Author Topic: Wood Spirit Carving Tutorial (very pic heavy) (Read 399802 times)

Buckskin · « **on:** June 08, 2012, 02:35:18 PM »

Part 1 of 6

First you will need some wood a limb or log your choice. I like mine to be about 3/4" to 1 1/2" round. Good walking stick size. The species I will be working with is Sycamore.

A strop. Strop a lot and carve a little.

A knife. Mine is a Flexcut detail carving knife, but you can use a box knife, pocket knife, or a fixed blade you can safely hang on to while working small.

A good old fashioned pencil.

Not pictured, but highly recommended is a carving glove for your wood holding hand. Kevlar is preferred, but a good heavy leather glove will offer some oops protection.

Get a good clean edge on your knife

Mark a center line with your pencil

Draw the bottom of the eyebrow and rough shape of the nose.

Make stop cuts along your lines.

Make slicing cuts back to your stop cuts.

Start taking the eye sockets deeper. You may have to use a combination of stop cuts and slicing cuts to achieve this.

Set in the bridge of the nose with a slicing cut.

Now we will shave a bit of material off from under the nose.

Redraw your center line under the nose. You need this to help keep proportions straight.

Draw the mustache.

Make stop cuts along your mustache lines.

Make slicing cuts back to you stop cuts in the mustache.

Thats it for now. We have a ways to go. Don't worry. I float around on the carving a lot getting major landmarks first then working in details.

I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for the remaining segments.

Buckskin · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2012, 02:55:40 PM »

Part 2 of 6

Okay! Are you all ready for another round? Well strop that knife and let?s get busy.

This is what our mustache should look like after finishing the slicing cuts in the last segment.

Draw the lines defining the cheek area.

Make stop cuts along the lines.

Make slicing cuts across the face to the stop cuts.

Our face should look something like this now.

Draw in the bottom lip.

Make a stop cut along the lip line.

Make a slicing cut to the stop cut along the lip.

Our face should look like this now.

Buckskin · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2012, 03:25:32 PM »

Part 3 of 6

Next up we draw in the eyebrows.

Make stop cuts along the eyebrow lines.

Make slicing cuts to define the eyebrows.

Our Spirit should look something like this now.

Draw in the eyes.

Make stop cuts along the lines.

Make slicing cuts to bring out the eyes. This is where a real pointy knife comes in handy, but with manipulation you can do it!

Now we should look a bit like this.

Buckskin · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2012, 03:39:29 PM »

Part 4 of 6

Make slicing cuts along the nose to "round" it off.

The nose should look something like this now.

Make slicing cuts along the mustache to "round" it.

And our face now.

Make a stop cut along the mustache center line.

Make slicing cuts along both side of the center line.

Our face should look something like this.

Buckskin · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2012, 03:52:15 PM »

Part 5 of 6

First off, strop your knife!

Now we need to make some slicing cuts along the eyebrows to "round" them.

What he looks like now.

Next, are slicing cuts along the cheek lines to "round" them.

Now our fellow looks like this.

Now we need to give our fellow some hair. Draw in a few lines to give a hint of head hair.

Make stop cuts on your hair lines.

Make slicing cuts on both side of your lines to create a "V".

Our fellows new hairdo.

Buckskin · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2012, 03:59:29 PM »

Part 6 of 6

Now we want to give him an indication of a beard. Draw in a few curved lines.

Make stop cuts along your lines.

Make slicing cuts on both sides of your lines to create a "V".

How our beard should kind of look now.

If this where in a walking stick we could clean up our fuzzies and stop now. Since this is short piece that could be placed on a shelf we have a little more work to do.

I like to slightly round the top and bottom of the limb with slicing cuts.

How the ends should look.

Now we clean up any fuzzies. Little bits that we need to gently cut on off or scrape off. You should notice that as we progressed we cut away our pencil lines. If you have any showing still you need to trim/scrape them off.

Now for the big finish! All that needs to be done now is applying your choice of wood sealer.

********

This is just one way of doing this project. Let your imagination be your guide. We all don't look alike so neither should our creations.

There are additional tools that you can use, but how many of us are going to pack in a tool roll full of carving tools? Unless that?s the reason for your outing I would say not many of us. Otherwise almost all of us have a small knife of some sort with us and this is great way to spend time around the fire.

I have tried to show you every step along the way in hopes of making your experience the better. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and you will get many years of use out of it.

If you have any questions please ask! I will do my best to answer them!

Now let the chips fly!

Predator · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2012, 04:11:56 PM »

Awesome!

thanks for posting

Where do you find the little carving knives at?

thanks

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2012, 04:13:00 PM »

Thank you for posting this here!

It's great to have this to refer to when learning to carve these wood spirits. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Buckskin · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2012, 04:16:15 PM »

Thanks.

The knife used in this one was a Flexcut detail knife. I think I got it from Mac at Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers. http://www.woodcarvers.com/ Of course I have to issue the standard disclaimer that I am not an agent of theirs. Just a satisfied customer.

