Carving on wood of various geometric shapes (triangles, circles, squares) is one of the varieties of woodcarving - geometric. This is one of the most simple ways this arts and crafts. It is limited to two main techniques: cutting through the wood along the layer of wood and cutting against the layer. Geometric woodcarving from tools involves only a well-sharpened knife.

The basis of most geometric ornaments is a triangle. Another advantage of such patterns is that there is no need to make deep cuts.

But despite the simplicity of execution, products with geometric carvings are distinguished by beauty and grace. In our articles you can find drawings, sketches, patterns, diagrams that can be easily downloaded.

Easy lesson

We bring to your attention an interesting master class for beginners, which allows you to master the basic techniques of geometric carving.

For work you will need:

• soft wood (the best option is a birch board);
• joint knife;
• pencil;
• ruler.

The first step is to apply a sketch of the future pattern to the base. To do this, draw two lines parallel to each other, the distance between which will be 1 cm. On each line we will make marks, 1 cm each, alternating in a checkerboard pattern.

Now, using the marks made earlier, draw a series of triangles. Let's mark the center inside each with a small dot.

Connect the centers of the triangles with their corners (in other words, draw the radii of the circumscribed circles).

Now you can proceed to the initial stage of the carving. Before doing this, you should familiarize yourself with safety rules when working with cutting objects:

• the instrument must be in the dominant hand;
• the other hand should lie in front of the carver;
• during work, you can not be distracted, you need to be as attentive and focused as possible.

Let's start carving.

The “toe” (protruding part) of the incisor is inserted to a depth of 4-5 mm, and the “heel” is tilted to the corner of the triangle.

With the knife tilted to the side, carefully cut out one side of the triangle.

Rotate the board 90 degrees and cut out the remaining sides of the triangle.

This type of thread is called "trihedral-notched".

We are working on the rest of the triangles. At the end of the row, we get this ornament:

Again, mark the centers of the resulting triangles and connect them to the vertices.

We cut it out in the same way, resulting in a snake pattern, as in the photo.

Let's draw another line with an identical pattern.

First cut out the top and then the bottom triangles.

The result is a rosette pattern.

Let's get acquainted with another interesting element. Draw a circle of arbitrary diameter and divide it into an arbitrary number of parts.

Let's connect the points with which we divided the circle with its center.

Inside the first circle, draw another one, draw the rays.

Again we work with a cutter. We act according to the described scheme (“we deepen the toe”, we direct the “heel” to the base).

We get a chip of a triangular shape.

Cut out all the triangles.

We make an incision along the inner lines of the beam.

First cut out one and then the other side.

We get a decorated beam protruding above the surface.

In the same way, we work out the rest of the rays, the resulting pattern is called "radiance".

It is not necessary to make the rays straight. This pattern is also possible.

Having barely learned to hold objects in his hands, the little man shows a craving for creativity. Over time, he will have the opportunity to try himself in various types of skills: needlework, modeling, origami, wood carving, drawing. Of course, certain skills that the child received in early childhood will be useful for this. Sometimes a simple hobby gradually turns into a hobby, and then becomes a matter of life. So many centuries ago in Russia, one of the main types of creativity was woodcarving. And in the 21st century, it still arouses genuine interest among people.

Popular types of intricate art

For a long time, people have decorated their homes with wooden carvings. All sorts of paintings, kitchen utensils, religious objects, children's toys were considered valuable things for any family. Perhaps that is why they appeared different kinds woodcarving. The most popular options are:

• geometric;
• flat notched;
• slotted;
• sculptural;
• embossed;
• openwork;
• invoice.

Fortunately, the list does not end there, because this type of creativity is widespread throughout our vast country. Let's consider just a few of them.

Geometric wood carving involves the use of various figures in the work. These are triangles, circles, squares and polyhedra. It is used for the manufacture of furniture elements, household utensils, as well as wall crafts. ancient view such a thread is a trihedral-notched thread. This is one of the most simple methods, since it is performed with only one tool - a joint knife. For such woodcarving, you will need a simple set of items:

• lime board;
• special knife-jamb;
• ruler;
• pencil.

