If you are interest in carving in the round simple animals figures is a good way to start. With a simple animal figure you can learn will still producing a passable animal carving. Simple skill learned earn will be use later in more intricate carvings.

Hand Carving a Simple Reindeer

Carve this rustic deer as a stand-alone project or size the pattern to create the perfect complement to your favorite carved Santa. Use twigs for the antlers to add to the rustic charm and simplify the carving process.

Carving "The Cow Plaque"

This pattern has been designed for the novice wood carver. Basswood would be my choice for this project, however, if you have chosen to use Pine, be certain to seal it with Jo Sonja's Tannin Blocking Sealer prior to painting. Pine will eventually yellow the whites if not properly sealed.

Carving a Trout

Trace the side profile pattern to the wood block. The wood grain direction should run with the length of the fish. Use a square and draw a perpendicular line at the nose and at the tail junction.

Simplified Mouse

This mouse sprang to life some 12 years ago as a sketch by my partner, Sue, a compulsive doodler of critters, cute and otherwise! At the time I had just begun to carve, so a curly tail was added and he became my second try at in-the-round carving. The original mouse was carved 'diagonally' from a 50mm (2in) turner's blank of walnut. I guess this was to make full use of the meager dimensions, his nose and tail tucked into the corners. Whatever the reason, the old fellow is still distinctly diamond-shaped when viewed from above.