This book features 14 beginner-friendly whittling projects. This is an excellent book to start with if you're just getting into whittling.

Whittling Workbook
14 Simple Projects to Carve
by James Ray Miller

My dad used to whittle things all the time. He made funny things, jewelry, useful things, and things I now treasure since he has past. He had books to help him too!

This book is easy to understand, plenty of projects to choose from, patterns in the back, great instructions, and the front of the book explains what is needed and why. I have always wanted to give whittling a try and after reading this I may finally do just that!

Some of the projects included a sweet dinosaur, hedgehog, grandma and grandpa, a sailor, princess and prince (but could be just a girl and boy if you cut off the crowns), a cute alien, an adorable owl, a wand, camping fork and spreader, egg-in-a-cage, sunflower, pig, and a strawberry. Each project works on the basic skills. All use just one knife. All the projects have loads of colored, close-up photos showing the steps.

Highly recommended for beginner adults and older kids with supervision!

Maybe someday my grandkids will have something whittled from me that will be special to them!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific hobby book!

I bought a whittling/carving kit that had everything needed except for gloves and a strop. I opened the box, looked at the pattern and watched the video, but didn't begin as I felt somewhat intimidated by it. I just didn't feel comfortable as a beginner starting it.

Then, quite by accident, I stumbled across the Whittling Workbook that was available for review. I jumped at the chance to request it and was thrilled at what I found. This book is a wealth of information! Perfect for the beginner, it explains in detail about tools, wood, how to cut the wood, how to finish the wood by painting, sealing, etc. Best of all, it also has some amazing step-by-step instructions for 14 projects including a hedgehog, grandma & grandpa, a sunflower and more!

Whittling Workbook is filled with very detailed photographs that truly help one on their journey to learning the art of whittling. I have been so inspired with what I learned that I picked up that kit and started to whittle! I'm not finished yet, but at least I gained the confidence to try thanks to Mr. Miller! I can't wait to finish my kit so that I can move on to the projects in this book.

If you are interested in trying a new hobby that is inexpensive and relaxing, I recommend you pick up a copy of the Whittling Workbook. It is the perfect resource for the true beginner and will give you all the information you need to start creating your own lovely pieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.

Good book covering the basic of whittling. I have a 13 year old and they thought the projects to be interesting and doable.

This is a fantastic little book to get you started honing carving skills. It gives instructions on different objects you can carve as you hone your skill.

I definitely will be sharing this book with my husband, kids, and homeschool friends!

Thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing for sending this ARC to me for free through Netgalley.

This is a great book for someone who wants to get into whittling.

A lot of "beginner" books for woodworking or crafting make the mistake of describing how to do things using relatively expensive tools like table saws, band saws, etc., which most people new to the craft wouldn't have. But this book is truly for beginners because all the projects in this book can be completed with one carving knife. It has a variety of fun, easy projects all with easy-to-follow steps and tips for painting/finishing the completed projects.

Highly recommended.

A very easy to read book with lots of step by step instructions on whittling, The book is divided firstly into - what is Whittling, safety, wood type and tools.
The second part of the book covers some projects to make, starting with some very simple projects such as fork and spreader, strawberries, and works its way into more difficult projects, such a people and animals. Along the way there is instructions on painting and finishing off techniques and how to find a community group. There are patterns at the end showing both front and side profile which are really helpful.
Love how this book is presented.
Thanks you NetGalley and Fox Chapel for the DCR

Whittling Workbook: 14 Simple Projects to Carve is a beginner friendly whittling guide with tutorials by James Ray Miller. Released 26th April 2022 by Fox Chapel, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a sensible, accessible, and well written practical guide to whittling. The introduction covers the basics, types of wood, grain, tools and supplies, safety guidelines, and the skills which build up successively. The first section of the book also contains tips on painting, finishing, and finding a woodcarving community to network and share the joy of the hobby with.

The second half of the book contains the projects, arranged roughly in order of difficulty. All the pattern templates are included (in both vertical and horizontal rough outlines). All of the tutorials are accompanied by copious color photos which are clear and easy to understand. Carving action shots are taken without tools or hands obscuring the relevant areas (which I can imagine was not a trivial task). They include a finished project photo, tools and supplies in a bullet list in a highlighted text box, followed by step-by-step concise instructions for completing the objects. The projects are all appealingly folksy and whimsical.

I liked the casual style of the writing; the author's very encouraging and it's a friendly book. It reads like a one-on-one workshop with an experienced instructor.

Four and a half stars. This would be a superlative choice for public and school library acquisition, scouting, activity, and makers' groups, and for the home hobbyist.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

i grew up was watching my dad take a block of bass wood and transform it into a life size, life like Pelican, or Blue Jay, or any other bird. He also carved magical walking sticks from Diamond Willow. I don’t know that I’ll ever get to his artistic level, but with the simple instructions I’m the Whittling Workbook I can at least learn the techniques to enjoy sitting in my campsite and seeing what creation is hiding inside of one of many interesting pieces of wood I find in the forest.
The list of tools needed is small, the instructions are easy to follow and the photographs are very helpful. After the general advice the book includes several projects suitable for a beginner. The instructions include advice on painting, such as thinning acrylic paint to form a wash so that the wood hating shows through.
When my father died I found a small piece of bass wood on his workbench on which he had sketched a pig. I’ve held on to that all these years. Perhaps now I can finish it for him. One last father-daughter project.
#netgalley #Whittling Workbook #FoxChapelPublishing

A brilliant instructional for those interested in the world of whittling. This workbook includes instructions, templates, and a guide to relevant tools. All you need next is your imagination and a rough draft! Perfect for people who like creating things with their hands.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

James Miller has created a second book on whittling, this time with basic wood-carving instructions and step-by-step instructions for several simple whittling projects. For the beginning carver, and even more experienced carvers, this book provides some nice ideas for some quick projects. His instructions are clear-cut and include enough details for the user to begin carving with a good knife, some carving gloves, and some pieces of wood. His painting instructions are also very beneficial.

I liked this book and some of his projects have perked my interest to start some new projects.

Excellent Book. First of all, it describes techniques with clear pictures and in terms you can understand. Secondly, the step-by-step instructions are split into easy to work with slices so you can slowly work on your project.
As a beginner at whittling, I have been looking for something that helps me to grow without being patronizing or overly difficult and I believe that this book is exactly that.
it offers template patterns in the back and, more than it, it even shows you how to paint and customize your project.
I really hope my library purchases a copy but regardless I will be getting one for myself. Highly recommend.

Awesome carving step by step book. I always was afraid to try and this book made the process so simple. It has large photos of each step and helps you prepare, execute and finish 15 projects that include animals, characters, and even a wizard wand. But before the projects, it explains wells the supplies and techniques. And teach us how to paint the projects too.
A great gift for beginners.