Art & Technique of Scandinavian-Style Woodcarving: Step-by-Step Instructions & Patterns for 40 Flat-Plane Carving Projects (Fox Chapel Publishing) Designs for Nordic Folk Figures, Birds, and Horses

Explore history, photographs, and patterns for dozens of flat-plane carving projects!Over 40 Scandinavian patterns including a school teacher, bird watcher, leprechaun, rooster, and many more traditional figuresHistory of Scandinavian woodcarving from the Viking era through medieval folk traditions and into the modern agePhotographs and illustrations of ancient wooden stave churches, domestic buildings, and historic decorative piecesBiographies of influential Scandinavian carvers from the 19th and 20th centuries, with photographs of their workWritten by internationally recognized master carver Harley Refsal, who was decorated by the King of Norway for his contributions to Norwegian culture, this book explores the rich artistic traditions behind Scandinavian flat-plane carving. Readers will discover how history, culture, and craftsmanship come together through centuries of Nordic folk art.With clear, step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to carve traditional figures such as the Dalecarlian horse, along with dozens of additional patterns. From schoolteachers and bird watchers to leprechauns, roosters, and everyday village characters, each project is designed to help carvers understand form, proportion, and expressive simplicity.Detailed photographs, front and side-view patterns, and instructional guidance show how to make clean, confident cuts that preserve the bold flat planes characteristic of Scandinavian carving. The book also explores tools, wood selection, and carving approaches that help both beginners and experienced carvers achieve satisfying results.Inside, you will find in-depth chapters on the history of Scandinavian figure carving, profiles of influential carvers such as Axel Petersson Doderhultarn, Carl Johan Trygg, and others, as well as an extensive collection of more than 40 carving patterns ranging from traditional figures and folk characters to decorative objects and animals.Whether you are new to woodcarving or looking to deepen your understanding of Nordic carving traditions, Art & Technique of Scandinavian-Style Woodcarving offers a rewarding hands-on experience that blends history, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. Read more