A single carving knife and an afternoon is all that is needed to create one of the charming little characters in this book. The whittled little folk are full of personality, from the Monk, to the Policeman, to the Woodsman, acclaimed artist Harley Refsal provides patterns and instructions for carving over 20 delightful characters in wood. At the beginning of "Whittling Little Folk", readers will find step-by-step carving and painting instructions for a Scandinavian inspired man and woman. Once they have learned to carve these two projects, they will find an additional 20 patterns that can also be created with the same technique and some subtle changes. Each project includes four separate patterns (for each view) and carving/painting notes. Also included is a brief overview of the Scandinavian flat-plane style of carving and instructions on how to customize patterns.

About the Author
Harley Refsal is an internationally recognised woodcarver. He is a professor of Scandinavian Folk Art and Scandinavian Studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Since the 1980's, he has taught thousands of carvers his style of flat plan carving. He is the author of several books and his work has been featured in Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.

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!
These little people are a joy to behold, tiny and cute. Refsal's book is great for both the serious carver and the whittler as well. Refsal provides us with 20 fabulous characters to copy as is or to add your own characteristics to. The illustrations and photographs are very clear as are the whittling and finishing instructions. So, even if you are a beginner you could have these delightful little people adorning your home. The Lumberjack, the Cop, the Baker and the Amish Farmers are just a few of the diverse characters that you can whittle away at and Refsal shows you how in step-by-step instructions. Have fun!
' if whittling and caricature carving appeals to you, then you'll enjoy Whittling Little Folk.' 'Plenty of fun guaranteed!'



Book Information
ISBN 9781565235182
Author Harley Refsal
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Fox Chapel Publishing
Publisher Fox Chapel Publishing
Weight(grams) 286g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 8mm