Sketches of wood carving projects. Sketches for wood carving: a selection of interesting ornaments. Tools for woodworking, cutting blanks

Of all types of carving, relief technique is one of the most expressive. Realistic wooden bas-reliefs, with neat detailing, spectacular play of shadows and properly constructed composition, can truly bewitch. The relief technique can be considered as a transitional step to sculptural carving, which is rightfully considered the crown of carved art.

In this article we will talk about basic principles relief wood carving. Our tips will be useful not only for beginning carvers, but also for craftsmen who have already tried their hand at this technique. Using the example of the proposed project, you will become familiar with the basic principles of clean and accurate cutting, learn how to correctly model volume, and master professional secrets that will help emphasize the three-dimensional qualities of a carved composition.

What is the difference between relief carving and other techniques?

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

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

Newbie Tool Set

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

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

Which wood to choose for relief carving?

The right choice of wood is the key to success for a master mastering the intricacies of this technique. Almost all soft materials are optimally suited for the needs of carvers. hardwoods: aspen, alder, birch, walnut, etc. But the main wood for most craftsmen who engage in not only volumetric, but also flat, flat-notched, geometric and other types of wood carving is linden.

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

Practicing relief carving skills using the example of the “Fox” project

We will tell you step by step how to make bas-relief carvings on wood using the simple “Fox” project as an example. As a blank, we recommend using a cut of linden or a regular board made of any other soft hardwood.

To transfer a drawing onto a wooden base, carbon paper is used as the simplest and most effective solution. If necessary, the carbon paper lines can be easily erased by making the necessary changes as you go. To prevent the design from shifting during the transfer process, secure the piece of wood or place a rubber backing underneath it. Think about where best to place the image to make the composition look more lively and interesting. In our case, we will move it from the center to the bottom (photo 1).

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

Technique for cutting with an angle chisel:

  • Fix the instrument tightly with your left hand, and push it forward with your right; The correct grip of the chisel will allow you to accurately guide the cutter, maintain a neat cutting 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 more 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, take into account the direction of the wood grain, because the cutter always tends to move along the solid annual rings.
  • Under no circumstances should you point the chisel towards yourself: cut away from you or hold the tool parallel to your chest.
  • Work the cutter directly behind the pencil lines, leaving them visible.

Correct and accurate removal of the background is largely the essence of relief wood carving. Mastering this skill is a responsible task for a beginning 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). Then we’ll straighten the background (photo 5).

Angled chisels are optimal as a tool for fine contour work. #15 (blade width 6 mm/corner 45°) or #16 (blade width 6 mm/corner 35°).

Outline the fox's eye, keeping the pencil outline (photo 6). Go down and start working on the mouth: carefully select the background around the teeth and inside the mouth (photo 7). Focus on volume and the laws of perspective in the composition: since the front teeth are in the foreground, they should be slightly exaggerated. 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 (photo 8).

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

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

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

Make a neat trim along the entire perimeter of the sheet so that it stands out well from the overall composition and seems to be torn away from the background (photo 12). Having outlined the main outline and selected the background around the leaf, proceed to cutting out the veins (photo 13). Having finished forming the relief, cut off all the remaining flat places with a serger (photo 14).

Using a trimming knife, create a deep shadow above the eye, line the lower eyelid with the incisor and give the eye a roundness (photo 15).

Finish working out the small elements of the mouth with a chisel (photo 16).

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

For greater naturalism, you can work out the texture of the wool with a thin steel cutter - a serger. Work on the texture until there are no flat spots left.

How to clean wood carvings?

When working carefully, the sharpest cutters almost always leave rough spots and minor defects that require elimination. Use a fine gravel to clean out recessed areas and trim small chips. Volumetric surfaces are cleaned sandpaper P150. To finally make sure there are no undetected minor defects, wipe the painting with a rag soaked in white spirit and carefully examine it again from different angles. When all the imperfections have been cleaned out, you can begin finishing.

How to coat wood carvings?

For single-color finishing, the following compositions are used:

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

If you decide to completely tint your work, you need to use stain carefully, taking into account the type of wood and the characteristics 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 when staining carvings is unevenness of tone, especially often manifested in places where the bars are glued.

