santa’s Journey Home

Stars light the way for a weary St. Nick whose work is done

By Dale Green

Black-capped Chickadee

A found branch adds a touch of the natural world to a minimalist carving

By Wouter de Bruijn

The Gift Bearer

Welcome a friendly mouse to your house for the holidays

By Matt Kincade

Christmas Pickle Ornament

Have a chuckle searching the tree for this hiding prankster

By Jonathan Creason

Stumbling Santa

A sense of movement highlights this animated clumsy Santa

By Robert Rangel

Winter Barn Scene

Carve and paint a rustic winter landscape that’s easier than it looks

By Robert Stadtlander

Candle Choir

Add expressive character with easy shading and highlighting techniques

By Betty Padden

Undercover Santa

This jolly guy has a green thumb and a lesson to teach

By Russell Scott

Retro Christmas Ornament

Carve a string of festive holiday lights that will never shatter or burn out

By Brian K. Doty

Chip Carved Dala Horse

Frolicking folklore design makes
a charming decoration

By Charlene Lynum

Christmas Mornin’ Bear

This sleepy guy had a long night wrapping presents

By Rich Wetherbee

Steampunk Santa

Stylish fantasy Santa is ready for
a sci-fi adventure

By Tony Harris

Wine Rack

Showcase a wine bottle and glasses
with a chip-carved display

By Marty Leenhouts

Easy Christmas Tree

Stuff some stockings with these
tiny topiaries

By David Young

Carved Christmas Wreath

Strategic layering and undercutting lend depth to a festive decoration

By Mary May

Getting Schooled

Teaching dynamo Richard Embling shares his passion for woodcarving with students everywhere

By Dorissa Bolinski

Whitetail Deer

Practice carving delicate appendages with this easy but measured design

By James Ray Miller

Oak Leaf and Acorn Pendant

Capture the beauty of nature within the fluid lines of this organic necklace

By Slavica Popovska

Baxter the Ghoulish Gourd

Wow your neighbors this Halloween with the coolest pumpkin on the block

By Lundy Cupp

Wood Spirit with Raven and Wand

Conjure a magical man of the woods with a found log and some carving bits

By Edgar Shrum

Carving a Cherokee Bear

A stylized design and a good sanding really make this piece of cedar pop

By James “Bud” Smith

Monster Magnet

Bring this funny mummy to life with strategic cuts and an eye on dimension

By Richard Embling

Glowing Soap Ghost

Turn a simple DIY soap into a cute spectral gathering

By Janet Bolyard

Tall Hat Wizard

Add movement, shadow, and personality to your caricatures by removing a whole lotta wood

By Jim Feather

Axe of Strength

Protect your favorite carving knife with a Viking-worthy blade cover

By Nick Kelam

Decorative Salad Bowl

Turn, texture, and color your own dinner party showstopper

By Luke Voytas

Ichabod’s Flight

Carve and stylize a folk-art figurine that looks like a rustic heirloom

By Jill Motovidlak

5-Point Star Rosette

Acrylic paint and gel stain add flair to an easy chip-carved coaster

By Marty Leenhouts

Agatha the Witch

Gluing layers prior to carving adds dimension for spellbinding results

By Betty Padden

Haunted Statue Caricature

Try a scary texturizing technique for this ghostly guy

By Jerry McNulty

Autumn Lighthouse

Subtle washes of acrylic paint give life to a tranquil fall scene

By Fred and Elaine Stenman

Whittled Fantasy Pencil

Give a drab desk some personality with this quirky one-knife project

By Lieve Roelants

3. Rough out the boots. Use the knife to make V cuts on the boot line. Carve in at a slight angle from above and below this line to create a V-shaped cut. Extend these cuts a little to the left and right sides of the block.

4. Rough out the scarf. Cut in the bottom of the scarf. Following the same instructions as in Step 2, use the knife to make V cuts on the lower scarf line. Two cuts, one angling down and in and the other up and in, form the V shape that meets at the lower scarf line.

