Santa Carving

Don't think that because this book was published in the 1980s that it is somehow out of date. It is an excellent book that will show even the first time carver (like me) how to get started and to achieve good results with minimal outlay on tools and materials. When my husband saw my very first Santa, he pronounced that he wants me to make him 10 more like it. Well, I don't know about that... But carving is enjoyable, just make sure to buy a leather thumbguard so you don't cut yourself like I did!

The Santa carving and painting techniques are well illustrated and explained. I also like how he describes how you can modify his patterns to personalize your Santas. He even shows how to cut a wood blank without a power tool.

Ron Ransom's book is highly recommended for the novice carver who would like to produce nice results. Mostly photos and captions, the book takes the reader through the basic steps of making some attractive "folk art" santa figures. Don't be fooled by the sparse text -- the photos offer a wealth of guidance. Ron also describes a simple yet effective way to give the carvings an "antique" look. Warning: once you do a few of these projects, expect to get many requests for your work around the Holidays!