Wood carving is considered the most ancient art. It can decorate the house and interior elements. Many different simple patterns have become superb designs that appeal with their elegance and precision.

Wood carving ornaments have been used as decoration for quite a long time. An ornament is a pattern that has combinations of various shapes: geometric, plant, animal, bird, human, etc. The elements that make it up can be repeated or alternated. More complex components can be simplified for better perception of detail.

Carved ornaments in the traditions of Russian pattern making are familiar to many of us - carved shutters and platbands, valances, friezes and balusters, decorative balconies - the Russian hut has been famous for these decorations since ancient times. And until now, many owners of country houses prefer magical carvings to practical plastic. True, delicate work is now done with the help of new technologies.

Geometric design is characterized by various simple patterns, when combined, you can get amazing drawings that captivate with their beauty. Most often they come in the form of decorations such as stripes, stars, rosettes, etc. Other wooden elements also make sense and give a great look. Among other geometric patterns there are:

  • A dot is an element that is used separately and is reused as decor.
  • Line is a commonly used pattern, primarily intended for separation.
  • A zigzag or broken line symbolizes water.
  • A rhombus or square limits the space filled with patterns.
  • Polygons (hexagons, octagons, etc.) are often used in oriental wood carving.
  • Crosses mean creation, construction of something, etc.
  • Twisted or spiral, or other curved elements.
  • The circle is filled with a pattern and is responsible for a separate composition.

Description of plant patterns

Performed in different varieties or repeated separately. They can represent an excellent composition, which can contain drawings of a tree, fruit plant, flower, etc. Floristry is depicted naturally or in a simplified or stylized form. It is considered the most popular after the type of geometric ornament. Since ancient times, the most frequently used wood were grapes, oaks, laurels, lotuses, ivy, etc.

Gallery: wood carving (25 photos)


















Properties of animal (zoomorphological) ornament

This carved ornament shows drawings of various animals, which can be fictional as well as real. They are often stylized. These are very ancient drawings. Among the patterns there are not only entire wooden elements, but also individual parts of the animal body (heads, wings, paws, etc.). Quite often used in combination with different types ornaments. Can be used for different threads.

Ornament with the image of a person

In wood carving, a wooden man can be depicted schematically or more realistically. It is used for decorative interior details. Pairs perfectly with different types of patterns.

Among all the wood carving ornaments, we can highlight the following: wooden decorative or symbolic image types, e.g.:

  1. Hieroglyphs, inscriptions, etc.
  2. Emblems, coats of arms, etc. (heraldry).
  3. Various symbols (yin-yang, lotus, cross, etc.)

Main shapes of different patterns

It all depends on which one is used. The following forms are distinguished::

  • A ribbon shape or border that runs along the edge or frames the product.
  • Garland is a wavy shape (mainly used with floral patterns).
  • A rosette is an independent form in the form of a flower, a polygon, etc.
  • Palmette is a fan-shaped with decoration.
  • Arabette is a complex patterned element made up of geometric, plant shapes.
  • The wreath is used as a floral ornament.
  • Braiding is made with interlacing components (strips, ribbons, stems, etc.).
  • The openwork ornament requires the use of sawn carving techniques (making a through background image).

Sketches (album) for forming patterns

Initially, before you start carving wood, you need to make a sketch on paper (you can use it in your sketchbook) of the same size. You can do this on a printer or copier (reduce, enlarge, etc.). You can also draw by hand using cells for linear scaling. This carved ornament is duplicated on wood using simple copy paper. For through threads, you can make a simple template by cutting it out with scissors, so that you can then apply it and trace it with a pencil on the workpiece. You can buy special templates or find images on the Internet; the Slavic pattern is very beautiful and ancient.

Wood carving is an amazingly beautiful and very popular type of hand-made wood processing these days. The carved interior details captivate with their magnificent appearance and reflect rich national traditions.

Creative people who are simply itching to do something very interesting and useful should pay attention to wood carving. Girls and women may think that this is only a man's activity. And they will be wrong, because there are no fewer women woodcarvers than men.