First, sketches of geometric shapes or a finished ornament are applied to the board. It is better for novice amateurs not to use complex drawings so that the work turns out to be flawless. For the first work, material from deciduous trees is suitable, since it is more convenient to draw straight lines on it with a sharp knife.

The wooden surface should be as smooth as possible. This is achieved by planing the board. It does not need to be sanded sandpaper. Otherwise, the thread will not turn out clear and accurate, and the tool will quickly become dull.

The flat-pitted method is used to cut out recesses of various sizes and shapes on a plane. It can be oval contours and all kinds of bulges.

The slotted type of thread is also considered quite simple. It is done with a jigsaw. A sketch of any figure applied to a wooden plane is cut out along the contour. As a result, cute crafts come out. Applies slotted thread for the manufacture of background objects through which other planes are visible. She is often called openwork carving, and it is used to decorate furniture in the Baroque style. It can also be elements of cupboards, window casings, doors, and sometimes decorative screens. If crafts are attached to a special base, then this type of thread is considered to be overhead.

The process of working with a slotted method begins with a sketch, which is applied to a pre-polished workpiece. It is transferred to the surface using a special template or transparent white paper. Then holes are made on the contours and cut out on the desktop using a thin jigsaw file.

Relief carving includes two main methods: flat and deaf. In addition, the deaf option implies a low or convex relief. The bottom line is that the pattern is formed due to the main background of the surface.

The flat-relief method is performed in such a way that the pattern and the background surrounding it are made at the same depth over the entire area of ​​​​the base. Blind carving is characterized by a convex pattern that does not have a flat outline. Such products are valued for their high decorativeness and richness of composition. After all, a kind of miniature landscape is created on the plane with hills, depressions and depressions. To create such masterpieces, masters use elements of almost all types of woodcarving. Therefore, beginners should master each method separately in order to apply skills with more.

First steps towards mastery

History shows that wood was traditionally used to decorate a living space. Nowadays various pictures, drawings and sketches of woodcarving exhibited in local history museums or printed publications. This suggests that smart people who are willing to learn are able to master this art form. Wood is a wonderful natural material from which you can create decorative compositions, paintings, furniture elements and kitchen utensils. Having mastered the basics of ancient art, some have become true masters of woodcarving, devoting their whole lives to this.

Folk wisdom says: "Dashing trouble - the beginning." This is how it is if you do nothing. Practical Tips woodcarving for beginners opens the door for brave people to the world of magnificent DIY crafts. First you need to prepare the tools and understand the basic nuances of the craft.

It is advisable for beginners to choose high-quality and durable equipment for work in order to acquire valuable craftsmanship skills.

For wood carving, you need to prepare the following tools:

• sharp knife;
• chisel;
• jigsaw;
• bit;
• drill;
• needle files;
• spoon cutter;
• bars;
• milling machine.

Of course, for beginners, it will be enough to purchase a special set of tools for woodcarving, which includes a knife, a jigsaw and an awl. With their help, it is very convenient to master the skills of ancient craftsmanship.

The next step is the choice of raw materials. This is what the quality of the product depends on. In nature, there are two types of wood: hard and soft. The first group includes mahogany, oak and beech. To the second -, aspen, pine, spruce, birch. Of course, soft wood is easier to work with, but with one wrong move, it quickly deteriorates. Despite this, it is considered the most suitable raw material for beginners.

Hardwoods are used by professionals because they are very expensive.

In addition to the strength of the material, the color of the wood also plays a key role. A suitable raw material to learn the craft is birch. It lends itself wonderfully to cutting and drilling in any direction. When choosing drawings for woodcarving, it should be borne in mind that birch wood darkens over time. Despite this, she is very easy to work with.

When the pattern is selected, it must be transferred to a wooden blank. In the age of technology, you can use ready-made photos or drawings provided by experts. The theme of the images is very different, but each has its own unique beauty. When everything is ready, you can start creating your own masterpieces. An invaluable help for beginners are thematic woodcarving lessons.

