Everyday Chip Carving Designs

Ever yday
Chip Carving

Designs

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Projects

Wayne Barton
Marty Leenhouts
Barry McKenzie

Bruce Nicholas
Tatiana Baldina

Contents

Getting Started
Materials & Tools.................................6
Pattern Transfer...................................7
Five Basic Chip Cuts..............................8
Applying Finishes.................................9
Setting Up Your Workspace...............10
Making a Carver’s Lapboard..............11
Practice Project: Simple Coaster........13

Projects for Hosting
Pineapple Welcome Sign...................16
Cozy Candle Plate...............................21
Modern Chess Set...............................26
Art Deco Light Switch Cover...............31
Family Photo Frame...........................35
Rosette Cribbage Board.....................41

Projects for Dining
Coffee Scoop.......................................46
Summery Supernova Coasters...........49
Simple Cereal Bowl............................51
Afternoon Tea Caddy.........................54

Projects for Dressing
Stylish Combs.....................................60
Aloe Leaf Earrings..............................63
Keepsake Box.....................................65
Milk Paint Jewelry Box......................68
Trio of Barrettes.................................73

Projects for Celebrating
Perpetual Calendar............................76
Bethlehem Star..................................81
Holiday Snowflakes...........................83
“Stained Glass” Baubles....................88
Nostalgic Sleds...................................91

41 Classic Flower Ornament...................93
About the Contributors......................94
Index..................................................96

woodcarvingillustrated.com 3

Pattern Chip carving is a precise art, so finding a method of accurate
Transfer pattern transfer that works for you is key. There are many ways
to transfer a pattern to the wood blank before carving, but two
of the most common are the following:

Graphite Paper Heat Transfer
1. Place the pattern right side up on the center of the 1. Use a laser printer or copier to make a mirror-image
project. Secure one edge with tape, lift the pattern, printout of the pattern. Place it face down in the center
and slide a piece of graphite paper between the of the project and secure one side with tape so it doesn’t
pattern and the wood, dark side down. slide around.
2. Replace the pattern on top of the graphite paper 2. Go over the surface of the paper with a heat transfer
and sketch along the pattern lines with a colored tool, never staying in one spot for too long. Check
pencil. This way, you can see which lines you’ve your work as you go to ensure the pattern transfer
already drawn. is successful.

1 1

Tape the pattern
facedown on
the wood.

Tape down one end
of the pattern and
slide the graphite

paper under it,
facedown.

22

Slide the transfer tool
over the surface
until the pattern
transfers.

Follow the pattern
lines with a colored

pencil or pen.

Getting Started 7

Making a Carver’s
Lapboard
materials & tools
By Gary MacKay
MATERIALS
W hen I first started chip carving, I would place a towel on my lap to • Plywood, 3/4" (1.9cm) thick: base, 10" x 12"
catch the chips. With chip carving, you should have your thumb, (25.4cm x 30.5cm)
knuckle, and knife point in contact with the wood you are carving. That’s not • Scrap wood, 3/8" (1cm) thick:
normally possible when you carve the chips near the edge of the blank. To long side, 11/2" x 12" (3.8cm x 30.5cm)
help support my hand while I carve these chips, I created a lapboard. • S crap wood 3/8" (1cm) thick: short side,
I made my lapboard with 11/2" (3.8cm)-wide sides to allow plenty of 11/2" x 7" (3.8cm x 17.8cm)
surface contact when carving chips near the edges of my stock. The sides are • W ood glue
the same thickness as the wood I normally carve and help to lock the blank
in place. Additionally, the lapboard gives me a solid surface to carve on and TOOLS The author used
I can sweep the chips into the drilled recesses to keep them out of the way • Drill press with bit: these products
while I work. 11/2" (38mm)- to 2" for the project.
If you increase the height of the sides, you can use the lapboard to hold (51mm)-dia. Forstner Substitute your
extra tools and catch wood chips when you work on any type of carving. • C lamps choice of brands,
• C hip carving knife tools, and materials

as desired.