5. Set up the arms. Use a 1/4″ (6mm) 90° V-tool to establish the arm blocks. Starting at the boot line, lay the V-tool on its side and follow the arm lines up to the scarf. As you approach the scarf, raise the V-tool out of the wood to prevent running the tool into the scarf.

6. Roughly shape the body. Use the knife to roughly shape the upper body and back. Make cuts that angle up and in toward the scarf all around the body.

7. Carve the boots and the tail of the scarf. Draw the tail of the scarf on the chest. As with the arms, lay the 1/4″ (6mm) 90° V-tool on its side and carve up the scarf lines. Use the knife to separate the boots with a V cut. Then cut back in to the boot line at a slight angle to shape the boots.

8. Taper the hat and scarf. Narrow both areas with the knife so they’re slightly less wide than the body.

9. Shape the arms. Continue to shape the upper body and draw the arm shapes on. Following the pattern, use the knife to cut in the arms and mittens. Cut a separation between the coat sleeve and the mittens, bringing the mitten slightly under the end of the sleeve. Make a three-sided triangular chip cut at the crook of each elbow for depth.

10. Carve the coat and boots. Draw a line for the bottom of the coat. Using the knife, stop-cut the line. Shape the back of boots, carving from the bottom of the boots up and in to the stop cut. In front, shape the top of the boot by cutting straight back toward the leg. Round over the bottom edge of the coat. Draw a line for the sole of the boot, and then cut the line with a 1/16″ (2mm) 90° V-tool. Use a 1/16″ (2mm) micro gouge to cut in a Vibram sole for the boot.

11. Carve the hat and scarf. Use the knife to make soft V cuts in the scarf to shape and add form. Draw a small opening for the eyes. Stop-cut the line and the scarf line just below it, and then slowly shave wood out from between the cuts. Draw a line at the top of the hat. Make V cuts separating the pom-pom from the hat.

12. Finish the hat. Use the knife to create hat texture. Carve facets using a sweeping or rolling motion with the knife blade all around the hat. Use the 1/16″ (2mm) 90° V-tool to create the texture for the pom-pom. Draw a series of swirling lines meeting at the top. Then carve in the lines with the V-tool.

13. Add final details. Use the knife to undercut the arms, scarf, and pom-pom. A thin sliver of wood is removed from all these areas to add the appearance of depth and roundness. Cut along the edge of the feature, and then cut at a tiny angle just above or below the first cut to remove the sliver of wood.

Paint Notes

Hat: purple

Pom-pom: antique gold

Eyes: oyster white, denim blue, charcoal

Scarf: antique gold

Scarf trim: Sharpie® ultra fine, purple

Jacket: purple

V on jacket: oyster white

V outline: Sharpie® ultra fine, purple

Mittens: antique gold

Boots: oyster white

Vibram soles: antique gold

MATERIALS

• Basswood, 1″ (2.5cm) square: 2″ (5.1cm) long

• Graphite paper

• Pencil

• Boiled linseed oil

• Mineral spirits

• Delta Ceramcoat® All-Purpose Sealer

• FolkArt® Antiquing Medium Plaid 811

• Acrylic paints: antique gold, charcoal, denum blue, oyster white, purple

• Howard Feed-N-Wax®

• Paper towels

• Soft cotton rag

TOOLS

• Carving knife

• Micro gouge: 1/16″ (2mm)

• V-tools: 1/16″ (2mm) micro, 1/4″ (6mm) 90°

• Paintbrushes

• Purple ultra fine Sharpie®

Karen Scalin has been carving for more than 25 years. She lives in a suburb of Chicago. See more of her work on Etsy at WoodCarvedMinisByKLS.

Carving

Cut the basic shapes with a band or scroll saw and carve the cats with your tools of choice. I use small palm gouges and a detail knife to work the pieces into shape and carve the details. I don’t sand the pieces, preferring to leave the carving marks to enhance the folk-art feel.