Master class simple crafts

When you look at the finished crafts, it seems that making them is not at all difficult. Therefore, many lovers folk craft took the tool in their hands and set to work. To cut an ordinary flower, you need to prepare the following set of items:

• wood blank;
• double soft pencil;
• tracing paper;
• chisels.

It must be borne in mind that only special chisels for woodcarving are suitable. They should be v-shaped, narrow and semicircular. The next step is drawing. It can be taken from the Internet. To do this, a sheet of paper is applied to the screen, the diagram is redrawn, and then applied to a wooden plane.

Start work from the central part of the sketch, carefully cutting out a circle. Then, using a v-shaped chisel, the petals are cut along the contour. Waste wood between them is removed in the course of work. If there is no such chisel, professional wood carving knives are suitable, which are no worse to use in this craft.

The outer part of the petal is cut out with a semicircular chisel. It becomes similar to the outline of a heart, but it's not scary. Then cuts are made in the inner part of the petal, connecting it to the center of the flower. It remains only to round it and the flower is ready. Now you can admire the first creation of your own hands. An invaluable help for beginners is a thematic woodcarving video that encourages you to immediately get to work.

Modern technology for experienced craftsmen

IN modern world many works have long been performed mechanically. Applied craft does not lag behind in this. The use of technology enables craftsmen to save their strength and precious time. Wood carving machines make it possible to quickly and efficiently prepare the source material for work. The only drawback of such devices is their high cost, but people for whom carving is not just a hobby are ready to purchase them.

Pantograph

The device is designed to work with any wooden surfaces. It performs operations of various kinds, both volumetric and on the plane. The pantograph is used to process arcuate, bent or rotating parts. So with the help of a machine cut out various elements of furniture, statues or panels.

Drill

Excellent device for working with hard wood. It is important to take into account the properties and location of the fibers of natural material. With the help of a drill, craftsmen sharpen tools, grind wood, and, if necessary, polish it.

Wood species with dense wood that do not tend to chip are suitable for working with a drill.

CNC milling machine

This technique is mainly used for the production of wooden furniture with carved decoration. The machine is designed to work with plywood of any kind and wood. It is characterized by high functionality and technical capabilities. When working with such equipment, it is important to use special means protection - goggles and gloves. Also follow the instructions for use of the device.

As practice shows, such machines simplify the process of woodcarving. They make it possible to create a huge number of products in a short time. Devices are used not only in industry, but also for a personal workshop.

In any case, handmade products bring real satisfaction to a person. They create a pleasant atmosphere in the house, help to express the feelings of the master to his loved ones, and serve for the benefit of the household for a long time. Wooden crafts retain their natural beauty for a long time and never go out of style. Woodcarving is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is available to anyone who wishes to master this craft. The main thing is not to be afraid of failures, but to be willing to learn, pick up tools and create masterpieces.

Wood carving video tutorial for beginners

Wood carving - beautiful decoration interior and exterior for most people, but for some it is an interesting and exciting process. Carvings adorned the houses of our distant ancestors, and patterns on various subjects everyday life served not only for beauty, but also as amulets. We will provide a list of all the tools that will be required for geometric woodcarving.

Geometric carving, which is used to create wood decor, is the oldest and one of the most simple species threads. It is with her that the process of learning this skill begins, because it requires a minimum of tools, skills and abilities. To master this type of carving, you will need a joint knife, a little later - a semicircular chisel, a bar and auxiliary materials: sandpaper, varnish, stain.

We analyze the creation of geometric woodcarving

To learn how to carve wood using the presented technique, you can go to an experienced craftsman for courses or master the material on your own - using videos and looking at photographs. For those who chose the last of the above, below is step by step guide. In addition, many sources offer to download albums with sketches and photos of woodcarving.

Where to start learning woodcarving for beginners?

For beginners, the first step is to learn how to properly hold the knife in your hand. You can master this technique by practicing cutting grooves on a wooden block. You should not skip this step and move on to ornaments, because without an initial training, the products will not turn out immediately even.

To learn how to understand sketches and cut, looking at photos and drawings, you need to understand how the most elementary techniques are performed.

