Now that everyone is finished with their 2023 Christmas carvings and the calendar has turned to 2024 it’s time to get started on your Christmas carvings again. This month I’m reviewing a new book that will get your creative juices flowing and give you loads of really cool ideas for projects that will amaze your family and friends next holiday season.
How To Carve A Great Santa
By The Editors Of Woodcarving Illustrated
A Book Review
“How To Carve A Great Santa” is undoubtedly the newest and one of the best books on the subject that I have ever seen. This 160 page full-color paperback book was just released during this past summer of 2023. The book is published by Fox Chapel Publishing, the publisher of the popular Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.
The editors have chosen 30 carving projects by top carvers from past Woodcarving Illustrated magazine issues, ranging from beginner friendly through challenging projects for more advanced carvers. All projects include a full-size pattern, materials, tools and painting supply lists along with instructions and full color step by step photos. Included projects range from a Lantern Santa, Scottish Santa, Chicken Santa, Dancing Santa, Santa with Rudolf, ornaments, and even a Santa whistle! You can also find my Chimney Santa and Frostbite Santa projects inside.
The book features various wood art techniques ranging from wood burning, painting, caricature carving, whittling and more! In the front of the book you will find a section on the History of Santa, a Santa Gallery (great for getting ideas), and a 14-page section on Techniques.
“How to Carve a Great Santa” is a must-have book for all Santa carvers. If you don’t already have a copy I highly recommend you get one.
“How to Carve a Great Santa” can be purchased directly from Fox Chapel Publishing for $19.99 US | $24.99 CAN.
Reader’s Comments
I got a nice little comments from my friend, Dan Bennett from San Diego, California. Dan wrote:
“Bob,
Another wonderful and informative newsletter! Thanks for all your efforts in bringing together and expanding the woodcarving community.
—Dan
San Diego”
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Dan! Much appreciated.
Photo Shop
“Photo Shop” is the section of Wood Chip Chatter where carvers can send in photos of their wood carvings for display. It’s your chance to show off your work…sort of a show and tell. The photos will only be displayed and no comments or critiques will be made. For critiques on your carvings send them in to the “Carver’s Corner.” Send your photos to: carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com
My good friend, Kathy Savage sent in a few photos of some of her recent carvings. Kathy writes:
“greetings,
enjoy your newsletter every month , due to an eye issue I have not been able to carve fir about 5 months, but was able to see enough in December to start working on Christmas presents and items for our family Yankee swap. of course I need to make 1 of each for myself.
do glad to be able to carve again!
still having issues with details so not thrilled about the painting
the snowman is a gift fir my nephew and his wife who recently adopted a little girl
the blue birds are a gift
santas for the Yankee swap
thanks for all you do
kathy”
I‘m sorry to hear about your eye problems but I’m glad things seem to be improving enough so that you can carve again. I can related to your struggles with vision as my own eyesight has gotten very bad and carving has become difficult, especially the painting part of it. I can no longer see well enough to do detail work.
Your carvings are very well done and I’m sure everyone really appreciated their gifts. Thank you so much for the photos!
My friend, John Robinson who only been carving for a short time sent in a photo of a magnificent carving he recently finished. John writes:
“Hi Bob hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I want to wish you all the best for 2024. This was my last carving of 2023 and I have only been carving 3 years in March. Enjoy John Robinson.”
Thanks for the photo and well wishes, John. I always appreciate receiving photos from my readers. The carving is spectacular! Did you carve both the deer and the bear?
My very good friend, Geir Larsen from Norway has been quite busy already this year and sent in some photos of the great carvings he’s been doing.
Thanks for the photos, Geir! Great work! I always appreciate getting photos of your terrific carvings.
My very good friend and frequent contributor, Jim Babcock from Columbus, Indiana has been trying to stay warm carving indoors and sent in a few photos of his latest piece. Jim writes:
“Bob:
Thanks for the latest edition of the ” Wood Chip Chatter.”
All the info on shows and tutorials always appreciated, as are
the photos of carvings by other carvers out there.
The recent bitter cold and snows seemed like a good time to spend
even more time indoors at the carving bench. The result was this fellow
who seems like he’s ready for Spring.
Jim Babcock
Columbus, Indiana”
Very nice work, Jim! A very unique carving that’s well done. I’m glad you’re appreciated the content in Wood Chip Chatter each month.
My very good friend, Paul Flatt has been busy watching ddalo videos and carving up a blizzard. Here are some of Paul’s latest carvings:
Excellent work, Paul! Every one is a gem.
Woodcarving Tip
Compound Too Hard?
What to do when your honing compound dries out or is too hard to apply to your strop?
Try using a hairdryer to heat up your strop first. Or, add a few drops of mineral oil on the strop first.