About wood carving for beginners

To decorate the internal and external space, various types of carvings and techniques for realizing the plan can be used. If you are interested in this type of needlework, then you must understand that you need to master the methods and techniques of wood processing, acquire necessary tools and improve your carving skills.

In the modern world of smartphones and tablets, a wooden stand decorated with wood carvings looks very original.


Skillfully executed carvings in the form of simple and ornate patterns and ornaments seem to enliven the world and endow it with sophistication, charm, emphasizing the taste of the owner of luxury items and the talent of the craftsman.


The works of the best carvers decorate the temples. Pay attention to the photo of the iconostasis of the upper Church of the Holy Image of the Savior, which is located in Moscow, in the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fili.

Modern masters with delicate taste create real masterpieces.

And thanks to finishing technologies and protection of the finished product from the destructive effects of mold and insects, these wood carvings have served people for hundreds of years.

Pay attention to the magnificent carved pieces of furniture:


Stylish doors:

Delightful handmade figurines:


Very often, connoisseurs collect handmade carved items. Wonderful chess that is worthy of any collection.

Perhaps, over time, your wood carving masterpieces will be carefully preserved by collectors or decorate temples.

Types of wood carving

Of all types of wood carving, it is very interesting openwork or through thread on wood, which is characterized by some transparency, in which only the image remains, without a background. An example is an applied carving - this is an ornament that is attached to a finished background after production by a craftsman.

Geometric carving woodworking This is a type of carving in which the pattern is formed using many simple geometric shapes (a rhombus is often used).

Oriental carving on wood it is distinguished by its whimsical shapes. Egypt is the cradle of the oriental type of wood carving.


Relief carving on wood. In this technique, the image is located above the background or at the same level with it. These are carved panels various shapes with a three-dimensional image.

- This is a flat-relief carving, but distinguished by an abundance of carved and stucco decorations, various colors, curls, leaves, figures of people in unnatural poses, fabulous fantastic animals.

Originated in the village of Kudrino. Well-known products in this type of carving are boxes, vases, dishes, ladles, and home decor items. The main element is a floral ornament: rosettes, curls and twigs.

Volumetric (sculptural) carving Great for making sculptures, animal and human figures, toys. - a subtype of volumetric thread. This is the main industry of the village of Bogorodskoye in the Moscow region. The famous Bogorodsk toys are figurines of animals and people made of linden and alder.

Most often used to decorate wooden Scandinavian churches. Wood carvers decorated the inside and outside of church buildings with images of Gods and various animals.

- the simplest and most unique type of carving. On a flat background, the master cuts out grooves - grooves, forming a pattern. Carved landscapes - images of landscapes on wood.


All these types of carvings are quite conventional. Each master chooses the most suitable one, taking into account work experience, quality of wood and creative inspiration.

What can be decorated with carvings?

The simplest staircase is transformed, decorated with carved balusters. Balusters- these are figured columns in the form of columns, a stylish and noble decoration of the staircase. Wooden balusters look organically with a spiral wooden staircase.

Bas-relief. Another name is "low relief". This is a sculptural image on a plane. Most often these are figures of people and animals .

Choosing tools for wood carving

As in every business, wood carving has its own secrets and nuances, which allow one to reveal the beauty of wood in a wonderful ornament. It is necessary to select special tools for wood carving and stock up on the necessary blanks and sketches for wood carving, which will be embodied in the form of drawings, borders, lace or genre scenes.

Basic tools

Very high requirements requirements for the quality of carving tools. Of course, skill plays an important role, but well-selected and sharpened tools will help bring your idea to life. Experienced carvers will tell about its quality at first glance at a tool, but beginners are lost in the store because of the huge selection.

IN basic set for wood carving includes:

  • several knives and chisels;
  • needle files;
  • hacksaws for metal;
  • vice;
  • sandpaper;
  • drill with several types of drills;
  • bars.

Knives should be made only from high quality steel. It is better to purchase them in specialized stores for creativity. Although on initial stage Just sharply sharpened knives will do. An excellent start would be knives from Tatyanka, Narex, Kogatana, etc.

It is not necessary to choose an expensive foreign-made instrument, because domestic instruments can be the same good quality but much cheaper

As your skill grows, you may need a set of tools, a milling machine, a drill, etc.

Chisels for carving

Sometimes, instead of a chisel, a sharpened screwdriver or file is used for wood carving.

Flat chisel- This is a long rod, at the end of which there is a flat cutting edge. Very often it is used for primary wood processing.

Semicircular chisel- this is one of the most important tools for work. They differ somewhat in the degree of roundness, that is, they are medium, round and sloping.

It still happens V-shaped version of chisels. It can be useful for geometric wood carving, which we will introduce you to below.

Beginners need only a small wood carving set of good quality to immediately get used to the correct movements and pressure.

In this video there is a wonderful master A. Yuryev shared with us which tools to choose for carving.

How to protect yourself from injury when carving wood

Any tool of a master carver can be compared to a straight razor, therefore, when working with it, you must strictly follow safety precautions. The material must be positioned so that you can work freely with a knife or chisel, eliminating the possibility of the sharp edge hitting your hands.

The work place should be comfortable and clean. All unnecessary tools at the moment should be carefully folded, because they are very sharp and can cause injury.

Materials for work

Each type of wood for carving has its pros and cons. Soft wood is easy to work with, but there can also be a lot of defects. These are aspen, linden, birch. This wood is best for beginners.

Oak, boxwood, mahogany are more expensive and complex wood. It is hard and durable, so it is difficult to carve from such wood. Very often there are troubles when working with such types of wood. Either the instrument or the craftsman may be harmed.

An experienced carver can easily work with a variety of woods, including juniper. Well, for beginners it is better to use inexpensive materials - spruce, pine, pear or birch.

Whatever tools are chosen for wood carving, safety precautions must be strictly observed!

Geometric carving technology

Geometric wood carving is considered the simplest and is perfect for beginners. To create the intended design, you need to have a small set of wood carving tools and clearly follow the design. For geometric carving In wood, symmetry and repetition are of great importance. This achieves a wonderful play of light and shadow.


Cutting boards using this technique and wooden panels look wonderful in the kitchen.

Geometric carving consists of sequential cutting out of simple geometric shapes: rectangles, triangles, squares, rhombuses. But the result is a wonderful ornament that looks different in different lighting.

Execution Sequence any wood carving is like this:

  • First, a wooden blank is made (board, deck, blank).
  • Next is rough leveling of the surface of the workpiece, during which all defects and roughness are removed.
  • Then a decorative relief is formed using special cutters.
  • After the main carving is completed, the finishing process is grinding, impregnation, painting, varnishing.

You cannot work with a workpiece on your knees! The master must have a table to work on.

Master class “Geometric wood carving on a cutting board”

Tools. You will need 2 knives for wood carving: a triangular jamb knife and a feather knife, a ruler, a compass, a pencil.

A triangle jamb knife is necessary for cutting triangular shapes of various configurations, as well as for cutting long straight lines. A pen knife is used to cut long lines such as a petal or groove. Carving knives should be sharp and comfortable.

First stage. We make a sketch of the pattern on the board. It can be applied using a compass and ruler. Or you can print out carving patterns taken from the Internet and use carbon paper to transfer them to a prepared cutting board.

Second phase. Cut out the petals. We use a pen knife.

While working, the thumb is pressed firmly against the board, and the index finger lightly touches the wood. This will help regulate the depth of the knife into the surface and the angle of inclination. And your thumb will help you move the blade smoothly. First, we cut in one direction at an angle, then we turn the board over and cut on the other side.

If the shavings curl like a rope, the knife is good and sharp. It must be periodically sharpened with a piece of leather with GOI paste.

Third stage. We cut out the triangles with a blunt knife. Using the heel, at an angle of 45 degrees, we cut the knife into the wood, not reaching the edges of the pattern on three sides. The slots should meet on all sides in the shape of a pyramid. The sliver falls out and forms a beautiful triangle.

Fourth stage. What we couldn’t cut, carefully clean it so that the edges are frequent and even. Using the same principle, we cut out grooves and triangles around the perimeter of the board.

Fifth stage. We sand everything with sandpaper and treat it with natural impregnation. All! The work is done. We decorate the kitchen with a useful and beautiful cutting board with wood carvings.

Wood carving designs

To perform wood carving, photographs, drawings and sketches are simply necessary. A large pattern for wood carving is used for large-scale products: for the facades of houses, interior decoration with carvings of churches, windows.

For interior items and furniture, carvers use small patterns that are carefully worked out by the craftsman.

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Video master classes on wood carving for beginners

Of course, the wood carving looks especially impressive in the video. Channel "HAND WOOD CARVING" shows the features of geometric carving for beginners.

A woman's view of wood carving. Channel tatianacarving shows us how to make flower petals and leaves.

Konstantin Belyaev on his channel he talks in detail about wood carving cutters.

And in this video Ivan the Builder shows how to make relief-planar carving:

We will be very glad if this article inspired you to take up wood carving!

Wood has always been considered a good material for exterior and interior decoration. Therefore, today wood carvings, photographs, drawings and sketches are used to create an improved interior. Following this direction, furniture sets and interiors are decorated using the latest technology, techniques and elements that make it possible to obtain products with excellent appearance and quality, as well as having high artistic value.

Wood is a fairly light material that can be easily processed and has been used since ancient times in decorating palaces, temples, and houses. Craftsmen from all over the world eagerly apply designs for wood carving, using natural materials in their work to create a unique stylistic image in the interior of the house.

Relief carving is a rather labor-intensive type of carving.

For decor from wooden elements using carvings use different woods:

  1. Linden. A very soft material for carving, from which you can make small products in the form of photo frames, various boxes, and household utensils with patterns. They simply attract attention. This material is perfect for learning wood carving, as it has a soft, pliable wood structure and a beautiful cut color.
  2. Birch. It is an excellent raw material for obtaining dazzling applied decor or creating excellent souvenirs.
  3. Nut. Hard material, very good in processing and polishing. A wide range from small products and furniture decor to a variety of sculptural compositions.
  4. Pear. Unique material, almost does not crack. Used to create exclusive decorations and souvenirs.
  5. Alder. It is considered an aristocratic tree. The wood has a variety of colors from rich red and purple to black. This often replaces valuable tree species.
  6. Pine, yew, spruce, cedar. These types of tree species are used to form massive carved sculptures, platbands, which are used in the design of cornices and home decoration.

Carving is used to decorate the outside of the house thanks to different ornaments and figures.

Variety of types of wood carvings

In the modern world, more than one type of manual wood processing technology can be used. Of these, you can focus on the following methods:

  1. Through thread. It is characterized by the complete removal of wood shavings from the boundaries of the design. There is a simple look and an openwork one with different heights and edges. Thanks to this technique, frames, overlays, doors, and decorative elements are made. If you want to carve wood in an oriental style, then a jigsaw will come to the rescue.
  2. Thread with flat notches. Characterized by the presence flat surface, into which the thread elements are deepened. There are several subtypes of carving - contour, when, thanks to grooves of a semicircular or triangular section, patterns are obtained on a flat surface; stapled, when the pattern is made from semicircular notches; geometric, when several types of elements are used for the design - pegs and a triangular pyramid recessed in the middle. The patterns are made with a wood carving knife - a jamb. In this case, you get a variety of figures in the form of rhombuses, chains, and honeycombs. Black varnish carving is also performed, when the front side is covered with black paint or varnish, and then grooves are cut out.
  3. Relief carving. The elements are placed at the same level with the front surface or higher. This is a rather labor-intensive type of carving. Thanks to this type, images of coats of arms, various ornaments, and emblems are created. Subsequently, the image is completed by the play of light and shadow.
  4. Carving for home decoration. They are used to decorate the outside of the house thanks to the different ornaments and figures that are located on the back of the wooden elements. They decorate cornices, porch posts, and balusters.

A wood carving stencil always comes to the aid of a craftsman. In this difficult task, he is always an indispensable assistant.

Types of stencils

Stencils for wood carving are used to perform rather difficult and painstaking work, which will then decorate the house. Divided into the following types:

  • stencils intended for strip ornaments, platbands, pilasters;
  • stencils for carved boards - depict ornaments;
  • stencils for brackets, rosettes, balusters and the like.

What stencil is preferred for wood carving?