It is necessary to take a cutter knife and a small bar of soft wood. Linden is good for this: it is quite soft and pliable. It is important to determine the direction of the fiber. After that, hold the cutter in your fist at the bottom of the handle, with an obtuse angle towards you. The obtuse angle of the cutter is called the heel. The knife should be tilted slightly to the right. To get a straight line, the heel should be close to the tree, but not buried in it. The hand should go clearly, it is important to feel if it deviates from a straight line to the side.

This first cut in the tree is called a notch. After its completion, it is necessary to turn the board 180 degrees and perform trimming - exactly the same line with the knife tilted to the right at a distance of 2-3 millimeters from the first. In addition, notches must also be made at the beginning and at the end of the future furrow. If done correctly, the pruning and notching touch inside the tree, and the pruning will fall out of the groove without any extra effort. If it didn’t work the first time, you need to insert the knife into the existing slots and deepen them a little.

Across the grain, the wood is slightly less malleable, so the cut is almost the same as cutting along the grain, with the only difference being that the heel of the cutter must be raised, not above the wood itself. So it will be easier to cut through the rock, but you need to carefully ensure that the knife does not move out of the way from a straight line.

The grid, or squares, is the next element in the development of geometric carving. To make this simple ornament, you must first cut the strips along the fibers at the same width from each other, then make grooves across the fibers. Thus, this simple pattern is obtained. You can also make a grid not along and across the bar, but diagonally. In this case, it is necessary to more carefully monitor the hardness of the hand and the straightness of the cut lines. If you get an extra cut, in the process it will not be noticeable at all, but in the future, that is, during staining or painting, it will definitely make itself felt.

Scheme for the "mesh" and "squares" techniques.

Triangles are a common pattern on household items like cutting boards, photo frames, and jewelry boxes. Triangles, as a rule, are cut out in this way: lines are drawn from the vertices of the triangle to its center, along which a cut is made with a cutter. To do this, the toe, that is, the sharp part of the knife, is inserted deep into the material, and the heel touches, but is not inserted, into the top of the triangle. This is done with each of the vertices. Thus, the center of the triangle will be the deepest point in the pattern. Next, you need to tilt the cutter to the right and cut in the direction from right to left and towards you trimming. It is important to cut the next edge not from left to right, but by turning the block over. The hand performs the same movement as with the first face.

After mastering the simplest triangles, you can also try to make triangles with a displaced center or with rounded sides. In this case, the cutting technique remains the same, it is only important to follow the movement of the hand along the marked lines. This technique is a little more complicated, but with a little practice, you can easily repeat a drawing of any complexity.

A selection of videos on the topic of the article

All novice carvers ask: “What tools do I need first of all?” First we need a small number of tools. Instead of buying a complete set of cutting accessories, purchase tools as you need them. Usually when you buy a set, you don't save a dime, but there are always things that you almost never need. Get the best quality tools you can afford; good, sharp high-carbon steel tools will last you a long time and save you money.

Knives

You will need a good knife - one that will be comfortable to work with. There are three types of knives - with a folding blade (pocket knife), with a fixed blade and knives with a replaceable blade. I prefer fixed blade knives because they are the safest. Knives also vary in blade shape and steel type.

I recommend a high carbon steel blade with a hardness of 55 to 60 RC - it will stay sharper longer than a stainless or low carbon steel blade. For finishing and shaping, I use a blade that is 4 mm thick and 3.8 to 5.1 cm long. A knife with a narrower and shorter blade is better for detailing. Some cutters prefer knives with interchangeable blades, because instead of sharpening the knife, it is enough to simply change the blade. Another advantage is that that the handle of such a knife can be used with small chisels.

Chisels

Chisels come in different widths and curvature. Curvature is indicated by a number. The steeper the curvature, the larger the number. So, chisel number 3 is almost flat, and number 11 has a U-shape. Of course, a number 10 or 11 chisel cuts deeper and removes more wood than a number 3. On the other hand, a number 3 chisel is handy for finishing. The chisel-corner with number 12, which has a V-shape, is characterized by a wide range - from 24 to 90 degrees, but chisels with an angle of 60 to 70 degrees are most common.

