Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark: Releasing Whimsical Houses & Woodspirits from Found Wood

Learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark! Complete step-by-step instructions to carving a whimsical house and tree Expert advice on painting and finishing Tips & techniques for cutting cross-grain, carving soft areas, bark carving tools, glues, and more Inspirational gallery of finished pieces to jump start your creativity In medieval times, shepherd peasants believed that a spirit dwelled deep within each tree. If a shepherd carved a face into the wood, the spirit would be released, and good luck would be bestowed upon the carver. Award-winning carver Rick Jensen—with the help of carver/photographer Jack A. Williams—will help you release the inner spirit from tree bark in this instructional book. The natural beauty found in a piece of weathered cottonwood bark provides inspiration and direction to create something new and original each time! Inside Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark, you'll learn the specialized technique of carving figures in tree bark. You'll find step-by-step instructions on carving a whimsical house and a tree, plus detailed advice on painting and finishing your carvings. Learn from the artist how to sketch out your ideas before carving or follow along with a series of detailed patterns of a variety of wood spirits. You'll be guided through each step of the finishing process, to gain a soft, touchable finish by using a unique combination of lacquers, waxes, shoe polish, and paint. Included is a complete guide to the various species of cottonwood bark and their particular carving characteristics—plus tips on the best tools to use, and where to find your supplies. A step-by-step carving project of a magical tree house is included along with a beautiful gallery including wood spirits, animals, whimsical tree houses, and much more. When you carve tree bark, no two projects are exactly alike!