Search results for ""Author Tom Wolfe""

You’ve got to crack some eggs to make an omelet, and that’s just what author Tom Wolfe has done. Tom finds out what is inside those wooden eggs found at craft stores and woodworking suppliers. This an interesting and informative book goes from the blank egg, through drawing, and finishing. Step-by-step the reader is taken through two projects, a caricature head and a bird, learning the techniques of good caricature carving from one of the best. Each step is photographed in a clear, color image, with concise, easy-to-understand explanations of what is happening and how to do it. This is the perfect book for beginning carvers and old dogs looking to learn new tricks!

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Out of Uniform is designed to help all transitioning military personnel find employment upon returning to civilian life.

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Clowns are the ideal subjects for caricature carvers. They give the carver a limitless variety of faces and situations to create. The only boundaries are the carver’s ability and imagination, and the realities of the human form. Like all of us, clowns are complex figures, happy and sad, comic and tragic, all at the same time. Because they capture both sides of us, the clown has been a powerful figure through many years of human history. One clown is carved from beginning to end, with each step illustrated to help the carver. Most of the figures are in various comic settings and the gallery has several different clowns in various situations. Also included is a brief section on carving the letters used to label the pieces. This book promises hours of enjoyment and challenge for woodcarvers of all abilities.

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From the ancient Chinese to St. George to Dungeons and Dragons, these mythical beasts have had a place in the human imagination. Now, with his own imagination running rampant, Tom Wolfe turns his artistry to the dragon. As always, he brings creativity and skill to the task, along with a desire to share the joy of carving with his readers. All steps to carving a dragon are illustrated in color photographs, with concise descriptions of what to do and what effects you are trying to achieve. In addition there is a gallery with patterns and photographs of three other dragons that can be carved using the same techniques. These are dramatic carvings that will challenge the carver and delight those who see the final product. Tom uses both traditional hand carving tools and rotary tools to get the effects that make these dragons so realistic. The carver will find the insights into the techniques for using all these tools quite instructive.

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Jointed dolls are an ancient concept. As a folk art in the American Appalachians and elsewhere, Dancing Sams have used the jointed idea to create a dancing motion when moved by a vibrating board for hundreds of years. When Tom Wolfe was visiting the British Museum in London, he came upon an Egyptian doll that was constructed just like the Santas in this book. The jointed Santas in this book are delightful. They can be easily posed and made to do a variety of things. And they are easily carved, following the step-by-step color photo illustrations. From the carving to the joint construction to the painting, Tom makes it easy for even the novice to carve these Santas. The more advanced carver will also enjoy the carving. In addition to the Santa carved in the book, there are patterns for 8 other jointed Santas, plus a nice sleigh for Santa to ride in. The gallery photos give perspectives on each of the carvings, an invaluable aid to the carver.

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As the days get longer and the sun rises higher and warmer, the signs of Spring begin to appear. One of those signs is the friend of every child, the Easter Bunny. Like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny is the bearer of gifts, fancy eggs, sweet candy, and warm, cuddly stuffed animals, to celebrate the joy of Easter morning. Tom Wolfe brings his creativity and skill to this beloved character, and shares it with his readers in clear step-by-step, color illustrated instructions. And, because no bunny is complete without his eggs, Tom offers a simple technique for creating beautiful Easter eggs using commercially produced blanks, a woodburner, and paint. Included is a gallery of many bunny "humanimals." These wonderful creations, carry a great deal of the emotion and charm, and will be wonderful additions to the carver's repertoire. This is a great book for carvers of all skill levels. Everyone, from the beginner to the veteran, will enjoy its delightful projects.

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This dramatic period in American history comes to life in the carvings of Tom Wolfe. Union and Confederate soldiers are featured with step-by-step illustrated instructions for carving. One figure is carved all the way through, and patterns are provided for others.

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After the great success of Santa and His Friends, Tom Wolfe presents a group of traditional Santas that have been found in American Art, literature, and advertising since the 1860s and have a warm place in the imaginations of children and the memories of adults. With easy to follow, step-by-step instructions accompanied by full color photos, this is a great book for the beginning and intermediate carver.

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Tom Wolfe has been carving signs and other flatcarvings for many years, bringing to them the same creativity and skill he brings to his three-dimensional work. Sometimes practical, sometimes whimsical, and sometimes a little bit of both, this country flatcarving is loved by everyone. Country Flatcarving shares some of Tom's patterns and techniques. The three projects include a potholder holder (practical), the man in the moon (whimsical) and a welcome sign (a little of both). You will find step-by-step instructions, all illustrated in full-color, and will be able to design and carve your own patterns when you are finished.

