How-To Book of Christmas Carving

How-To Book of Christmas Carving

By The Editors Of Woodcarving Illustrated

A Book Review

“How-To Book of Christmas Carving” is undoubtedly one of the best books on the subject that I have ever seen. This 144-page full-color paperback book, released in the summer of 2023, is published by Fox Chapel Publishing, the publisher of the popular Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. 

The editors of Woodcarving Illustrated have chosen 32 carving projects by 26 top carvers from past magazine issues, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging projects for more advanced carvers.  All projects include a full-size pattern, materials, tools, painting supply lists, instructions, and full-color step-by-step photos.  I was fortunate to have three projects selected for this comprehensive how-to carving publication.  Included projects range from my easy-to-carve Chimney Santa to my more challenging Norbert the Elf.  Other fun projects include Burned and Painted Nativity Ornaments, Comfort Penguins, Pinecone Ornament, Ball-In-Cage Snowman, Saucer Sled Santa, Workshop Santa, and Folk-Art Napkin Rings.

The book features various wood art techniques, including basic carving, wood burning, painting, caricature carving, chip carving, and more! The front of the book has sections on Materials, Tools, and Safety. Basic Cuts, Painting, and Finishing are also addressed.

“How-to Book of Christmas Carving” is a must-have book for all Christmas carvers.  I highly recommend you get one if you don’t already have a copy.

The “How-to Book of Christmas Carving” is available for a very affordable price of $19.99 US | $24.99 CAN directly from Fox Chapel Publishing. This is a great deal for a book that’s packed with [unique features].

Reader’s Comments

My very good friend, Jim Babcock from Columbus, Indiana was kind enough to send me a much appreciated comment this month.  Jim writes:

“Bob:

Saw the new Wood Chip Chatter come through, so I had to check it out. Always appreciate the updates on materials and the calendars. The extra background histories on Halloween and woodspirits was interesting. Keep up the good work !

Jim Babcock Columbus, Indiana”

Thank you so much for the kind words, Jim!

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

Our first entry this month comes from my good friend, Betty Klein.  Betty Writes:

Stylized Bird in Sand.  This is hand carved from basswood and finished with clear shoe polish.

Thank you for the photo, Betty!  Very well done!

Next we have some photos of the terrific Santas my good friend, Todd Martin has been carving.  Todd writes:

“Hi Bob,

Thanks for your comment on FB about the Santas I posted. I’m sending you those, at your request, and you are more than welcome to use them in Wood Chip Chatter. I’m attaching the photos with all three, but if you’d like a photo of a specific one, I’d be happy to send those as well.

Just a thought, I think it would be nice to maybe discuss in the blog what makes a “good” Santa. I posed that question on Let’s Talk Carving and got a few good responses, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on that as well. I imagine lots of people would like to know, and having suggestions always gives you something to work with.

Also, I’d be interested in your critique of the Santas. You can do that in the critique section of your blog, or I’d be happy for you to use my photos to discuss what makes a good Santa—even if you are pointing out things that should be different. I’ve got a thick skin, so always happy to hear how to make things better.

At any rate, feel free to use the photos however you feel they’d best serve the audience of your blog.

Best,

Todd”

Those are excellent, Todd!  Both the carving and painting are done very well.  I honestly don’t think there is a right or wrong way to carve a great Santa but I really like yours.  I like your color choices and the way they are finished.

Our next entry to the Photo Shop comes from my good friend, Jim Babcock from Columbus, Indiana.  Jim writes:

“Bob:

I thought I would send this basswood dogwood along.   Design from the

North Arkansas Woodcarvers Club.

Jim Babcock

Columbus, Indiana”

Beautiful job, Jim!  Nice, clean work!

My very good friend, Ray Steinhart sent in some photos of the fun holiday carvings he’s been making.  Ray writes:

“Hey Bob, I love carving pumpkins, and learn a lot from carving them. I also stole a couple of your ideas. Thanks
Missed you at the Wayne carving show.  I hope you’re well.”

Thanks for the photos, Ray!  Those are really great!  I couldn’t make it to the Wayne show this year, sorry I missed you.

Woodcarving Tip

Transferring Patterns

Pattern of the Month

Leaf Spoon

Upcoming Workshops & Seminars

DOLL CARVING CLASS – HITTY OR A TUCK COMB DOLL

Teacher: Janet Cordell

Dates: November 4, 8, 11,15,18,22       

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

12 hours ( 6 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

Cost $185 (includes one project blank)

Description: This class will again cover the basics of carving, jointing, and painting a relatively simple doll, like Hitty, and also get into what makes the tuck comb doll genre so lovely and sophisticated. You may carve either one, or try both if you want to. The Hitty will of course be a little over six inches tall, and the tuck comb will be about 10 inches tall. The cost of the class will include one blank, and you may purchase others. Hitty blanks are $25 and tuck comb blanks are $35

To sign up contact Janet janet_cordell@yahoo.com

Contact Janet

Kringle

Teacher: Dale Green

Dates:  November 2,3,9,10

Saturday & Sunday both weekends 9:30 am-11:30 Pacific / 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Mountain /
11:30 am- 1:30 pm Central / 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern

8 hours ( 4 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

Cost: $110.00 includes roughout and shipping within the US (International $130)

To pay for registration  with Dale visit his website https://dalegreenwoodcarving.com/Woodcarving-Classes.htm

Contact Dale: dalecarves@gmail.com

Visit Dale’s website to sign up

Babushka Santa

Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell

Dates:   November 12,26 – 6PM Eastern (Tuesday)

Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up  click on Dwayn’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/

Dwayne’s website

Caricature Bear

 

Teacher: Dave Stetson

Dates:    November  16,17,23,24

Times:  Sat, Sun – 9:30am-11:30 Pacific /11:30am-01:30pm Central / 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern

8 hours (4 sessions – 2 hours each day)

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up email Dave lcnmichele@aol.com

Contact Dave

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

Twhitling Tuesdays

Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell  

Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Tuesdays

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:

11/2 – Johnny Layton

11/9 – Pat Coffey

11/23 – Tom Par

12/14 – Jim Feather

12/21 – Jim Hiser

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

November – 21st

December – 5th, 19th

2025

January – 2nd, 16th, 30th

February – 6th, 20th

March – 6th, 20th

April – 3rd, 24th

May – 1st, 15th, 29th

June – 5th

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.

Each blade is meticulously crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel, ensuring easy sharpening and long-lasting edge retention. The diverse exotic woods used for the handle styles are sourced from around the world, adding a touch of elegance to these knives. You can find these exceptional knives for auction on eBay under ‘AML Knives,’  with bidding usually starting at $22 and most knives selling for between $40 and $100.

Unpack your AML Wood Carving Knife and experience its razor-sharpness right out of the package. Each knife comes with a custom-made magnetic wooden sheath, a thoughtful addition at no extra cost.

I now own three AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality.  These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy himself.  The knives are sturdy, well made, and will stack up to any other knife on the market.  These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast, so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability. Andy has recently begun making knives with handles made from exotic woods and colored epoxy, creating some stunning and unique handle designs.  Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on December 6, 2024.

Keep a sharp eye out for it.

Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!

Funny Bone