8 Best-Selling Carving Books Millions Love

The Editors of Woodcarving Illustrated bring decades of collective experience to this approachable guide that breaks down whittling into manageable, weekend-sized projects. You’ll learn essential skills like the four basic knife cuts, proper knife sharpening, and selecting the right wood, all illustrated with detailed photos and ready-to-use patterns. The book guides you from quick projects like a flying propeller to more intricate ones such as a musical frog or a ball-in-a-cage, making it ideal for beginners eager to build confidence and develop their carving technique. If you want a hands-on introduction that balances creativity with clear instruction, this book fits the bill perfectly.

Unlike most carving guides that skim the surface, this book dives into the nuts and bolts of woodcarving with clarity and patience. Charles Beiderman and William Johnston, both accomplished craftsmen, focus on beginners eager to learn diverse techniques—line carving, relief, carving in the round, and even bird carving. You'll find detailed introductions to essential tools, hands-on project patterns, and tips that tackle common stumbling blocks, like finishing and displaying your work. If you're starting from scratch or seeking structured guidance to expand your skills, this book lays a solid foundation without overwhelming you.

This tailored carving book explores advanced carving methods that align specifically with your interests and challenges. It covers a spectrum of expert carving techniques, from precision tool control to intricate relief work, focusing on helping you develop skills that resonate with your background. By blending insights that millions of carving enthusiasts have found valuable, this book offers a custom exploration of carving mastery that addresses your specific goals and preferred styles. The tailored approach makes learning more efficient by concentrating on the areas that matter most to you, facilitating deeper understanding and creative growth in your craft.

Drawing from over 25 years as a professional woodcarver and member of the Master Carvers Association, Chris Pye offers a guide that feels like a private lesson with an expert. You’ll learn everything from selecting the right workbench and tools to mastering various carving cuts like stop cuts and slicing cuts, ensuring your technique is precise and safe. The book walks you through practical exercises and projects, including relief carving and in-the-round figures like a wren and a baseball cap, making it ideal for those starting out who want clear, hands-on instruction. If you're seeking a thorough introduction to traditional woodcarving techniques, this manual provides a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

Charles Marshall Sayers, a nationally recognized teacher and craftsman, wrote this book to fill a gap for beginners seeking a straightforward guide to wood carving. You get clear instructions on essential tools and materials, along with detailed lessons on incised and relief carving techniques. The book includes 34 projects ranging from decorative panels to functional objects like bookends and footstools, all designed to build your skills gradually using just a few tools. While aimed at novices, experienced carvers can also benefit from Sayers' unique designs and practical insights into wood preparation and finishing.

When Paul N. Hasluck set out to document traditional wood carving, he crafted more than just a manual—he created an encyclopedia for anyone serious about the craft. You’ll find detailed guidance on tools, wood selection, and carving techniques like incised, pierced, and chip carving, all supported by 1,146 illustrations that clarify each step. The book guides you from simple projects like boxes and bread platters to intricate endeavors, such as recreating 16th-century furniture or ornate carvings on cabinets and staircases. If you’re eager to master historical styles and practical skills in carving, this book offers precise, well-organized instruction that caters to both beginners and experienced artisans.

This tailored book offers a step-by-step journey through focused whittling exercises crafted to accelerate your skills within 30 days. It explores essential techniques, tool handling, and creative project execution with a clear emphasis on daily practice. By addressing your specific skill level and interests, this personalized guide matches your background and goals, ensuring each lesson builds effectively on your progress. It reveals practical ways to develop precision and confidence through manageable, engaging projects designed to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of whittling. This approach helps you gain hands-on experience with a variety of cuts and styles, making skill improvement both efficient and rewarding.

Drawing from decades of experience and a deep passion for caricature carving, Harold Enlow offers a focused guide on crafting expressive wooden faces. You’ll learn the nuances of carving detailed features like eyes, lips, noses, and hair, all presented in manageable, stepwise projects that build your confidence. Enlow’s expertise shines through as he breaks down complex expressions—from cowboys to witches—making the art accessible without oversimplifying. This workbook suits carvers eager to breathe life into their creations, especially those ready to refine their skill in facial details rather than starting from scratch.

Rick Butz draws on decades of woodcarving experience to guide you through a range of carving styles, from whittling to architectural carving, with a clear, hands-on approach. Each chapter builds on the last, offering scaled patterns and progressively challenging projects that teach you how to master specific techniques like chip carving and relief carving. You'll gain practical skills by following detailed illustrations and working on real projects, helping you develop confidence and craftsmanship. This book suits anyone keen on deepening their woodcarving abilities, whether a hobbyist or someone looking to refine their technique.

What happens when a lecturer versed in English literature turns his attention to wood carving? George Jack brings a unique perspective to this 1903 guide, blending craftsmanship with thoughtful design principles. You’ll learn about essential tools and materials, from selecting wood types to mastering carving knives, alongside detailed techniques for shaping figures, animals, and decorative objects. The book also dives into planning your work with sketches and emphasizes finishing touches like polishing for a professional look. If you’re serious about refining your carving skills with a historical lens and practical methods, this book offers a solid foundation.