Sunday May 9th, 2010 Woodcarving 101

A short time ago as I was gracing my parents with my presence (or as they would say, mooching a free lunch) my Dad said he wanted to show me his new hobby: woodcarving. I must say I was really floored at his creations: intricate cottages with stairwells carved into pieces of bark, detailed faces of bearded spirits which appear to naturally come out of the wood and walking sticks and canes featuring subtle patterns and designs. Now, after watching his projects evolve and his ideas for future projects expand, I feel the craftsmanship required to undertake such a hobby deserves attention. In this column, I am going to attempt to sound like I know what I’m writing about concerning this subject and what TBPL can offer you in terms of learning this art.


Thunder Bay Public Library has some great recently published books pertaining to the subject of woodcarving, from the general to the specific; colour illustrations and pictures are included in these resources, along with diagrams and patterns to help explain the particulars of woodcarving. One book which covers all aspects pertaining to woodcarving is The Complete Book of Woodcarving: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Craft by Everett Ellenwood. This manual features easy to follow instruction on technique, appropriate woods, tools, sharpening methods and carving styles which makes it a great reference tool for any woodcarver or potential woodcarver.


Another book which complements Ellenwood’s is Wood Carving: Projects and Techniques by Chris Pye which focuses on fundamentals and includes several articles taken from Woodcarving Magazine. An additional book by the same author, Elements of Woodcarving, offers readers 10 projects with instruction from beginning to end. This publication details the three essential elements of woodcarving (design, material and technique) and provides unique projects to choose from. Now, for those woodcarvers wishing to locate materials on particular areas of woodcarving, there are also books which are narrowed down to specific themes and subjects such as Shawn Cipa’s Carving Gargoyles: Grotesques and Other Creatures of Myth or Rosalyn L. Daisey’s Songbird Carving.


Another great resource for introductory woodcarvers found at the Thunder Bay Public Library is an instructional DVD titled Beginning Woodcarving. As a standalone or an accompanying resource, library users are offered a visual aid to assist in learning the proper woodcarving techniques and in my case, how not to slice off a much valued finger or thumb.

Perhaps my favourite woodcarving products are walking sticks and canes. When taking a leisurely walk or challenging a hiking trail, these objects serve a utilitarian purpose while also being fantastic pieces of art. If you are interested in learning this craft, you might try Make Your Own Walking Sticks by Charles Self. This publication takes the reader through the ins and outs of making various types of walking sticks and canes. With patience and a keen eye, you soon may be the most popular person on the hiking trail because of your flashy walking stick (and winning personality).

Many of these resources can be invaluable in one’s quest to become a master woodcarver and the items mentioned only represent a portion of library’s holdings associated with woodcarving. Now Dad, since it’s perfect hiking weather and I’m so very very busy (watching TV), how’s about making your dear son one of those walking sticks….so I can sell it on Ebay. Hahaha, just kidding. But seriously, when’s lunch?

Derek Gradner, Library Technician