Click on the link above for your free download pattern pack.
Have you had that burning desire to create your own quilting batik wax stamps? Have you been looking for wallpaper border stencils? Do you need something special for this 4th of July scrapbook photos?
Well, we have what you want — and its absolutely free!
Our LSIrish July 4th Freebie Pattern Package includes 4 small quilt square motifs, 4 large quilt square motifs, and 3 star border motifs. Plus you will find fabric idea samples and a simple Nine Patch quilt layout for your personal use.
Hope you have fun with this one! And, please, email me through our contact page, above, with photos of what you have created.
Introducing Two New Free Online Series of Free Carving, Pyrography, and Craft Projects ….. Great Book of Free Carving Projects & Patterns by Lora S. Irish Great Book of Free Pyrography Projects & Patterns by Lora S. Irish …..
PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE – ADD US TO YOUR FAVORITES!
Stop by often at our carving, pyrography, and craft pattern site, ArtDesignsStudio.com to see what Great New Books you can have for free for Carving Patterns, Pyrography Projects, and Craft Designs by Lora Irish!
Great Book of Free Carving Projects and Patterns by Lora S. Irish Online Series
The first release in my new, free online series is an in-depth tutorial on how to carve the wood spirit face using the planes of the human face as our guidelines. Join me as we work through the detailed steps and 199 photographs to learn how easy the Wood Spirit is to carve.
So, Gang, pull up your chair to your computer screen seat at my class table, and let’s have some FREE FREE FREE wood carving, and pyrography fun.
Lora S. Irish, June 01, 2015
Copyright, Lora S. Irish, 1997 – 2015 Art Designs Studio.com, 1997 – 2015 All International Rights Reserved Use of any information, images, or text in digital or printed format or in any magazine, book, or booklet is strictly prohibited without the written, hardcopy permission of the author, Lora Irish.
This is new work, created after May 2013, by Lora S. Irish. Use in part or whole by any publishing company is strictly prohibited without a written, signed, and dated contract for this new work with the author. June 01, 2015
I had a question from WoodWorkingChat.com on the Wood Spirit Carving Project that is being posted right now, that I thought I would share with you. The question was “How do you pick the right sized bench knife?”
Please remember you can click on any image for a full-sized photo.
Quality of the Steel
There are three important considerations in which bench knife you purchase. First is the quality of steel in the blade, which determines whether you can bring the knife to a very sharp, fine point with a sharp edge. While your hand will adjust to a knife handle that is not an absolute perfect in fit, there is nothing you can do to improve a poor quality steel blade or force it into holding an edge.
This top photo shows an ergonomic handled chip carving knife. I use this one for my general craft needs as cutting paper, cutting chipboard, or cutting leather. The handle is slightly too wide for a comfortable grip in my hand, and the extension of the knife point beyond the hand grip is a touch too long. Yet, this knife would be a perfect grip for a carver with a larger hand size than mine (woman’s small). The steel of this blade is very high quality.
Length of the Blade
Second is the length of the cutting blade. A long bladed bench knife is perfect for de-barking walking sticks, for long whittling cuts, and for general shaping.
This second photo shows a long bladed bench knife. This is the classic bench knife that is often shown for beginning carvers, yet its primary use is for long whittling strokes as de-barking walking sticks or rounding over the corners of a practice block. The handle of this knife fits my hand perfectly, but the long blade pushes my fingers away from the wood. I use this one for rough-out work, but never detail or shaving work.
Fit of the Handle
Finally, the third consideration is how the blade handle fits in the palm of your cutting hand. I use ‘the rule of thumb’ to size my bench knives. For a moment extend the thumb of your non-dominate hand in the ‘thumbs up’ position. Wrap your dominate hand around that extended thumb with the extended thumb tip resting at the mid-joint of the first finger. Use a light, semi-open grip. For me, the size and length of that extended thumb is the perfect size for my bench knife and tool handles. (See bottom photo)
The third photo shows my favorite bench knife, a rose wood handled large chip carving blade. The handle is exactly the size of my extended thumb, and the blade point is never more than one inch away from the wood.
I have a second chip carving knife that I use regularly that is classified as a small chip knife. The knife has a very short, narrow handle and a 3/4″ or less blade. A short blade, as a large chip knife, brings your hand right onto the carving wood, which gives you more control over the movement of the cutting tip. Very small, short blades, as a small chip knife, are perfect for getting into those tight corners or creating undercuts.
Rule of Thumb Sizing
If I am sizing a palm handled tool, I slide my non-dominate hand further up into my dominate hand so that the first joint of the extended thumb rests against the mid-joint of my first finger. This places the pad or base of my extended thumb into the center of my carving hand palm. The size of my thumb pad is about the size that I want for my palm tools.
Which bench knife or carving tools work best for you is determined by what style of wood carving you are working, the size of your hand, and your hobby budget. Of note is that many wood carvers own and use more than one bench knife or set of gouges, so that we will have on hand the right tool for the right job. As your hobby grows so will your tool hoard … 🙂
If you are just starting your hobby of wood carving you may wish to check out our article on the Wood Carving Tool Kit.
This week has been crazy getting together my newest, in-depth project for wood carving the Wood Spirit. I have 109 images and instructions posted at WoodWorkingChat.com in the Carving forum and will be posting these instructions over the weekend here on LSIrish.com. In the mean time, stop by the thread and say “Hi!”.
The wood spirit face is a favorite wood carving theme. His wild, flowing hair, his long twisted beard, and his exaggerated nose make him an excellent beginner’s carving project.
It may be hard to conceive that the human face is a beginner’s level project, but as we work through the simple steps to create the planes of the face, you will discover how simple and adaptable this style of wood carving is.
I am working my wood spirit face as a cane or walking stick topper, as shown in the sample stick to your right. The wood spirit face is carved using a basswood practice stick – 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ x 6″ – then attached to the staff of the stick using a hardwood dowel or all-thread pipe.
To begin this project you will need the following supplies:
6″ x 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ basswood practice block bench knife or large chip carving knife large 3/8″ round gouge small 3/16″ round gouge 90 degree v-gouge bull nose chisel or straight chisel 220- and 320- grit sandpaper safety gloves, if you’ve got them heavy terry cloth towel if you don’t have gloves #2 to #4 soft pencil 12″ ruler fine point permanent marking pen sharpening stones, honing board, strop one-temperature or variable temperature wood burning tool
That’s what I have on the table right now, I will add the paint colors later after I decide where this little dude is headed. Use what carving tools you have. There is so little difference between one round gouge and another there is no point in getting into a snit over exact size.
I am going to teach is how to establish the planes of the face without using a pattern and how to use those planes to create unique facial features.
I am also sharing this wood carving project on the WoodWorkingChat.com forum where you can join, post questions, and add your photos as we carve this wood spirit face together.
While you get your supplies together, I am off to get your first set of photos ready. So, please bookmark my blog!
