Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark: Releasing Whimsical Houses & Woodspirits from Found Wood (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step Instructions, Advice for Painting, Finishing, Cross-Grain, & More

by Jack A. Williams, Rick Jensen

Learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark! In medieval times, shepherd peasants believed that a spirit dwelled deep within each tree. If a shepherd carved a face into the wood, the spirit would be released, and good luck would be bestowed upon the carver. Award-winning carver Rick Jensen—with the help of carver/photographer Jack A. Williams—will help you release the inner spirit from tree bark in this instructional book. The natural beauty found in a piece of weathered cottonwood bark provides inspiration and direction to create something new and original each time! Inside Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark , you'll learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark. You'll find step-by-step instructions on carving a whimsical house and a tree, plus detailed advice on painting and finishing your carvings. Learn from the artist how to sketch out your ideas before carving or follow along with a series of detailed patterns of a variety of wood spirits. You'll be guided through each step of the finishing process, to gain a soft, touchable finish by using a unique combination of lacquers, waxes, shoe polish, and paint. Included is a complete guide to the various species of cottonwood bark and their particular carving characteristics—plus tips on the best tools to use, and where to find your supplies. A step-by-step carving project of a magical tree house is included along with a beautiful gallery including wood spirits, animals, whimsical tree houses, and much more. When you carve tree bark, no two projects are exactly alike!

Genres: Crafts

80 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don't have the talent necessary to do the carvings that are in this book, I picked it up simply to admire the work the artist does. It's amazing! The photography in this book is so good. With super close-ups, the author goes into great detail how he creates these masterpieces. It truly is amazing the creations he makes. A great book for anyone who can carve or enjoys admiring artists' work.