Buckskin · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2012, 04:24:11 PM »

Thanks PWood.

Here is a little something to shoot for.

Standard No. 2 Pencil.

BigHat · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2012, 05:29:19 PM »

thank you for this!

greyhound352 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2012, 05:36:04 PM »

Thanks for posting this tutorial.

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2012, 12:36:29 AM »

Quote from: Buckskin on June 08, 2012, 04:24:11 PM

Thanks PWood.

Here is a little something to shoot for.

Standard No. 2 Pencil.

Ha! I think I have seen that before. Incredible detail!

Angerland · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2012, 01:35:03 AM »

Awesome! Can't wait to see more projects like this, maybe some advanced techniques? Going to try my hand at this ASAP

wolfy · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2012, 11:38:31 AM »

I remember commenting on this (elsewhere

) before, but I must compliment you again on an EXCELLENT tutorial

It actually gave me the feeling that even I could do THAT

........of course, I discovered later that I really couldn't

Do you have other sites or forums that you 'chip makers' go to for carving information? I like looking at the creations for inspiration and ideas, too. My goal is not to suck as much as I do at this

Buckskin · « **Reply #15 on:** June 09, 2012, 11:46:46 AM »

Thank you for the great comments.

Wolfy, with practice you can make one of these guys. I can't tell you how much designer firewood I made before I had one that kinda looked like something other than knife marks.

The only other place I really go for wood carving is to the forums here: http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/index.php I go by the same handle over there though I am more of a lurker than a contributor. Lots of useful information about carving there as well as some amazing work that I can only aspire to currently.

Buckskin · « **Reply #16 on:** June 12, 2012, 02:37:36 PM »

I decided to steal some time today and turn all the photos and instructions into a video. I hope you all like it.

Wounded Thumb · « **Reply #17 on:** June 12, 2012, 02:51:10 PM »

Oh, that's great Buckskin, that'll make it even easier for people to follow.

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #18 on:** June 12, 2012, 03:49:37 PM »

Nice video! The timing is good. Gives you time to read and understand the operations, but doesn't linger to long.

Buckskin · « **Reply #19 on:** June 12, 2012, 03:53:08 PM »

Thanks guys. Mr. Cash provided just the right amount of time.

Predator · « **Reply #20 on:** June 14, 2012, 01:49:11 PM »

awesome thanks for sharing

I will get around to making one of these soon.

MATT CHAOS · « **Reply #21 on:** June 24, 2012, 09:17:29 AM »

Quote from: PetrifiedWood on June 08, 2012, 04:13:00 PM

Thank you for posting this here!

It's great to have this to refer to when learning to carve these wood spirits. I'm looking forward to the next one!

I agree! I have used this tutorial after I had first seen it about a year ago. It really got me to overcome my "fear" of carving and got my to complete a few modest pieces!

Thanks for posting this!

TwinBlade · « **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2012, 08:45:25 PM »

Frank, I still have that wood spirit fire steel from you. I was actually admiring it a couple weeks back. This tutorial is amazing bro.

Buckskin · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2012, 06:01:21 AM »

Thanks Jeff.

C3 Knives · « **Reply #24 on:** August 26, 2012, 10:15:33 AM »

Very cool for sure!

Salve7 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 26, 2012, 12:55:41 PM »

I'm going to try this! Nice work

Buckskin · « **Reply #26 on:** August 26, 2012, 03:40:32 PM »

I hope those of you that give this a try post your efforts here! I like to see what others do.

The Warrior · « **Reply #27 on:** August 26, 2012, 05:18:25 PM »

removed

Buckskin · « **Reply #28 on:** August 26, 2012, 06:57:09 PM »

That is awesome Warrior. I hope others follow suit.

ncnurseryman · « **Reply #29 on:** September 24, 2013, 03:34:39 PM »

Really impressive. You make it look easy.

Shnick · « **Reply #30 on:** September 29, 2013, 02:33:12 PM »

Turns out, I watched Buckskin's video a couple months ago and whittled out this guy. Had no idea I'd see him here...
Thanks Buckskin!

Buckskin · « **Reply #31 on:** September 29, 2013, 08:36:33 PM »

Quote from: Shnick on September 29, 2013, 02:33:12 PM

Turns out, I watched Buckskin's video a couple months ago and whittled out this guy. Had no idea I'd see him here...
Thanks Buckskin!

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing your project.

