Tiny Whittling: More Than 20 Projects to Make

by Steve Tomashek

A hip beginner’s guide to one of the world’s most relaxing, inexpensive, and rewarding hobbies, this handbook puts a modern spin on an ancient craft by teaching readers how to whittle whimsical miniature creatures. With just a sharp knife, a little practice, and the tiniest block of wood, anyone can make a charming carving in less than an hour. Led by an award-winning carver and artist, this manual takes readers through the basics, demonstrating how to carve root vegetables in order to minimize the danger of accidents; readers will create a simple turnip bear or a carrot mouse. As confidence builds, readers graduate to wood, and work through step-by-step instructions accompanied by photographs, enjoying increasingly polished results as they refine their technique. It includes easy-to-use templates and sources for tools and materials, readers will learn how to sand, paint, and decorate their tiny carvings, eventually creating a fox, an owl, a horse, a hen, and even a forest or farmyard setting for their miniature menagerie.

Genres: Crafts, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Regina Spiker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must fess up and admit that I've always wanted to be able to whittle - yes, whip out some amazing little carving with my own two hands and a knife. Impress your friends and family. This little book fed my appetite and even though I haven't started whittling yet, as God be my witness - I will one day. (Besides that I'm in the middle of learning how to knit scarves.) Anyway, you'll learn why the artist committed himself to carving as a hobby (after a great loss), what types of wood works better than other kinds, learn safety tips and knives to use and useful painting techniques. The first project actually uses soap as the medium, the second uses a turnip! Progress from vegetables to wood and learn a new hobby!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cute beginners book of 20 animal wood carving projects is great for beginners because only a knife is required. Steve Tomasheck does an excellent job explaining all the steps including wood and tool selection to the finished painting. His carvings are adorable and the painting is excellent. This book is absolutely not for intermediate or advanced carvers as they will be totally bored with the simplicity of the designs.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eventually ran out of renewals at the library before I was really finished playing with this. I'll have to take it out again when I'm more prepared and have the tools to start getting into some projects.

[Mills College Library]

736.4 T6556 2012