Every day, hobbies related to ancient crafts are becoming increasingly popular. Wood carving is one of them.

A hobby like wood carving is very calming and helps to get you into a creative mindset. It organizes your thoughts, aids in relaxation, and provides an escape from the daily hustle and bustle.


Advantages of Artistic Carving

Woodcarving as a hobby brings joy and satisfaction from pursuing your interests. If you can also make money from your passion, that’s even better.

Carving is calming. Amidst the daily rush and increasing reliance on technology, many people often lack quiet moments and the chance to pause, even for a few minutes, to be alone with their thoughts.

Carving is a soothing manual activity that enhances brain function, alleviating fears and negative thoughts, and instilling a healthy sense of pride in one’s accomplishments.


Handcrafted wooden items have been cherished since ancient times. Elaborately carved chests, unique tables and chairs, ornate picture and mirror frames, eco-friendly wooden toys, bespoke furniture, board games, and accessories – the possibilities for wood carving are virtually endless.

Wood carving isn’t just a thrilling hobby; it’s also an opportunity to earn additional income. Venturing into wood carving could be a fantastic idea for launching your own small yet profitable business. However, if you’re a beginner enthusiast in this art, it’s crucial to thoroughly explore all the nuances and challenges you may encounter in the future. Investing in a good wood carving book can be invaluable, as it will impart the craft’s secrets and help you avoid mistakes along the way.

The Importance of Having Good Tools and Supplies for Wood Carving

To create carvings from natural wood, your first step will be to acquire special tools: woodworking knives (including whittling knives, carving knives, and hooked knives for carving spoons, bowls, and cups), various chisels and gouges, mallets, and assorted accessories (such as polishing compounds, honing strops, etc.).

Wood carving knives, often referred to simply as knives by many carvers, come in various shapes and sizes. Finding a quality tool can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right guidance. 😉

Carving wood without proper tools and instructional material is inefficient. A woodcarver’s toolkit is quite diverse, and the complexity of their whittling projects often correlates with their level of expertise. If you aim to thoroughly understand the intricacies of this art, seeking out the best wood whittling book can enable you to tackle even the most complex projects.


What is the Best Wood Carving Book? The Book of Wood Carving: Technique, Designs and Projects

You can’t learn something without having at least some knowledge about it. Of course, you shouldn’t fear challenges, mistakes, or setbacks.

Start by learning the theory of wood carving. Read books, examine the works of renowned carvers, take courses, and follow blogs. Cultivate your sense of aesthetics. Immerse yourself in wood carving – make it a habit to daily seek out and recognize wood carving techniques in various forms, whether it’s architecture, interiors, objects, or decor. Carved wood is actually more prevalent than you might realize. 😉


Make it a habit to study the work of other woodcarvers daily. Stay updated on the latest trends and draw inspiration from them. Surround yourself with sources of inspiration exclusively. The more beautiful and educational materials related to this creative field you expose yourself to, the better your sense of aesthetics will become, and the more knowledge about woodcarving you’ll accumulate.

Every enthusiast and seasoned whittling expert can benefit from having their own go-to wood carving book. These books serve as both theoretical and practical guides, catering to beginners and seasoned professionals alike, offering descriptions of various carving techniques, ornamentation styles, and illustrative examples.

The recommended books listed below will aid enthusiasts in delving into the captivating realm of creativity – the world of artistic wood carving.

https://www.amazon.com/20-Minute-Whittling-Projects-Step-Step/dp/1565238672/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2H0TYSF4XDTDB&keywords=wood+whittling+book&qid=1642406268&sprefix=wood+whittling+book%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-3 

  1. I want to introduce the first book that everyone who has taken up wood carving as a hobby or profession should read: “20-Minute Whittling Projects: Fun Things to Carve from Wood” by Tom Hindes.

This book serves as an exceptional guide for those aspiring to master the art of wood carving. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of wood’s artistic processing. The publication thoroughly covers the essential tools required by woodcarvers. It also delves into the theory of applied art, the creation of various ornaments, and the craft-making process.

The author has meticulously compiled significant theoretical material to facilitate quick and easy wood carving. If you aim to complete whittling projects in no more than 20 minutes, this book will be an invaluable resource.

Tom Hindes skillfully illustrates all drawings and ornaments, offering detailed descriptions of various wood carving tools and devices. This aspect greatly assists novice carvers in their endeavors. Whether you’re interested in carving techniques or their applications across different domains, this book is a worthwhile purchase. It’s also suitable for children eager to learn basic wooden caricature carving skills.

 

Pros
  • a good list of projects with the necessary templates;
  • projects describing techniques and safety tips;
  • a good guide if you don’t have much free time for hobbies;
  • a good gift for children.

