Whittling Little Folk: 20 Delightful Characters to Carve and Paint

Description

A single carving knife and an afternoon is all that is needed to create one of the charming little characters in this book.

Harley Refsal is an internationally recognised woodcarver. He is a professor of Scandinavian Folk Art and Scandinavian Studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Since the 1980's, he has taught thousands of carvers his style of flat plan carving. He is the author of several books and his work has been featured in Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.

In the informative yet humorous opening to this great little book, the author discusses the difference between whittling and carving. I would interpret his distinction as "a rose by any other name is still a rose": it's all about cutting away pieces of wood. The book, "Whittling Little Folk" is small in size but big in content! Eighteen projects in total, including two "step-by-step" figures provide examples, tips, and techniques to carve (or whittle) the cutest little characters you have ever seen. One of the "step-by-step" lessons, (creating Kristian, shown in the bottom left of the book cover,) has 42 steps, including photos, demonstrating the process. Very in-depth and easy to follow. My Ratings of The Book: Layout and Appearance: Good balance of photos, how-to instructions, projects. Thumbs Up! Instructions: Clear information and instructions Thumbs Up! Projects Selection: A wide variety of characters, creating a small village. Great. Inspiration: There is even a section on "ideas" - oh the possibilities. Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up! These little people are a joy to behold, tiny and cute. Refsal's book is great for both the serious carver and the whittler as well. Refsal provides us with 20 fabulous characters to copy as is or to add your own characteristics to. The illustrations and photographs are very clear as are the whittling and finishing instructions. So, even if you are a beginner you could have these delightful little people adorning your home. The Lumberjack, the Cop, the Baker and the Amish Farmers are just a few of the diverse characters that you can whittle away at and Refsal shows you how in step-by-step instructions. Have fun! ' if whittling and caricature carving appeals to you, then you'll enjoy Whittling Little Folk.' 'Plenty of fun guaranteed!'