Relief Carving Projects & Techniques – Best of WCI

Acclaimed carver and instructor Lora S. Irish takes you step-by-step through simple carvings on a practice board to introduce all of the essential cuts, contouring and smoothing steps used in basic relief woodcarving. You'll learn how to handle your tools, prepare a wood surface, follow a pattern, and apply a finish. 10 original new project patterns are accompanied by clear in-depth instructions and dozens of how-to photographs. Each design is presented both as an outline pattern for tracing directly onto wood, and as a detailed sketch to guide your work. A stunning photo gallery of finished projects is included to offer further inspiration. 128pp

An in-depth introduction teaches novice carvers basic techniques, such as choosing wood and transferring a pattern while intermediate and experienced carvers will appreciate a section devoted to advanced techniques, such as undercutting for depth and creating free-floating areas within a carving. Step-by-step line drawings are included for each project, with shaded patterns illustrating depth and shadow. Genre-specific techniques for wildlife creatures are given exclusive study in this resource and include difficult detailing elements such as creating facial features, and texturing fur, hair, and feathers. More than 60 patterns, including 15 new projects for creating fighting buck, mule deer, elk, and fish, will provide skilled hands with many new challenges. Additionally, woodcarvers will learn how to add finishing details to their projects with woodburning, Danish oil, and paint. 176pp