Getting Started 11

Practice Project

Simple Coaster materials & tools

By Marty Leenhouts MATERIALS TOOLS
• Basswood, 1/2" (1.3cm) thick: • Chip carving knife
C arving this swirl rosette without a center chip missing 4" (10.2cm) square • Foam brush (for
is a challenge most carvers will enjoy. But don’t expect • S elf-adhesive cork backing: applying stain)
perfection the first time. Learn as you go and self-evaluate along 4" (10.2cm) square • P attern Transfer Tool
the way. And make sure your knife is scary sharp! • S andpaper: assorted grits • Vacuum
Getting Started up to 320
Pre-sand the blank to 320-grit until no marks remain. Apply the
pattern using either a photocopy and a Pattern Transfer Tool or • Pencil
graphite transfer paper and a pencil. • Graphite transfer paper
(optional)

• G el stain, such as The author used
Varathane® Ipswitch pine these products for the
• Clear finish, such as spray
matte acrylic or satin lacquer project. Substitute
• Tombow Sand Eraser your choice of brands,
tools, and materials

as desired.

Getting Started 13

Cozy materials & tools
Candle Plate
MATERIALS TOOLS
By Wayne Barton
• Basswood plate, 10" (25.4cm)-dia., • Compass
W hile the design possibilities for chip carving are with outside bead on rim and • Ruler
endless and have been executed for centuries 3" (7.6cm) x 1/4" (6mm)-deep well • E raser
with a broad array of tools, truly pleasing work can be in center • Knives: chip carving, stab
done relatively quickly with only one or two knives. • Mechanical pencil with • Stiff bristle brush
Since the surface to be carved is already established, B-grade lead
laying out the pattern is simple. While it is not necessary
to draw a line in the layout for every cut to be made, the • Finish: satin polyurethane spray The author used these products for the
more definition given to the layout, the less you will need • Gel stain: brown mahogany project. Substitute your choice of brands,
to guess exactly where to cut. For me, creating the design • Sandpaper: 220-grit
is often half the fun. tools, and materials as desired.

Cozy Candle Plate 21

APPLYING THE DESIGN

1 2
Determine the center of the plate. Draw two perpendicular Divide the plate into six equal sections. Set the compass
lines across the center of the plate. The lines cross at the center. Use to the same radius as the first drawn circle. Place the point of the
the center point to draw in all of the circles needed to lay out the compass where the vertical line intersects the first circle and make a
design. Running from the first drawn circle to the edge of the plate on mark on the circle both to the left and the right. Repeat the procedure
both sides, draw a straight line through the center of the plate parallel at the other intersection of the vertical line and the first circle. Use a
to the grain of the wood. Bisect this line and establish a vertical line. ruler to draw lines through the marks, creating six sections.

3 4
Space out the fans. The fans are located between the Outline the fans. Draw a smoothly curved freehand line
second and third circles. Place the point of the compass on the connecting the top of one arch to the bottom of the adjacent arch.
intersection of the second circle and the line defining one of the six Repeat to complete the outline for all twelve fans.
sections. Set the compass so it reaches the third drawn circle. Draw
an arch from the second circle to the point where the third circle
intersects with the line. Repeat for each of the six sections.
22 Everyday Chip Carving Designs

Practice different cuts on
each piece and build a game

board fit for royalty.

27

Family
Photo
Frame

By Marty Leenhouts

© Machekhin Evgenii/Shutterstock.com
© The Bere Collective

materials & tools T he next time you need a unique frame
for a print, diploma, or photograph, chip
MATERIALS TOOLS carve it yourself to make it extra special. Chip
carving is easy to learn, and you can complete
• Picture frame, basswood: • Chip carving knife, such as a most projects with one knife.
71/2" x 91/2" (19.1cm x 24.1cm) or diamond modified knife Whether this frame will hang on your wall
size of choice or be given away as a gift, knowing that you
• P attern Transfer Tool (optional) handcarved it will make the item inside even
• G raphite transfer paper more meaningful.
• Lazy Susan (optional)
• Sandpaper: 220-grit or finer
• Tombow Sand Eraser • Nonslip mat (optional)

• Lacquer: spray satin The author used these products for the project. Substitute
• Gel stain (optional) your choice of brands, tools, and materials as desired.

Family Photo Frame 35

Coffee Scoop

By Deanna Cadoret

I became interested in carving when I saw everyday prefer stronger coffee, make the bowl a bit larger. Test
wooden items, such as spoons, stools, and jam the amount of grounds the scoop will hold as you hollow
spreaders, made beautiful by the addition of chip out the bowl.
carving. In today's world of mass-produced wooden The same technique can be used to make measuring
trinkets, there is little that deserves the effort of chip cups. To determine if the measuring cups are accurate,
carving, so I started carving my own items that could fill a store-bought measuring cup with water or rice to
then be decorated. Handmade scoops, such as this one, the level you want the wooden measuring cup to hold.
make wonderful gifts, especially when paired with a bag As you get close to finishing the bowl, pour the contents
of gourmet coffee. from the measuring cup into the carved bowl. Continue
This scoop is sized to measure out the correct hollowing the scoop or measuring cup until it holds all
amount of grounds I need for each pot of coffee. If you of the contents from the measuring cup.