When choosing a chisel, pay attention to the handle so that the tool does not roll onto the floor when you put it on the table. Otherwise, you will constantly have to repair the blade.

When choosing a chisel, also keep in mind the size and type of carving you want to make. For handmade palm-sized chisels are more suitable, and even smaller tools will be needed for small parts. Sculptural and relief carving involves the use of standard chisels with heavy handles.

Saws

Carvers use a wide variety of saws depending on the task, but the most commonly used is a bow saw ("snake").

It includes a replaceable high carbon steel blade mounted on a steel frame with a handle. A bow saw can be used to draw narrow, curved lines, although a fair amount of patience is required to prevent the blade from breaking or warping. The saw is also used to remove excess wood.

Special tools

The scraper is used for removing bark and for quick, rough removal of excess wood, as, for example, when working on furniture. The spoon knife has a double-edged round blade, ideal for making spoons, cups or masks.

Abrasives

Files and rasps remove excess wood quickly and smoothly. They differ in the nature of the surface, which can be rough, medium or relatively smooth. Always use flat, semi-circular or round tools with a handle. Files and rasps of the riffler type have teeth on both ends and a variety of shapes. They are used to penetrate hard-to-reach places and remove small chips. Tools with a rough surface are used for cleaning small areas.

The flexible sanding belt is useful when working on curved surfaces. Grinding cylinders as part of a hand drill or press are indispensable for final finishing. Polishing tools vary in surface texture and material nature to meet a wide variety of requirements. Sandpaper should only be used when the job is completed, otherwise the abrasive particles will get stuck in the wood and your tools will quickly become dull.

electrical tools

When you start making blanks yourself, you will need a band saw. A huge selection of blades will allow you to easily make the most difficult cuts, far surpassing anything that can be done with a bow saw. An openwork saw will help to process the inner surface, but not every tree can handle it. Belt and disc sanders are good for both finishing and bark removal. Many carvers use rotary tools with a wide range of heads to work on details such as feathers. There are hand grinders and small high speed cutters. There are also at least four types of electric chisels with reciprocating motion that allow arthritis sufferers and people with tennis elbow to enjoy carving.

Strengthening devices

If you are holding the workpiece in a vise, choose a tool that does not leave marks on the workpiece (or insert some material between the workpiece and the vise). To attach the workpiece to the workbench, I often use a six-millimeter capercaillie and a wing nut. If you are a beginner, you can put on a glove from steel wire to protect your hand.

I have an old friend, also a carver, who puts on a heavy leather apron when working towards the chest. When finishing or dyeing the product, you can use an awl or a dye stick.

SUPPORT

To better hold the workpiece when you cut a tree with a “snake” saw, I advise you to use a support - an ordinary board that supports the wood during sawing. Simply attach it to a workbench or table and hold the saw vertically in the V-shape as you cut the workpiece.

BENCH VICE

If you plan to do relief carving, I suggest you also make a simple bench vise. One terminal holds the vice from below in a fixed position, while the angle formed by the other two from above prevents your product or workpiece from slipping out of your hands during operation. Attach a bench vise to your work surface.

Accessories

Electric burn-out tools can be used for coloring the product, giving texture, as well as for signing the work. In this case, you will need a dust mask and a vacuum cleaner. You also need artist's tools and various brushes if you want to cover the product with paint or varnish. To transfer the pattern to the workpiece, I advise you to use tracing paper or copy. A good light source and a magnifying device are essential when performing fine detail work.

Instrument Care

You should periodically inspect your tools, wipe them with an oiled cloth so that they do not rust. Store your tools in their individual compartments or wrapped in cloth to protect them and reduce the time spent sharpening.

TOOL SHARPENING

Keep your tools sharp at all times, and pause to sharpen from time to time. All the carvers I know have developed their own dressing system; everyone found his own procedure, convenient for him personally. Some use whetstones with oil, others with water, and still others use electrical devices.

