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Whittling Workbook: 14 Simple Projects to Carve
The ultimate beginner-friendly project guide to whittling flat-plane carvings with a modern twist! Whittling Workbook is perfect for anyone seeking a range of easy wood carvings – all you need is a block of wood and one knife to achieve any of the 14 wood carving projects featured within these pages! From a simple strawberry and a whimsical wand to a sailor, Martian, pig, and so much more, each project includes detailed step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Also included are insightful overviews on basic carving cuts, painting and finishing techniques, safety notes, and how to join a carving community.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 26, 2022
Whittling Workbook
14 Simple Projects to Carve
by James Ray Miller
My dad used to whittle things all the time. He made funny things, jewelry, useful things, and things I now treasure since he has past. He had books to help him too!
This book is easy to understand, plenty of projects to choose from, patterns in the back, great instructions, and the front of the book explains what is needed and why. I have always wanted to give whittling a try and after reading this I may finally do just that!
Some of the projects included a sweet dinosaur, hedgehog, grandma and grandpa, a sailor, princess and prince (but could be just a girl and boy if you cut off the crowns), a cute alien, an adorable owl, a wand, camping fork and spreader, egg-in-a-cage, sunflower, pig, and a strawberry. Each project works on the basic skills. All use just one knife. All the projects have loads of colored, close-up photos showing the steps.
Highly recommended for beginner adults and older kids with supervision!
Maybe someday my grandkids will have something whittled from me that will be special to them!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific hobby book!
14 Simple Projects to Carve
by James Ray Miller
My dad used to whittle things all the time. He made funny things, jewelry, useful things, and things I now treasure since he has past. He had books to help him too!
This book is easy to understand, plenty of projects to choose from, patterns in the back, great instructions, and the front of the book explains what is needed and why. I have always wanted to give whittling a try and after reading this I may finally do just that!
Some of the projects included a sweet dinosaur, hedgehog, grandma and grandpa, a sailor, princess and prince (but could be just a girl and boy if you cut off the crowns), a cute alien, an adorable owl, a wand, camping fork and spreader, egg-in-a-cage, sunflower, pig, and a strawberry. Each project works on the basic skills. All use just one knife. All the projects have loads of colored, close-up photos showing the steps.
Highly recommended for beginner adults and older kids with supervision!
Maybe someday my grandkids will have something whittled from me that will be special to them!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific hobby book!
July 3, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Whittling Workbook: 14 Simple Projects to Carve is a beginner friendly whittling guide with tutorials by James Ray Miller. Released 26th April 2022 by Fox Chapel, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a sensible, accessible, and well written practical guide to whittling. The introduction covers the basics, types of wood, grain, tools and supplies, safety guidelines, and the skills which build up successively. The first section of the book also contains tips on painting, finishing, and finding a woodcarving community to network and share the joy of the hobby with.
The second half of the book contains the projects, arranged roughly in order of difficulty. All the pattern templates are included (in both vertical and horizontal rough outlines). All of the tutorials are accompanied by copious color photos which are clear and easy to understand. Carving action shots are taken without tools or hands obscuring the relevant areas (which I can imagine was not a trivial task). They include a finished project photo, tools and supplies in a bullet list in a highlighted text box, followed by step-by-step concise instructions for completing the objects. The projects are all appealingly folksy and whimsical.
I liked the casual style of the writing; the author's very encouraging and it's a friendly book. It reads like a one-on-one workshop with an experienced instructor.
Four and a half stars. This would be a superlative choice for public and school library acquisition, scouting, activity, and makers' groups, and for the home hobbyist.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Whittling Workbook: 14 Simple Projects to Carve is a beginner friendly whittling guide with tutorials by James Ray Miller. Released 26th April 2022 by Fox Chapel, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a sensible, accessible, and well written practical guide to whittling. The introduction covers the basics, types of wood, grain, tools and supplies, safety guidelines, and the skills which build up successively. The first section of the book also contains tips on painting, finishing, and finding a woodcarving community to network and share the joy of the hobby with.
The second half of the book contains the projects, arranged roughly in order of difficulty. All the pattern templates are included (in both vertical and horizontal rough outlines). All of the tutorials are accompanied by copious color photos which are clear and easy to understand. Carving action shots are taken without tools or hands obscuring the relevant areas (which I can imagine was not a trivial task). They include a finished project photo, tools and supplies in a bullet list in a highlighted text box, followed by step-by-step concise instructions for completing the objects. The projects are all appealingly folksy and whimsical.
