A comprehensive guide akin to having a one-on-one course with a master carver! Learn step-by-step: Clear instructions and color photos take you through every step of the carving process, from grips to simple exercises to practice projects for carving in the round Workbench, tools, & wood: Learn the details of what to look for in a workbench and its accessories; what tools are available, what they each can do, and which ones you need to get started; and how to choose the best woods to carve Commission & sharpen: Learn how to commission your carving tools from gouges to bevels—simply being sharp is not the whole story Exacting cuts: Learn how to safely make precise cuts with your tools using different grips and angles, including running cut, stabbing cut, stop cut, sweep cut, slicing cut, and more Practice exercises: Learn how to execute a variety of techniques by applying what you've learned to various practicing activities designed to get you comfortable with using your new woodcarving tools correctly Relief and in-the-round projects: Step-by-step, you'll learn how to carve in low relief, high relief, and pierced relief, as well as a wren and a baseball cap in-the-round The first step into a new craft can be overwhelming: Where to start? What tools to buy? What projects to begin with? Thanks to author and internationally acclaimed woodcarver Chris Pye, this guide is filled with everything a beginning woodcarver needs to know. Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual is akin to having a one-on-one course with a master carver. You'll learn what to look for in a workbench, the importance of commissioning your carving tools—there's more to it than just sharpening!—and how to make exacting cuts and execute a variety of techniques. Like any good instructor, Pye includes practice exercises to make you comfortable with the tools and techniques so you can build your skills and carve with confidence. His warm, conversational teaching style will encourage you as you follow the step-by-step instructions and work on a number of motifs, as well as projects for low, high, and pierced relief, and in-the-round. This resource is a collection of tips and tricks honed over many years, and will mentor newcomers and serious beginning woodcarvers alike. Novice crafters will find quick success and encouragement working on a number of carving motifs and three projects for both relief and in-the-round styles. For serious beginners eager to know more about a timeless craft, this go-to reference provides an answer to every question. With the help of Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual, you'll learn to carve: Four types of simple, decorative molding Designs, symbols, and letters in the traditional relief style Several forms of line carving, including cavo relievo Beautiful koi projects in three levels of relief A realistic baseball cap in-the-round A charming wren in-the-round