To select suitable stencils you need to follow several rules:

  • you need to choose a stencil that you can work with, especially if this is done for the first time, do not think that this is easy job- the material can be damaged;
  • for cut wood carvings, you need to choose only the types of stencils that correspond to it, while trying to transfer the design more accurately and not go beyond its boundaries, otherwise the work will be sloppy.

You need to choose a stencil that you can work with

What parameters should you use to choose a template for wood carving?

Firstly, for large wooden elements it is necessary to choose large stencils, otherwise the elements will be small and will not be visible. But for boxes and frames they choose more complex patterns.

For different carving techniques, the proper patterns and templates for wood carving are selected:

  1. Slotted carving requires templates and stencils of proper quality and fast work. After the drawing has been transferred, those areas that turn out to be through will need to be shaded.
  2. Geometric technique is the basis of wood carving. When a sketch is selected, it is applied to a wooden panel.
  3. Sculptural or relief carving is more labor-intensive and requires certain skills from the master. First, the sketch is made on paper, but if it is a three-dimensional craft, then it is necessary to create a figure from a plastic material, for example, clay.

Artistic wood carving always looks very impressive. Most people have no idea how such products can be made. It seems that this requires enormous physical strength, and in addition, artistic taste and education. However, cutting out a beautiful ornament is not as difficult as it seems, you just need to learn a little technique and, as they say, get better at it. We will show popular drawings for learning wood carving techniques that will be useful for beginners and masters!

It's no secret that for manual creative work It is necessary not only to master the skills of this art, but also to have inspiration, desire and, of course, time. In order for all these parameters to come together, the master can use drawings to study simple wood carving. Not only drawings help to generate an idea, but also photographs of the work of other craftsmen.

There are sketches for various types wood carvings, and here you can find a suitable sketch for yourself completely free of charge.

We analyze drawings for wood carving: sketches for geometry

Drawings for geometric carving are well suited for beginning craftsmen. This is an easy and effective type of wood carving. To do this, you just need to determine for yourself which areas are convex and which are concave, in which case the correct picture on the tree will come out.

Boards in geometric and flat-relief techniques.

Stencil.

Stencils can be changed - for example, reducing the number of elements, or, conversely, adding details for a more interesting result.

Stencils for slotted carving.

There are other types of artistic carving. One of the simple cutting techniques, provided you have the right tool, such as a router, is slotting. It is also called openwork because the finished product, made precisely and accurately, looks like lace. It has no background - it is cut out of the pattern. Hence the name. To practice this type of wood carving, you need to have a steady hand and cut clearly along the contour of the stencil. A contrasting color of fabric or foil is placed under a product made using this technique with a router or jigsaw. The photo shows examples of finished work, as well as sketches suitable for this technique.

Contour wood carving technique: examples, sketches for work.

Contour carving is different in that a contour pattern is cut out on the wood. You can make a lot of different paintings using this technique; it is not necessary to take a ready-made stencil for carving. To decorate a nursery, you can outline the coloring book and use it as a sketch. Also, if you don’t know how to draw, you can take any sketch made in pencil and transfer it to wood. This technique produces good images of animals, birds, as well as landscapes and still lifes. The images clearly show examples of what can be carved on wood using this technique.

Black varnish carving is a type of contour carving, where a light contour is cut out on painted wood.

Examples and stencils for flat-relief wood carving.

This type is different in that the drawing is above the background. In this case, the pattern has the same height. The background can be textured or smooth. The edges of the cut out pattern are usually rolled over, that is, it is carefully sanded so that they are smooth, as if oval. This technique requires a little more skill than others, but the products made this way look amazing. The photo shows examples and sketches for carving in this style.

Decoration of boxes using various carving techniques.

Drawings for boxes can be distinguished as a special type. They can be made using various techniques: slotted carving, placing a base of fabric, foil or noble types of wood of a suitable color under the design; flat carving, which includes geometric and contour, or another subspecies. It differs in that indentations of the same depth are made in a flat background. In the case of geometric techniques, the recesses, as a rule, have the shape of triangles or quadrangles. In addition, there is also a staple carving, which is also a type of flat carving and is well suited for decorating boxes. In the images you can see boxes made in various styles.