I liked the casual style of the writing; the author's very encouraging and it's a friendly book. It reads like a one-on-one workshop with an experienced instructor.
Four and a half stars. This would be a superlative choice for public and school library acquisition, scouting, activity, and makers' groups, and for the home hobbyist.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 15, 2022
A very easy to read book with lots of step by step instructions on whittling, The book is divided firstly into - what is Whittling, safety, wood type and tools.
The second part of the book covers some projects to make, starting with some very simple projects such as fork and spreader, strawberries, and works its way into more difficult projects, such a people and animals. Along the way there is instructions on painting and finishing off techniques and how to find a community group. There are patterns at the end showing both front and side profile which are really helpful.
Love how this book is presented.
Thanks you NetGalley and Fox Chapel for the DCR
The second part of the book covers some projects to make, starting with some very simple projects such as fork and spreader, strawberries, and works its way into more difficult projects, such a people and animals. Along the way there is instructions on painting and finishing off techniques and how to find a community group. There are patterns at the end showing both front and side profile which are really helpful.
Love how this book is presented.
Thanks you NetGalley and Fox Chapel for the DCR
September 19, 2022
I bought a whittling/carving kit that had everything needed except for gloves and a strop. I opened the box, looked at the pattern and watched the video, but didn't begin as I felt somewhat intimidated by it. I just didn't feel comfortable as a beginner starting it.
Then, quite by accident, I stumbled across the Whittling Workbook that was available for review. I jumped at the chance to request it and was thrilled at what I found. This book is a wealth of information! Perfect for the beginner, it explains in detail about tools, wood, how to cut the wood, how to finish the wood by painting, sealing, etc. Best of all, it also has some amazing step-by-step instructions for 14 projects including a hedgehog, grandma & grandpa, a sunflower and more!
Whittling Workbook is filled with very detailed photographs that truly help one on their journey to learning the art of whittling. I have been so inspired with what I learned that I picked up that kit and started to whittle! I'm not finished yet, but at least I gained the confidence to try thanks to Mr. Miller! I can't wait to finish my kit so that I can move on to the projects in this book.
If you are interested in trying a new hobby that is inexpensive and relaxing, I recommend you pick up a copy of the Whittling Workbook. It is the perfect resource for the true beginner and will give you all the information you need to start creating your own lovely pieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.
Then, quite by accident, I stumbled across the Whittling Workbook that was available for review. I jumped at the chance to request it and was thrilled at what I found. This book is a wealth of information! Perfect for the beginner, it explains in detail about tools, wood, how to cut the wood, how to finish the wood by painting, sealing, etc. Best of all, it also has some amazing step-by-step instructions for 14 projects including a hedgehog, grandma & grandpa, a sunflower and more!
Whittling Workbook is filled with very detailed photographs that truly help one on their journey to learning the art of whittling. I have been so inspired with what I learned that I picked up that kit and started to whittle! I'm not finished yet, but at least I gained the confidence to try thanks to Mr. Miller! I can't wait to finish my kit so that I can move on to the projects in this book.
If you are interested in trying a new hobby that is inexpensive and relaxing, I recommend you pick up a copy of the Whittling Workbook. It is the perfect resource for the true beginner and will give you all the information you need to start creating your own lovely pieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.
July 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by James Ray Miller. It bridges a gap for beginner whittlers who aren't ready for advanced projects but are past the first time whittler projects. The illustrations are clear. The language is easy to understand (albeit weirdly formal in parts) and I thought it was easy to follow along. The projects are cute and easy to modify for your own little flairs. The author takes a few pages to cover safety and tools, but the focus of the workbook is on the projects, so if you're an absolute beginner this should probably be the second book you acquire. In full disclosure, I was sent a copy of this book for review by the publisher.
August 1, 2022
This is a fantastic little book to get you started honing carving skills. It gives instructions on different objects you can carve as you hone your skill.
I definitely will be sharing this book with my husband, kids, and homeschool friends!
Thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing for sending this ARC to me for free through Netgalley.
I definitely will be sharing this book with my husband, kids, and homeschool friends!
Thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing for sending this ARC to me for free through Netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews