Leprechauns are some of the folk-lore creatures that have always fascinated the author. He claims that he once caught one, just long enough to sketch him for a carving. Now Al Streetman shares 25 of his leprechaun patterns with other carvers who may not have been so lucky. In addition he shares many of his tricks and carving secrets in clear photographs and captions. The methods he uses and teaches will give the reader some new insight into character carving techniques, and will make carving easier and more fun. After you get a few carved and painted, they will make a colorful addition to your carving collection. Leprechauns are also popular with buyers and collectors, which is a good feature if you plan to sell any of them.

Caricature carver Steve Brown puts his unique talent to work carving these conversational writing tools. Herein are 37 designs for unique pens portraying objects and people. There are basketball and baseball players, a golfer, a fisherman, a farmer, a plumber, a doctor, and a Nascar driver. He has a frontiersman, an Indian, an Uncle Sam, and a wizard, along with a bunch of new takes on the ever popular Santa Claus. And there are non-human (and fish) figures, too, including a baseball bat and a string of billiard balls. Steve demonstrates his technique step-by-step for beginners in more than a hundred color photographs, and a gallery of Brown's carvings will help to stimulate new ideas among beginning and seasoned carvers alike.

This book is written for beginning and intermediate wood carvers interested in carving a traditional Hopi kachina-style doll. Tom Moore, a respected kachina-style doll carver for forty years, provides historical information about the evolution of kachina dolls and kachina carvings. He traces the art form from the early days, when the dolls were intended to be educational toys for children, until modern times, when they became wood sculptures collected by non-Hopis, costing thousands of dollars. This fascinating book provides patterns, respectful background information, and step-by-step instructions for carving and painting Corn Dancer, Poli Sio Hemis, and Crow Mother in the traditional manner. Tom's interpretations of the dolls include the traditional "belly-acher" pose, bright colors of the 1980s style, and the all-wood approach currently favored by Hopi carvers. The book provides a photo gallery, index of terms, and lists of tools used and materials required.

Al Streetman goes west with a new carving and pattern book. This time he shares the secrets of carving the western gunfighter, and provides the carver with 25 creative patterns...enough for the O.K. Corral and more! Concise instruc-tions take the carver step-by-step through the project, from laying out the pattern to painting the finished work. The book is designed to be used by carvers of all levels, from novice to advanced. The results are delightful figures of which the artist will be proud. This book follows two other well-received carving books by Al Streetman, 41 Santa Patterns for Carvers and 25 Uncle Sam Patterns for Carvers.

This pattern book provides over 100 woodcarving patterns and accompanying illustrations for 72 birds, animals, and fish. Each pattern has been used successfully by both Russell and his students to carve stunning figures in wood. While the patterns are the primary focus, general carving instructions for birds, animals, and fish are provided. Guidelines for enhancing the figures produced from these patterns include accurate glass eye placement, construction of wire birds' feet, and texturing techniques. Illustrations detail directional growth for fur, feather shading, and other fine attributes on the many subjects. This is an essential reference for every woodcarver with a passion for wildlife.

In the first book of miniature decorative bird-carving patterns ever published, William Veasey presents intricately detailed designs for the novice carver. This concise practicable guide will help the amateur carver to develop the basic skills necessary to produce his own realistic miniature birds.

41 exciting, creative new Santa patterns in one book! 41 Santa Patterns for Woodcarvers provides beginning wood carvers with projects which they can accomplish with a minimum of tools and frustration. For the intermediate and advanced carvers it offers a wide assortment of Santas in different poses. One project is followed in a step-by-step, fully illustrated manner, so even the beginner can pick up on basic carving techniques. The patterns in this book are full-size, and include approximate dimensions of the side and front views. Santa carvings are an ever-popular item with carvers, as well as with collectors and people who want them for a touch of warmth in their homes. This book comes at just the right time for those Christmas projects, and will be a delightful resource throughout the year.

Ron Ransom returns to angel carving with wonderful, often whimsical, figures depicting the heavenly host at work and play. Patterns for a guardian angel, two horn-blowing angels, and an angel to the golfers are provided. Ron takes the carver through each step of the carving, painting, and antiquing processes with simple, direct instructions and clear color photographs. Variations on the basic painting designs are discussed as well. A color gallery provides a good look at the finished pieces and their variations. This book will be an inspiration to all carvers, from the beginners to the most advanced.

For over a hundred years the story of Alice and her adventures has enchanted children of all ages. One of those who has been captivated by its charm is Tom Wolfe, and now he brings the characters to life through his carving. And more he shares his fascination with his readers. While many illustrators have brought their own imagination to Lewis Carroll's characters over the years, Tom goes back to the drawings of Sir John Tenniel for his inspiration. Of course he adds his own interpretation, giving them a unique personality that Carroll would have appreciated. As usual, Tom leads the carver through the project with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, illustrated in full color photographs. This is a great book for the beginner and intermediate carvers, but the patterns and guidance Tom provides will be valued by all.