CARVING THE SPOON

1 2
Transfer the scoop pattern. Slide transfer paper under Rough out the scoop. Use a band saw to cut away as much
the pattern and trace the top view and side view of the scoop onto waste wood as possible. Cut 1/16" (2mm) outside of the pattern
the blank. Be sure to include the inside line of the bowl, but do not lines. You can also use a sharp knife to rough out the scoop.
transfer the chip carving pattern yet.

3 4
Shape the outside. Use a knife to remove small amounts Determine the depth of the bowl. Drill or carve a 1/2" (1.3cm)-diameter
of wood from the scoop. Round the bottom of the bowl and by 5/8" to 7/8" (1.6cm to 2.2cm)-deep hole in the center of the bowl. I used a 1/4"
carve away the waste outside of the pattern lines. Do not carve (6mm) #5 gouge to carve the hole. Place the tip of the gouge against the wood
away the lines. The lines will be sanded off. just off from the center, and spin the gouge around while applying pressure.
46 Everyday Chip Carving Designs

materials & tools

MATERIALS TOOLS

• Wood, 1" (2.5cm) thick: 13/4" x 4" • Band saw
(4.4cm x 10.2cm) • K nives: chip carving,
• Graphite transfer paper rough out (optional)

• Sandpaper: assorted grits up to 600 • #2 pencil

• Plastic reusable bag (optional) • # 5 gouge: 1/4" (6mm)

• Walnut oil or food-safe finish of choice • M arking instruments Use the same design on other household
items, such as handcarved measuring cups.
The author used these products for the project. Substitute
your choice of brands, tools, and materials as desired.

Coffee Scoop 47

Summery Supernova
Coasters
materials & tools
By Roman Chernikov
MATERIALS
I f you have avoided chip carving till now because it’s too
intimidating, then my supernova coasters, inspired by the look • B asswood, at least ¼" (6mm) thick: 4" (10.2cm) square
of an exploding star, are an ideal first project. In these patterns, I
placed the chips farther apart than usual, so no two share the same • Graphite transfer paper
edge; this virtually eliminates the common mistakes that lead to
broken or uneven ridges. • Pencil

• Sandpaper: 220-grit The author used these
• Finish: clear acrylic spray products for the project.
Substitute your choice of
TOOLS brands, tools, and materials

as desired.

• Chip carving knife

• Hot tool (to transfer pattern, optional)

Summery Supernova Coasters 49

Supernova Coaster
Patterns

Making the Coasters
Cut the blanks to size and sand them smooth
using 220-grit sandpaper. Round the edges if
desired. Transfer the patterns to the blanks
using a hot tool with a laser print or graphite
transfer paper. Strop your knife before you
begin carving the chips.
I use simple three-corner chips with
straight edges to carve the supernovas, which
consist of 108 chips each. Refer to the photos
to keep track of where the deepest part of
the chip should be. Once you’ve carved the
coasters, apply several light coats of acrylic
spray finish, letting the entire piece dry
between coats.

TIP
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Making rosettes is the best way to learn carving
with the grain, as the chips align with the grain at
many different angles. Carve a rosette or two on a
practice board before starting your project.

