Woodcarving

Introduce children to a hobby that lasts a lifetime - woodcarving. With just a few basic tools, scrap wood, and the safe techniques outlined in this fun project book, any child between the ages of 9-12 will be on their way to creating keepsakes or crafting hand-carved gifts for their family. First, children learn all about wood. They learn about the anatomy of a tree, how to choose the best wood for carving, defects commonly found in wood, and where to find "free" wood in nature. Next, safety is stressed. Kids learn how to correctly-size a protective glove, and how to make their own thumb guard. They also learn how to properly handle tools, and the best way to safely use wood finishing supplies. Woodcarving tools and supplies are covered in great depth, with each tool's use explained and illustrated with a step-by-step practice exercise, that builds skill and confidence in young readers. Carving techniques start with the safest and most basic tools and work up to more advanced tools, like a pocketknife, chisel and gouge. In fact, the first practice project ensures a safe experience, as it shows kids how to carve a boat out of a bar of soap, using just a plastic disposable knife! They'll learn how to properly open and close a pocket knife, and how to make basic woodcarving cuts, like the push cut, stop cut, incised cut, score cut and chip cut. And kids will learn when they need to use other tools, like a coping saw for curved cuts, or a clamp for attaching wood to a table. Another skill put to practice is sanding and finishing wood, and includes how and when to best use water paints, acrylic paints, colored pencil and varnish. Especially important in building good habits that can be applied to all aspects of life, is the chapter on care and maintenance of tools. Children will learn how to store tools and how to keep them in tip-top shape. Once you've mastered the tool exercises, you'll confidently put your newly formed skills to practice with 7 projects for carving a fun wooden whistle, a croaking musical frog, a relief-carved eagle head, a snowman ornament, and more!