Finishing

I finish my carvings in a four-step process. First, seal the carving by applying a thin layer of boiled linseed oil thinned to a 1:1 mix with mineral spirits. Let the mixture soak in for a bit, and then wipe off the excess with a clean cotton rag. Let the carving dry overnight. Next, apply acrylic paints thinned slightly with water. Layer the paints, shading with darker tones. When the paint is dry, seal it with high-quality fast-drying satin polyurethane. Apply the polyurethane as thinly as possible, but work it into all of the crevices. Let the carving dry overnight. Finally, antique the carving with oil-based gel wood stain. Slather the gel stain on, and then immediately wipe it off with a cotton rag. Let the carving dry overnight.

Painting Guide

Dark Cat

• Base for body: dark chocolate (1)

• Stripe detail: black (1): striping detail

• Facial details, stripe highlights: antique white (2)

• Inside of ears: flesh (3)

Orange Cat

• Base for body: antique gold (1)

• Lowlights for body: Jack o’ lantern orange (1)

• Stripe details: rookwood red (1)

• Facial details and paws: antique white (3)

• Nose, inside of ears: flesh (2)

1 Americana

2 Apple Barrel

3 Ceramcoat

MATERIALS

• Basswood, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: dark cat, 1-5/8″ x 1 7/8″ (4.1cm x 4.8cm)

• Basswood, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: orange cat, 1-1/2″ x 2-1/4″ (3.8cm x 5.7cm)

• Acrylic paints: see Painting Guide above

• Boiled linseed oil

• Mineral spirits

• Fast-drying satin polyurethane

• Oil-based gel wood stain: antique oak, colonial, or old oak

• Cotton rags

TOOLS

• Knives: carving, detail

• Gouges: assorted small

• Saws: band or scroll

• Pencil

• Paintbrushes: assorted

Creating a Simple Carving Station

Easily secure your project for two-handed carving

By Alec LaCasse

The Carver Behind Buffalo Fluffalo

Meet Erin Kraan, the woodcarver who illustrated a bestselling children’s book

By the Staff of Woodcarving Illustrated

The Blind Woodsman

For John Furniss, woodworking is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifeline

By Kaylee Schofield

Uncle Ham the Patriotic Piggy

Spangle this simple caricature with stars and stripes to celebrate the 4th

By Pete Zanauskas

Stylized Badger

Two-toned paint blending brings out the beast in this little den dweller

By Wouter de Bruijn

Celtic Knot Gourd

Metallic pigment over dark paint creates an illusion of antiquity for this folkloric vessel

By Jenn Avery

Soup Spoon

Satisfy your craving for the perfect carving challenge

By Emmet Van Driesche

Squirrel Monkey

Carve, sand, and paint a whimsical creature straight out of the jungle

By Steve Tomashek

Uncle Sam Bottle Stopper

Welcome the summer holidays to your table with this expressive American standby

By W. Todd Martin

Tater’s Last Pitch

Hit it out of the park with this expressive, active, and highly detailed ballplayer

By Wayne Laramore

Floral Plates

Up your chip carving game with these breezy botanical designs

By Charlene Lynum

Little Dustpan Caricature

Practice adding funny details and expressions with this easy project

By Ken Kuhar

Blue-Footed Booby

This comical, dancing marine bird is sure to elicit some grins

By Tom Mellott

Angling for Fun

Reel in the perfect catch with this happy caricature fisherman

By Jim Hiser

Chip Carved Soap Dispenser

Disguise a plain, utilitarian item with an attractive outer casing

By Marty Leenhouts

Chillin’ Penguin!

Carve an unlikely beachgoer with a host of fun accessories

By Eric Owens

Barn and Silo Pyrography

Woodburn a cozy yet challenging farm scene full of shadows and textures

By Carol Wallace

Carving a Sailboat in Shallow Relief

Practice adding depth, texture, and character to a simple nautical scene

By Dustin Strenke

Nautical Birch Box

A secret lies beneath the waves of this charming sea-themed cannister

By L. P. Parslow