With just one wood carving knife and two simple patterns, you can carve a whole community of characters, including a policeman, hard-hat road worker, monk, baker, professor, football player, and more Patterns for these delightful folks are included in Whittling Little Folk, written by the master of the Scandinavian flat-plane style of carving, Harley Refsal. The whittled little folk are full of personality and can be made by mastering Refsal's step-by-step instructions for Kristian, the Scandinavian husband donning a work shirt, and his wife, Thea, holding a broom. Once the couple is complete, carvers can use the same whittling techniques to complete 18 additional patterns, with some subtle alterations. Also included is a brief overview of the Scandinavian flat-plane style of carving, as well as instructions for painting each little whittle. Each pattern is presented with 4 perspectives - the front, back and both sides - for a complete 360-degree view of the character. While the whittling projects are easy to complete, and won't take up too much time, they sure don't lack personality. With their rosy cheeks, toothy smiles, humorous outfits and clever names, the little whittles are a caricature carver's dream come true.
Industry Reviews
In the informative yet humorous opening to this great little book, the author discusses the difference between whittling and carving. I would interpret his distinction as "a rose by any other name is still a rose": it's all about cutting away pieces of wood. The book, "Whittling Little Folk" is small in size but big in content! Eighteen projects in total, including two "step-by-step" figures provide examples, tips, and techniques to carve (or whittle) the cutest little characters you have ever seen. One of the "step-by-step" lessons, (creating Kristian, shown in the bottom left of the book cover,) has 42 steps, including photos, demonstrating the process. Very in-depth and easy to follow. My Ratings of The Book: Layout and Appearance: Good balance of photos, how-to instructions, projects. Thumbs Up! Instructions: Clear information and instructions Thumbs Up! Projects Selection: A wide variety of characters, creating a small village. Great. Inspiration: There is even a section on "ideas" - oh the possibilities. Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up!