50 Everyday Chip Carving Designs

Afternoon Tea Caddy

By Marty Leenhouts

T ea is the second most widely consumed drink CARVING THE LEAVES
around the world, after water. If you aren’t a
tea drinker, you surely know someone who is. Storing 1
several varieties of tea separately in the cupboard is Carve the outer line of the box lid. Stack boards or books
messy and takes up a lot of space, as well as making alongside the box to provide a base for your hand so you can
it challenging to offer the assortment to guests. Chip maintain the proper grip, hand, and arm position to carve precise
carve a premade box to neatly organize tea bags in chips. Try to make one continuous cut whenever possible. This will
eight compartments, creating a unique way to store and create smooth lines and avoid stop-start marks.
serve this common drink.
The design is a positive image design, meaning that
you will remove the background, shown in gray, so the
leaves remain proud on the surface. The depths of the
cuts will vary with the width of the chips.
Getting Started
Remove the clasp so you can sand the entire box
with progressively finer grits of paper through at
least 220-grit. Remove the dust with a vacuum. Use
a photocopier to resize the pattern to fit your box if
necessary. The pattern is designed for transferring with
graphite paper. However, I use a hot Pattern Transfer
Tool with a toner-based laser print.
Some fonts are easier to carve than others; the
rounded ends of the one I chose are challenging to
carve but look distinctive when completed. If desired,
choose and size a different font using a word processor.
I suggest you practice carving the letters before carving
the box. Transfer the letters to the box using the
method of your choice.

materials & tools

MATERIALS TOOLS

• Basswood box • Chip carving knife

• Graphite transfer paper (optional) • Pattern Transfer Tool

• Eraser, such as • Masking tape
Tombow Sand Eraser

• Sanding sealer The author used these products for the 2
• Lacquer: spray satin project. Substitute your choice of brands, Remove the large chips. It is helpful to carve a smaller chip
• Gel stain from the center first. Then go back and carve along the outer and
tools, and materials as desired. inner lines to free the large chip cleanly.

54 Everyday Chip Carving Designs

AfternoonTea Caddy 55

A stylish comb to tame the wildest of
beards and a folding hair comb perfect
for storing in a purse or pack.

Stylish Combs 61

Aloe Leaf Earrings

By Amy Costello

I n an effort to improve my skills, I challenged myself materials & tools
to design and carve a new pattern every week for
these wooden hoop earrings. I arrived at this particular MATERIALS TOOLS
design while playing around with a compass. I developed • Basswood, 1/4" (6mm) thick: 2 each • Scroll saw with #3 reverse-tooth
the curved diamond pattern by overlapping two sets approx. 23/4" (7cm) square blades, band saw, or midi-lathe
of concentric circles: one centered at the top of the big • Sandpaper: assorted grits from with assorted chisels
hole and the other centered at the bottom. To lay out • Chip carving knife, such as
the aloe leaves, I then drew smooth curves from certain 150 to 320 Pfeil #2
intersections of those circles to a shared point at the • Graphite transfer paper (optional) • Drill with bits: 1" (25mm)-dia.
bottom of the earring.  • Pencil (optional) Forstner, 1/16" (2mm)-dia.
This set makes for a perfect stocking stuffer around • Milk paint: light green • Sander: pneumatic drum
the holidays. You can prepare a bunch of blanks at once • Finish, such as clear spray lacquer (optional)
and then carve a handful in a sitting. The milk paint • Metal earring hooks: 2 each • Paintbrushes: assorted small
adds a nice accent without stealing the show; mix up • Jump rings, 1/4" (6mm): 2 each
whichever colors you prefer and go to town!
The author used these products for the project. Substitute
your choice of brands, tools, and materials as desired.

Aloe Leaf Earrings 63

Carvings for Life!

Find inspiration every day in Everyday Chip Carving Designs!
A must-have resource for carving practical objects that are as
functional as they are decorative, this complete project guide
is a compilation of 48 beginner to intermediate designs from
the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated. Each original project
includes detailed instructions, coordinating photography,
patterns, expert tips, complete supplies and tools lists, and
more to guarantee beautiful end results. From bowls and
boxes to coasters, coffee scoops, and Christmas decorations,
these achievable chip carved designs are just as fun to carve
as they are to use!

• A best-of compilation of original chip carving projects from
the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated

• Includes includes 48 useful and attractive chip carved designs
that are perfect for everyday life

• C arving projects range from barrettes, beard combs, and boxes
to calendars, coasters, home décor, and more

• C ontains step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography,
supplies and tools lists, patterns, and expert tips

• Features original designs by several contributors to
Woodcarving Illustrated, industry-leading artists, and
bestselling authors, such as Wayne Barton, Charlene Lynum,
Vernon DePauw, and many others

“ A treasure chest full of valuable, useful, and creative chip
carved items!”

—Marty Leenhouts, founder of MyChipCarving.com

“ From the simple to the sublime; a fantastic curated
compendium of chip carving projects.”

—Jason Weymouth, founder of carvedwoodenspoons.com

$14.99 US | $18.99 CAN

ISBN: 978-1-4971-0171-5

EAN 51499

9 781497 101715