Dover Woodworking: Chip Carving Patterns and Designs (Paperback)

126 patterns and designs — rosettes, borders, radials, etc. — from European and Polynesian sources.

If you are into chip carving, then you know about the need for new patterns and designs. This outstanding collection of 126 chip carving patterns will give you plenty of new and useful source material. Reproduced from authentic artifacts from traditional European and Polynesian sources, these designs are suitable for innumerable projects — from small boxes and chests, wooden knives, and bowls, to chairs, tables, large chests, wooden paneling, and many others. A great variety of shapes and sizes is offered including rosettes, borders, squares, triangles, rectangles, and circles. The European designs show great regularity and reveal a sound working knowledge of basic geometry: angles are uniform and all the divisions within a motif are carefully balanced. The Polynesian patterns consist of very tiny elements: simple triangles, alone and in combination; small circles, often in concentric patterns; and crescents. The oldest European design is from a chest made in Switzerland and carved in 1449. Other designs come from Holland, Spain, North Africa, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Scandinavia, and Austria. The Polynesian patterns are of relatively recent origin, though the art of chip carving is an ancient one in that culture as well. They were taken from ceremonial paddles, coconut bowls, ceremonial adzes, and one from a water jug. The designs may be used directly on the wood, or tracings can be made, preserving the pattern for repeated use. They also can be used in combination or as a source to develop your own unique ideas. Experienced carvers will find this book immensely useful and practical.