Pattern of the Month
Big Foot
Designed and carved by Scott Johnson
Upcoming Workshops & Seminars
Woodcarving a Girl
Teacher: Janet Cordell
Dates: March 8,11,25,29 April 1st
Times: 2-4 p.m. Pacific Time /3-5 p.m. Mountain Time /4-6 p.m. Central Time /5-7 p.m. Eastern Time /
10 hours ( 5 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
For details and to sign up email Janet Cordell
Woodcarving Man on Floor
Teacher: Dave Stetson
Dates: March 9,10,16,17,23,24
Times: Sat, Sun – 9:30am-11:30 Pacific /11:30am-01:30pm Central / 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern
12 hours (6 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
For details and to sign up email Dave Stetson
Woodcarve Handsome Hunks and Heartthrobs
Teacher: Ryan Olsen
Dates: August 3,4,10,11 (PM Sessions)
Time: Sat, Sun – 1:30pm-3:30 Pacific /3:30pm-05:30pm Central / 4:30pm – 6:30pm Eastern
8 hours ( 4 sessions – 2 hours each day)
To sign up Contact Ryan Olsen ryanscaricatures@gmail.com
Online Classes With Chris Hammack
Teacher: Chris Hammack
Chris Hammack is offering a new series of online classes to help students learn and sharpen their woodcarving skills. Individual and Group Classes are available through his web site chrishammackart.com/groupclass
TWhittle Tuesdays
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Wednesdays
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
To sign up contact Dwayne Gosnell via email dagwood_76@gmail.com
Woodcarving Academy
Established in 2020, the Woodcarving Academy offers dozens of videos and seminars created by some of the country’s top level instructors. More videos are added regularly as they are created by the instructors.
With a paid subscription to the Woodcarving Academy you can view any videos you like for as many times as you like.
Subscription rates: Monthly = $19.95 Quarterly = $49.95 Annual = $139.95
There is even a Free level which allows you to tour the website and watch the sample videos and content, and receive email updates as new content becomes available.
Check out the Woodcarving Academy and learn with the masters right in the comfort of your own home! Go to: www.woodcarvingacademy.com or Email: support@woodcarvingacademy.com
News & Announcements
The International Association of Woodcarvers has upcoming Zoom meetings on the following Saturdays at 3PM EST with special guest presenters. Check them out…
Zoom: 310-460-3575
Presentation Schedule:
2/3 – Josh Arroyo
2/10 – Issac Middlemiss (Woodcarving Man)
2/17 – Angie Kashino (Whittle Angie Art)
2/24 – Alec Lacasse
3/2 – Jim Nisbet
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS
COME JOIN US!!!
The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing their time, knowledge and joy of woodcarving. The JHWC generally meets from 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month (when school is in session) at the Jefferson Township High School wood shop classroom.
Membership is “FREE” and open to anyone interested in woodcarving regardless of their ability.
JHWC’s Upcoming Meetings and Events
2024
February 15th and 29th
March 7th and 21st
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd, 16th and 30th
June 6th and 20th
For more information contact:
Al Santucci alsantucci4@gmail.com President
Bill Brunner billbrunnerdesign@gmail.com newsletter/website editor
Or visit:
Website: https://www.jerseyhillswoodcarver.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736479646821641/
AML Wood Carving Knives
AML Wood Carving Knives are handmade by Andy Loughlin in Monroe, New York.
The blades are made from 1095 high carbon steel sharpen easily and hold an edge well. The variety of handle styles are all made from diverse exotic woods from all around the world. The knives are all available for auction on EBay under “AML Knives.” Bidding usually starts at $22 and most knives sell for between $40 and $100.
Every knife comes carving sharp right out of the package and each one comes with a custom made magnetic wooden sheath (see below) at no extra cost.
I now own two AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality. These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy, himself. The knives are very sturdy, well made, and will stack up well to the big boys. These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability. Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold:
Product Review
Bleed Stop
Bleed Stop is a remarkable first aid product made to be used on anything from minor cuts to large bleeding wounds. It is quick and easy to use and literally stops bleeding in a matter of seconds. Simply pour the powder contents of a packet over the bleeding wound and apply direct pressure to the area. Bleed Stop does not burn or sting and is completely hypoallergenic. It also works for people on blood thinners, and is safe for use on children. Used by hospitals and first responders.
Bleed Stop comes in a box containing four (4) large 15g packets, and is available in most leading drug stores and on Amazon for about $14.99.
Save yourself a trip to the hospital for stitches! Keep a box of Bleed Stop handy in your home medicine cabinet. I even carry a packet of Bleed Stop in my carving bag.
For more information go to http://www.bleedstop.com or call 651-964-6461.
PS. I’m embarrassed to admit that I know first-hand this stuff really works.
The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on March 1, 2024.
Keep a sharp eye out for it.
Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!
Funny Bone
Wood Chip Chatter 