Monkeys and apes have come aboard Noah's ark to enliven the ship, keeping Noah and his crew on their toes. Monkeys swing from the rafters and hoot from the bow. Apes cuddle, roar and lounge about the deck. All are animated with detailed expressions and gestures which David Sabol uses to bring his carvings to life. David takes the reader through every step in the transformation of a block of pine into a monkey or ape with enjoyable, straight-forward directions accompanied by clear color photographs. The traditional carving techniques he employs are explained in detail. Wood burning and oil staining bring each carving to life. With the mastery of these traditional techniques, the entire animal kingdom is yours to carve and add to the passenger list of your very own ark. This is the third in a series of books by David Sabol in which animals and crew are added to Noah's ark.

Beneath the original Venetian glass and rosewood case at La Specola in Florence lies Clemente Susini's Anatomical Venus (c. 1790), a perfect object whose luxuriously bizarre existence challenges belief. It - or, better, she - was conceived of as a means to teach human anatomy without need for constant dissection, which was messy, ethically fraught and subject to quick decay. This life-sized wax woman is adorned with glass eyes and human hair and can be dismembered into dozens of parts revealing, at the final remove, a beatific foetus curled in her womb. Sister models soon appeared throughout Europe, where they not only instructed the specialist students, but also delighted the general public. Deftly crafted dissectable female wax models and slashed beauties of the world's anatomy museums and fairgrounds of the 18th and 19th centuries take centre stage in this disquieting volume. Since their creation in late 18th-century Florence, these wax women have seduced, intrigued and amazed. Today, they also confound, troubling the edges of our neat categorical divides: life and death, science and art, body and soul, effigy and pedagogy, spectacle and education, kitsch and art. Incisive commentary and captivating imagery reveal the evolution of these enigmatic sculptures from wax effigy to fetish figure and the embodiment of the uncanny.

The "Misty Creek Carvers" have combined their talents to create a host of original caricatures to give beginning and experienced carver hours of carving enjoyment. The caricatures are carved in the relief style from 3/4" wood. The carver will benefit from Mike's expertise in caricature design, Steve's full-color photograph and helpful description. The book features 22 additional patterns, including a nurse, tourist, salesman, Uncle Sam, bride and groom, preacher, scuba diver, hunter, golfer, and more. A pictorial gallery includes completed carvings of all patterns featured in the book.

The often surprising predicaments in which we find ourselves are personified in this wooden cowboy and his hapless steed. Cleve Taylor takes you step-by-step through the process of carving the cowboy, his horse, the cliff, and all the little details that complete this delightful work of art. Concise directions, 265 color photographs, and detailed patterns guide you through the carving process and detailed painting instructions complete the project. Cleve's text is also peppered with his wry humor to keep you chuckling while you work. A gallery of color photos gives you a close look at the details. Hanging' In There is a wonderful project for intermediate to advanced carvers and an educational challenge to beginners.

Looking for something different to carve for Christmas? This is it. These fanciful ornaments double as whistles and are sure to delight children and adults alike. They can take a variety of shapes and forms, as you can see in the gallery. In fact, the idea of making carved whistles is not limited to Christmas ornaments. The tone and pitch of the whistles is determined by the size of the hole, so a variety of notes can be achieved by the carver. The toy soldier carved in this book has two holes giving dual tones. Kelley makes carving the whistles simple and fun. Each step is clearly illustrated and explained, using full color photographs. 12 patterns are provided, but once you get the hang of it you will probably be drawing your own. A fun book full of Christmas spirit.

Tom Wolfe has been carving signs and other flatcarvings for many years, bringing to them the same creativity and skill he brings to his three-dimensional work. Sometimes practical, sometimes whimsical, and sometimes a little bit of both, this country flatcarving is loved by everyone. Country Flatcarving shares some of Tom's patterns and techniques. The three projects include a potholder holder (practical), the man in the moon (whimsical) and a welcome sign (a little of both). You will find step-by-step instructions, all illustrated in full-color, and will be able to design and carve your own patterns when you are finished.

Paul F. Bolinger, one of America's preeminent woodcarvers, shows you how to create some of the most collectible Santas in the United States. Using a combination of over 185 color photographs and easily followed instructions, Paul carefully guides the reader through rough and detail carving techniques while his wife, Camille J. Bolinger, demonstrates how to paint the carved Santas. Paul further explains how to develop original designs of your own and how to breathe life into them with positioning and a visual "hook." Also included are patterns for five other Santas, a chapter covering best selling designs, and a photo gallery featuring over twenty humorous Santas sure to get the creative juices flowing. Your finished Santas will be treasured by family and friends for generations to come!

For every fisherman who feels buying a lure and catching fish is not challenging enough, this book takes you back to yesteryear, when there were no department stores or sports shops and helps you create your own fishing lures. In 220 detailed color photos, Greg Hays helps you carve lures step-by-step, from the initial blank to a finished broke-back lure. Every tool needed is listed, every technique employed is carefully described, including painting instructions. Additionally, the author provides a pattern for the lure and illustrated instructions on assembling special boxes for each lure you create. Rounding out the presentation is a gallery featuring a variety of lures to fire your imagination. Once your lure is assembled, give it a try. The author is confident it will help you catch fish!