Yeoman · « **Reply #32 on:** October 08, 2013, 10:55:19 AM »

Buckskin,
Thank you for sharing a great tutorial.
Gives me something to aim for this winter.
Yeo

mixalis · « **Reply #33 on:** November 23, 2013, 08:34:33 AM »

great tutorial!!!really helpful

offtrail · « **Reply #34 on:** February 01, 2014, 06:12:54 PM »

Thank you so much for the step by step tutorial. You did such a good job teaching that I had to give it a try. I went and bought a X'Acto carving kit, and some blocks of carving wood, just something to get me started. I believe for my first try I made it to small, making it harder to get the knife where I need it. Plus I made to many cuts making it look choppy . All in all I'm happy with my first try but it won't be my last...thanks again

wolfy · « **Reply #35 on:** February 01, 2014, 06:33:46 PM »

Great job, offtrail!

Looks like Ol'P before he went to the barber a month or so back.

wsdstan · « **Reply #36 on:** February 01, 2014, 06:42:34 PM »

Thanks for posting this. It really helps to see the steps involved in the finished product. You got talent.

offtrail · « **Reply #37 on:** February 01, 2014, 08:01:59 PM »

Quote from: wolfy on February 01, 2014, 06:33:46 PM

Great job, offtrail! Looks like Ol'P before he went to the barber a month or so back.

Thanks bro it did take me a while to finish it. I don't like to copy so I add my own details. But for now it's going to be copy copy and copy until I can do it with my eyes closed.

offtrail · « **Reply #38 on:** February 05, 2014, 06:42:07 PM »

Quote from: offtrail on February 01, 2014, 06:12:54 PM

Thank you so much for the step by step tutorial. You did such a good job teaching that I had to give it a try. I went and bought a X'Acto carving kit, and some blocks of carving wood, just something to get me started. I believe for my first try I made it to small, making it harder to get the knife where I need it. Plus I made to many cuts making it look choppy . All in all I'm happy with my first try but it won't be my last...thanks again

Ok I did another one with much cleaner cuts and i added a slightly different beard.

upthecreek · « **Reply #39 on:** February 05, 2014, 07:30:05 PM »

lookin' good

Creek

offtrail · « **Reply #40 on:** February 05, 2014, 08:17:28 PM »

Quote from: upthecreek on February 05, 2014, 07:30:05 PM

lookin' good

Creek

Thanks, going to a carvers club Saturday and see what I can learn.

Mr. Tettnanger · « **Reply #41 on:** February 16, 2014, 02:50:39 PM »

This is really cool!

I am embarrassed to say that I never checked this thread out before!

My wife's uncle was a carving machine before he died. His specialty was making various versions of Santa Clause. He would make big and small version. Some are over three feet tall. Some are just faces. He even carved my wife a 2+foot sSnoopy since she is a Snoopy collector.

I am inspired to give this a try!

Thanks!

19kaiss · « **Reply #42 on:** June 08, 2014, 02:23:38 PM »

thank you very much for posting this i have tryed making woodspirits before using videos on youtube and was not near as successful as i was using your tutorial so thank you again
Carve on

Buckskin · « **Reply #43 on:** June 08, 2014, 03:05:20 PM »

I am glad to see this thread still alive and useful to so many!

Keep up the good work.

19kaiss · « **Reply #44 on:** June 09, 2014, 04:54:06 PM »

Will u be making more tutorials such as this one? $:-\$

Buckskin · « **Reply #45 on:** June 11, 2014, 03:00:33 PM »

Quote from: 19kaiss on June 09, 2014, 04:54:06 PM

Will u be making more tutorials such as this one? $:-\$

Thanks.

The way my life is right now I don't foresee being able to make any tutorials. Maybe in 6 to 12 months I will have time again.

In the meantime I would be willing to entertain ideas for tutorials.

Edgesman123 · « **Reply #46 on:** July 24, 2014, 12:18:38 PM »

I'm interested in starting up this hobby but all I have is an old pocketknife and the wood I can cut off trees outside my house. I am not sure whether it is the blade I have that is terrible at cutting the wood or it is the wood that is hard to cut; all I know is that I'm having a lot of trouble. Where can I pick up a good knife and some quality wood?

Great video though, thanks!

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #47 on:** July 27, 2014, 01:09:28 AM »

The easiest and cheapest way to get a lot of versatile and sharp blades might be one of the x-acto knife carving kits. Most craft stores have them. Soft wood is easier to carve, obviously.

Buckskin · « **Reply #48 on:** July 27, 2014, 12:06:20 PM »

Quote from: Edgesman123 on July 24, 2014, 12:18:38 PM

I'm interested in starting up this hobby but all I have is an old pocketknife and the wood I can cut off trees outside my house. I am not sure whether it is the blade I have that is terrible at cutting the wood or it is the wood that is hard to cut; all I know is that I'm having a lot of trouble. Where can I pick up a good knife and some quality wood?

Great video though, thanks!

You can use an old pocket knife. However you need to regrind the edge. The factory edge bevel is not conducive to carving past making shavings.

godchaser64 · « **Reply #49 on:** May 14, 2015, 06:00:01 PM »

This is my First Wood spirit using this Tutorial! Its on a Hiking Staff!

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Author Topic: Wood Spirit Carving Tutorial (very pic heavy) (Read 399802 times)