The first step is to sharpen the blade with a fine-grained abrasive, such as diamond grit or sandpaper. First, one side is processed until burrs appear on the metal, then the other. At the next stage of editing, the surface irregularities that arose at the beginning are eliminated. In conclusion, the blade should be polished to a mirror finish with a special compound, reducing friction between the blade and the wood.

How can you tell if a blade is sharp enough? Take a piece of scrap wood and run your knife across the grain. If an even mark remains, then the blade is sharp. If the fibers stick out in different directions and the mark is rough, then you need to sharpen the blade more.

REQUIRED TOOLS

cutting tools

Knife (preferably with a fixed blade)

Four straight chisels (palm size is enough)

No. 3 sloping chisel 1/2 wide (1.3 cm)

No. 7 semi-circular chisel 1/2 wide (1.3 cm) No. 11 steep chisel 1/4 wide (6 mm)

No. 12 chisel-corner 1/4 wide (6 mm)

Drawing supplies and patterning tools

Copier (MFP)

Bow saw ("snake")

Support (see above)

Drawing accessories

Pencil

Copy paper

What is the difference between relief carving and other techniques?

Relief technique is distinguished from flat-relief, contour, geometric and other types of non-volumetric carving, first of all, by its emphasized three-dimensional character. The main composition here comes to the fore due to the cropped background, due to which the image becomes more expressive, with a characteristic abundance of chiaroscuro.

If the main drawing of the composition rises only slightly, no more than half of the thickness of the entire product, then such a thread is called bas-relief (and the product itself is a bas-relief). With a higher and protruding relief, the carving is called high relief.

Beginner's Toolkit

To learn wood carving, it is not at all necessary to acquire an arsenal of chisels, knives and other cutters, as many tend to think. To master the basic skills of relief technique, several corner chisels (geimus) will be enough, for example, 10 mm And 6 mm, straight chisel 12 mm, radius (semicircular) 10 mm, scoring knife and a small engraver. Other types of chisels for woodcarving are appropriate to acquire as the carving skill grows.

Always keep your tool sharp. If the cutter leaves a rough mark and chips off the wood in small chips, instead of easily peeling off neat layers, this is a sure sign that the chisel needs to be sharpened. A blunt tool spoils the quality of work, requires a lot of effort when carving and does not allow a novice carver to correctly “feel” the chisel.

What wood to choose for relief carving?

The right choice of wood is the key to success for the master, mastering the intricacies of this technique. For the needs of carvers, almost all soft hardwoods: aspen, alder, birch, walnut, etc. But the main wood for most craftsmen, who are engaged not only in volume, but also in flat, flat, geometric and other types of woodcarving, is linden.

Linden is a soft and light wood with a uniform density, due to which it is particularly well processed: it is easy to cut, sharpen and plan in all directions. Linden almost does not warp and does not dry out, does not emit tannins, therefore it is considered an ideal raw material, including for the manufacture of dishes. The disadvantage of linden is its poor coloring in other colors.

Development of relief carving skills on the example of the project "Fox"

We will tell you step by step how to make a bas-relief carving on a tree using the example of a simple Fox project. As a blank, we recommend using a saw cut of linden or an ordinary board from any other soft hardwood.

To transfer a drawing to a wooden base, carbon paper is used as the simplest and most effective solution. If necessary, the lines of carbon paper can be easily erased, making the necessary changes as you go. To prevent the pattern from shifting during the transfer process, fix the wooden blank or place a rubber backing under it. Think about where to place the image in order to make the composition look more lively and interesting. In our case, we will shift it from the center to the bottom (photo 1).

To cut the outer contour, use a corner chisel #12 (blade width 10 mm/injection 60°). It will allow not only to make a neat outline of the main figure, but also immediately remove a significant part of the background (photo 2).

