Whittling Flat-Plane Animals

The approachable method of flat-plane carving is the perfect starting point for beginners to fall in love with woodcarving, or for experienced carvers to try something new! Featuring 15 projects of wood animals focusing on this accessible style of woodcarving, each project includes step-by-step instructions, full-size patterns, a brief overview on the animal's significance in Scandinavian culture, helpful tips, and more. From hares, ravens, and rams to bears, reindeer, and more, learn classic Scandinavian flat-plane techniques, further your skills, and discover a new favorite carving method! Author James Miller is an award-winning Scandinavian-style carver and a contributor to the acclaimed Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.

James Miller started carving at age 11 under the guidance of a supportive Community Education carving group. The members of this group introduced him to the Scandinavian flat-plane style, which sparked his ever-expanding interest in Scandinavian culture as a whole. This interest, and the support of mentors, family, and friends, has led him to become the youngest Vesterheim Gold Medalist woodworker, teach several classes, and demonstrate in numerous small-town events. In 2010, James' work appeared in Woodcarving Illustrated for the first time as part of the Best Carving Design Contest. Several years later, through the encouragement of Harley Refsal, he submitted an article to Woodcarving Illustrated's 5th Whittling edition. Since then, he has written several articles for the magazine, and in 2018, he traveled to Norway to meet with talented craftsmen and learn their techniques. When he's not busy with handcraft, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with his friends, James is at work developing software, where he also happily faces the same challenge he finds in his woodcarving: simplifying and abstracting ideas in unique ways. For more of his work, visit www.facebook.com/jrm.woodcarving.