Cons
  • some found the book not novice-friendly;
  • some whittling projects may require a band saw;
  • not all projects can be completed in 20 minutes.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Starter-Whittling-Ready-Carve/dp/1565238427/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2H0TYSF4XDTDB&keywords=wood+whittling+book&qid=1642406268&sprefix=wood+whittling+book%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2 

  1. 2. The next book I’d like to highlight is “Complete Starter Guide to Whittling: 24 Easy Projects You Can Make in a Weekend” by the editors of Woodcarving Illustrated.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for woodcarving enthusiasts, brought to you by the renowned Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. It presents a step-by-step learning journey, allowing readers to progress through tasks from the first to the final chapters alongside the authors. With highly detailed instructions, techniques for sharpening tools, and a variety of whittling projects, this book provides everything you need for a successful start and an engaging continuation of your wood carving journey.

Pros
  • over 20 simple wood carving projects;
  • easy-to-learn instructions;
  • photos describing carving techniques, showing how to sharpen tools and give a finished look to your wood products;
  • ready-made patterns for woodcarving;
  • advice on how to choose a reliable tool, correctly and accurately perform basic cuts, etc.

Cons
  • not quite a “how-to” book;
  • for some projects may seem too complicated as for a starter guide;
  • some projects require more tools than a whittling knife.

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Gnomes-Trolls-Mythical-Creatures/dp/1497101123/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2H0TYSF4XDTDB&keywords=wood+whittling+book&qid=1642406268&sprefix=wood+whittling+book%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-5 

3.“Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures: 15 Simple Step-by-Step Projects” by Sara Barraclough is our next nominee for the best wood carving book.

If you have a fondness for gnomes, fairies, elves, and other enchanting creatures, then this book is sure to captivate you. It features 15 fantastic projects designed to enhance your woodcarving skills. Suitable for woodcarvers of all levels, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to learn the art of whittling and carve various mythical beings.

With this manual, you’ll quickly develop your skills and craft charming gnomes complete with intricate details such as hats, clothing, and expressive eyes. Whether you prefer sculpting hedgehogs, dragons, wizards, or unicorns, “Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures” has something for everyone. This comprehensive resource of professional and amateur literature serves as an endless well of inspiration for woodcarving enthusiasts.

 

Pros
  • well-described instructions;
  • suitable for carvers of all levels;
  • will help to raise carving skills to a new level;
  • cool book for kids and those who want to learn how to carve little magical creatures.

Cons
  • some projects are difficult to complete if you don’t have a band saw;
  • not as many mythical creatures as some would like.

https://www.amazon.com/Cane-Topper-Woodcarving-Step-Step/dp/1565239598/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2H0TYSF4XDTDB&keywords=wood+whittling+book&qid=1642406268&sprefix=wood+whittling+book%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-7 

  1. “Cane Topper Woodcarving: Projects, Patterns, and Essential Techniques for Custom Canes and Walking Sticks” by Lora S. Irish is the perfect choice for those who enjoy the satisfaction of creating. If you take pleasure in carving wooden ornaments, toys, souvenirs, or crafting wooden utensils with your own hands, then this book is tailor-made for you. Within its pages, you’ll discover insights into wood species, tips for organizing your workspace and selecting tools, and detailed descriptions of carving techniques.

The author has curated a collection of carved ornaments, decorative elements, and finished product examples to inspire your own creations. This publication is designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Whether you’re at home, nestled in nature by a crackling fire, relaxing on the terrace of your summer cottage, or traveling, this book offers a source of relaxation and enjoyment. All you need to fashion something beautiful and unique is a wood carving knife and a piece of wood.

The friendly and accessible instructions and advice reflect the serene simplicity of wood carving. Whether you aspire to master advanced woodcarving techniques or simply seek a peaceful and leisurely pastime, this book has something to offer.

Pros
  • detailed step by step instructions;
  • color photographs of each project;
  • friendly advice and tips from the author.

Cons
  • no tiki figures woodcarving manuals;
  • may seem not very informative to experienced carvers.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Woodcarving-Everything-Master-ebook/dp/B08T6K3QJP 

  1. Lastly, I’d like to introduce another valuable resource for anyone interested in woodcarving. “The Complete Book of Woodcarving: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Craft” by Everett Ellenwood is a comprehensive guide that will help you grasp the fundamentals of woodcarving and develop a lifelong passion for this art.

This informative resource covers every aspect of woodcarving, from proper wood cutting techniques to giving your creations a polished finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodcarver, you’ll discover how to select the right wood for carving, understand the criteria for choosing tools, and master their usage and sharpening.

You’ll explore various carving styles and techniques to find the one that best suits your preferences. To facilitate learning, the book includes eight whittling projects with detailed, step-by-step instructions designed to enhance your wood carving abilities.

Pros
  • pretty well detailed;
  • good as a gift;
  • useful step by step tips;
  • describes technologies for sharpening tools and choice of woods.

Cons
  • lack of some of the topics;
  • incomplete guide.

As you become more experienced and self-assured, you’ll find yourself relying less on these books and job descriptions, allowing you to explore wood carving techniques independently.

Steve Jefferson

Three words that describe me the best: - OBSESSED with wood carving; - DETERMINED to make the best source of information about wood carving - HAPPY husband, father, and dreamer I started this blog with my friend Chris. But Chris needed to move to another country and couldn't work on the blog anymore. So for now, I write articles, do the promotions, try out new tools, discover new carving projects and so on. I would really appreciate your feedback on my work.

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