Technique for cutting with a corner chisel:

• Hold the tool tightly with your left hand, and push it forward with your right hand; the correct grip of the chisel will allow you to accurately guide the cutter, keep a neat cut line and prevent the blade from slipping off the contour.
• Mark the main contour of the lines with a cutter, then cut them to the desired depth (in our case 4-5 mm). By cutting the wood a little at a time, you will have better control over the carving process and reduce the risk of chipping.
• Overcoming the resistance of the wood, evenly distribute the pressure on the chisel, achieving a smooth and uniform surface.
• When working with a chisel, consider the direction of the wood fibers, because. the incisor always tends to move along solid annual rings.
• Under no circumstances point the chisel in your direction: cut away from you or hold the tool parallel to your chest.
• Work with the chisel right behind the pencil lines, leaving them visible.

The essence of embossed woodcarving lies in the correct and accurate removal of the background. Mastering this skill is a responsible task for a novice carver. Radius chisels (semicircular or sloping) help to remove a lot of background with minimal effort. In our case, we will leave the background of the composition in the form of wide decorative grooves (photo 3). If necessary, it can be made even using a flat chisel.

Having formed the background, we will return to the corner chisel and once again “finish” we will walk along the contour of the main composition (photo 4). After we trim the background (photo 5).

Corner chisels are optimal as a tool for fine contouring #15 (blade width 6 mm/injection 45°) or #16 (blade width 6 mm/injection 35°).

Outline the fox's eye, keeping the pencil outline (Pic 6). Go down and work on the mouth: carefully select the background around the teeth and inside the mouth (photo 7). Be guided by the volume and laws of perspective in the composition: since the front teeth are in the foreground, they should be slightly overestimated. Work on the nose area.

To work out the shape of the head, use a radius (sloping) chisel with a width 10 mm. Start with the ears: make the left ear in the foreground taller (Pic 8).

Round the shape of the head (Pic 9), making a smooth transition to the muzzle, which should remain flatter and without pronounced volume (Pic 10).

When working on specific areas, do not forget to periodically evaluate the overall composition: how well the volume flows, how the perspective is worked out, etc. Here, every detail is interconnected with each other. Relief carving should be perceived as an integral composition, and not a collage from a set of carved elements.

To work on this element, use a cerasik - a deep semicircular chisel with a width 5 mm(photo 11). This narrow tool is well suited for detailing small items and creating a sheet relief.

Make a neat trim around the entire perimeter of the sheet so that it stands out well from the overall composition and, as it were, is torn off from the background (photo 12). Having outlined the main contour and selected the background around the sheet, proceed to cut out the veins (photo 13). When you have finished shaping the relief, cut off all the remaining flat places with a engraver (photo 14).

Create a deep shadow above the eye with a scoring knife, line the lower eyelid with the chisel, and give the eye a roundness (Pic 15).

Finish with a cutter the study of small elements of the mouth (photo 16).

Imitating the texture of wool is an important skill that every carver needs to work out, because in the future you will repeatedly encounter the carving of various animals. In the presented project, fox fur is created according to the simplest scheme: cerazik 5 mm short and shallow strokes are made (arrows indicate the direction of natural growth of the animal's hair) (photo 17).

For greater naturalism, you can work out the texture of the wool with a thin steel cutter - a chisel. Work on the texture until there is not a single flat spot left.

How to clean wood carving?

With careful work, the sharpest cutters almost always remain rough spots and minor defects that need to be eliminated. For cleaning recessed places and trimming small chips, use a small engraver. Volumetric surfaces are cleaned sandpaper P150. To finally make sure that there are no unnoticed minor defects, wipe the picture with a rag soaked in white spirit, and carefully examine it again from different angles. When all the flaws are cleaned, you can start finishing.

How to cover wood carving?

For a monochromatic finish, the following compositions are used:

wood stain . In flat-relief carving, they are used not only to give the wood a more noble appearance. With the help of stains, they enhance the contrast of certain areas, they, in turn, emphasize the relief and volume of the composition. To achieve this effect, it is enough to apply stain to deep sections of the thread, which should appear shaded.

If you decide to completely tint your work, you need to use the stain carefully, taking into account the type of wood and the features of the workpiece on which the composition is carved. Under the influence of moisture, small-relief carvings can swell, warp, raised pile and other defects can form on it, which will irreparably spoil the appearance of the work. A common flaw in the staining of threads is the heterogeneity of tone, which is especially often manifested in the places where the bars are glued together.