Here is a chance to get to know some of earth's most fascinating creatures through wood carving. Brian Gilmore provides patterns and easy to follow carving instructions for 10 species of whales. More than 150 color photographs lead the carver step-by-step through the carving and painting of the Great Right Whale and the Killer Whale and provide direction for the alterations needed to carve the other species. All of the projects in the book can be made as simple or as complex as the carver desires. A gallery of whale carvings will help provide ideas and inspiration, and for the budding naturalists, short descriptions of each of the ten species are provided.

Teddy bears have wonderful effects on people. Even the most hard-nosed pragmatist is moved to cuddle these bundles of fluff. With her great eye for character and her elegant simplicity of carving, Kelley Stadelman captures the spirit of the teddy bear in this step-by-step guide to carving. With color photographs illustrating each phase, from laying out the blank to painting and antiquing the finished product, the carver will enjoy transforming a block of wood into a lovable bear. One project, the "Teddy Bear Boy," is carved completely for the book. In addition there are patterns for other bears, with a gallery to show the finished creations. This is a great book for carvers of all ages.

Ron Ransom's latest carving guide will walk you through the creation of wonderful and whimsical holiday characters to entertain all year long. Full color photographs, easy-to-understand instructions, and detailed patterns make this book simple enough for beginners, yet challenging for experienced carvers looking for new ideas. A color gallery of all the finished pieces provides readers with close up detail of the finished products. The projects shown in this book, designed using simple hand tools, include a "flying" witch and a headless figure with pumpkin for Halloween, a leprechaun to bring out the Irish in all of us, and a wise old Father Time to celebrate New Year's Eve. Simple but precise patterns for all of these projects, as well as instructions on how to paint and antique them are provided. Ron also gives carvers tips on improvising on these projects to stimulate your creativity and keep you supplied with fresh ideas.

For the cigar aficionado, a proper humidor is absolutely essential for the safe storage of favorite cigars. Dick Sing offers his design for an eye-catching cylindrical humidor to the discriminating craftsman and connoisseur. In this book, he provides detailed instructions on the design, turning, and finishing of this distinctive humidor. Helpful hints and practical advice useful to woodturners of all levels are provided. The instructions are accompanied by over 180 color photographs, illustrating each step. Details are presented not only on the construction of the humidor, but also on the proper lining materials and equipment necessary to maintain the optimal humidity level within the confines of the humidor. A photo gallery at the end of the book provides additional inspiration.

Veteran carver and instructor Al Streetman cleaned up his shop and came up with yet another hot book, this one presenting a thin cast of characters carved from leftover wood scraps. Streetman takes novice and advanced carvers alike through a step-by-step process of carving and painting these unique creations made from piles of narrow leftovers. The task is made simpler with 126 photos and more than 25 illustrations, including the cutout patterns for 20 unique figures, such as Santas, elves, and the featured pirate project. In addition to sharing Al's tips and secrets regarding head, hand, and body carving, this informative book provides detailed suggestions regarding carving tools, paintbrushes, and paint colors.

Wood carvers now have patterns and complete instructions for making life-like images of a Cardinal bird, trotting horse, standing deer, and an iIndian with headdress neckerchief slide. These projects are taught in this third volume of the successful Carver's Handbook series through 78 step-by-step pictures and carefully written instructions. 27 clear color photographs show each stage of painting for these popular projects. Mr. Pergrin shares his teaching experience and award-winning carving skills to enable craftsmen of all levels of experience to make their own fine carvings.

Baby birds are some of the cutest creatures on this earth!" So begins Rosalyn Daisey's latest adventure into fine carving. In this new book she leads the carver through the creating of the chicks of five birds: the Carolina Chickadee, the Eastern Bluebird, the Bobwhite Quail, the Killdeer, and the Wood Duckling. Each step in the process is illustrated with a clear color photograph and a concise explanation from the author about what the step involves and how to do it correctly. In addition there are reference drawings, color palettes, and photographs of study skins. As always Rosalyn share the anecdotes and insights of a wildlife lover, and it is easy to see why her work seems to reflect a reverence for her subjects. This is Rosalyn's fifth carving book. She is nationally respected as one of the country's leading wildlife artists. Her work has won numerous awards, and the interest in her seminars speaks well of her ability to teach the art to others. This is the same skill she brings to this book. Enjoy.

Working in full-size is a daunting prospect for most carvers. But, fortunately, some creatures are made small enough to be manageable. So it is with elves. These delightful mischievous characters of myth are traditionally very small, and have a liveliness about them that make them perfect subjects for carving. Kelley Stadelman takes the carver step-by-step through the process of creating a life sized elf. After years of teaching, Kelley makes carving easy and enjoyable. She begins with the blank and ends with decorative painting. The result is a wonderful creature in the primitive style that will adorn your home or shop. Each step is illustrated with a color photograph and descriptive caption. Patterns are included for the main project and several similar projects that are shown in the gallery. This is a great project for the beginning or intermediate carver!