I found this very interesting. I have used potatoes to help young kids with carving but didn't know that sweet potatoes were better.
I teach carving to kids using woodwork tools - mallets, chisles and files on aircrete blocks. They love it. One kid once said, 'But isn't this what Michaeangelo does?'
I teach kids that express an interest to whittle flowers (I emphasize not using folding knives).
What is this triangle method of making a face that is mentioned?
I have been teaching children to carve on soap this summer and they really seem to enjoy it. I am at Mohican Wilderness Campgrounds near Loudonville, Oh. Use the popsicle sticks and they work great. I make up a kit with a bar of Ivory soap, knife and chisel, piece of paper towel for sandpaper, toothpick for detailing, spray paint beaded pin heads black for the eyes and a pattern. Use paper plates to carve on so when the plate gets full we just dump the shavings in a bag and start with a clean slate.
We have done, Owls, Dog, Cat, Pine Tree, Horse head, Fish, Snowman, in the round. Flower relief carving.
Jim's triangle method is demonstrated on the 2 pages following the article. Page 42 & 43. He uses a series of triangles to create the face.
Hi Shannon, thanks for the article on woodcarving for children in the latest issue. I have just started to teach my young nephew some carving, he's 11. It couldn't come at a better time.
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