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This book grows out of many requests we have received for animal carving books in general, and for Tom Wolfe animals in particular. His raccoons and hounds have graced the pages of his previous books. His bears, in their original form and as reproductions, have found their way into the hearts of people across the nation. Beginning with a plain block of bass wood or white pine Tom creates a menagerie of characters. Bunnies and bears are the epitome of "cuddly," and are a favorite of children and adults alike. These projects are perfect for the person who carves for relaxation. After bandsawing the patterns, they can be completed with the simplest of tools-a knife, a gouge, a veiner, and nailset. Tom helps the less experienced reader with the basic skills required for carving. Those who are more experienced will value a few of the secrets and shortcuts he has learned over the years. The projects can be adapted so that your bear or bunny will take on a different character through its size, position, and/or color. Your imagination is all that is necessary to make the changes.

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Tom Wolfe returns to an old friend of his, Santa Claus. In his own special way he leads the carver through each step of the carving process. The result is a traditional Santa in stride, heading for the reindeer pen to hook up for the Christmas flight. He is accompanied by old Rudolph, who looks a bit bewildered by the night that lies ahead. Every step, from the blank to the painted Santa, is documented with a color photograph and a clear instruction. Patterns are provided for the project, the reindeer, and several other interesting Santas. A gallery of the other Santas is included for reference to the other possibilities. This is a book for all to enjoy and learn from!

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Tom Wolfe's debut collection of essays - a brilliant, form-bending dive into the future of America as it careened through the 1960s In 1965, Tom Wolfe dropped like a bomb onto the American literary scene with his first book, The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby, an incandescent panorama of American counter-culture, its dances, bouffant hairdos, customised cars and rock concerts. Capturing the energy of the age in its portraits of Phil Spector, Cassius Clay, Las Vegas and the Nanny Mafia – as well as asking, why do doormen hate Volkswagens? – Wolfe’s flamboyant essay collection remains one of the great, revolutionary landmarks of modern non-fiction.'Journalism, it is said, is the first draft of history. Nobody exemplifies the dictum better than Wolfe, the cultural observer and social critic par excellence' Daily Telegraph

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A wonderful novel and perfect book club choice, The Right Stuff is a wildly vivid and entertaining chronicle of America's early space programme.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY US ASTRONAUT SCOTT KELLY‘What is it,’ asks Tom Wolfe, ‘that makes a man willing to sit on top of an enormous Roman Candle…and wait for someone to light the fuse?’ Arrogance? Stupidity? Courage? Or, simply, that quality we call 'the right stuff'?A monument to the men who battled to beat the Russians into space, The Right Stuff is a voyage into the mythology of the American space programme, and a dizzying dive into the sweat, fear, beauty and danger of being on the white-hot edge of history in the making.‘Tom Wolfe at his very best… Learned, cheeky, risky, touching, tough, compassionate, nostalgic, worshipful, jingoistic...The Right Stuff is superb’ New York Times Book Review

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I looked around and people's faces were distorted...lights were flashing everywhere...the screen at the end of the room had three or four different films on it at once, and the strobe light was flashing faster than it had been...the band was playing but I couldn't hear the music...people were dancing...someone came up to me and I shut my eyes and with a machine he projected images on the back of my eye-lids...I sought out a person I trusted and he laughed and told me that the Kool-Aid had been spiked and that I was beginning my first LSD experience...

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The most ambitious carving Tom has ever presented in a book, this may also be the most charming. Tom leads the carver step-by-step through the process of constructing and carving a “kid’s size” rocking horse. This is the perfect project for a Christmas present that will be cherished generation after generation. And even though it is ambitious, the instructions and illustrations will enable even the novice carver to complete a work of which they can be proud. The book covers every step from cutting the lumber through carving, assembling, and painting. Measured drawings are included as is a pattern for a smaller toy version of the rocking horse.

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Some years ago Tom wrote a book called Carving the Civil War. The book met with great success, but left a hunger for more. One of the figures in the gallery was a beautiful realistic horse, and it wasn't long before requests for a horse book started coming in. Well, here it is! Tom brings his teaching and carving skills to realistic horses. This new book takes the carvers through the steps of carving a frisky colt. Using hand and power tools Tom creates the form, detail, and musculature that brings the horse to life. Included are gallery photos and patterns for the colt's sibling and sire, as well as those for several other horses. For fans of Tom Wolfe or those who have struggled to carve realistic horses, this book is a must-have for your carving library.

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For over a hundred years the story of Alice and her adventures has enchanted children of all ages. One of those who has been captivated by its charm is Tom Wolfe, and now he brings the characters to life through his carving. And more he shares his fascination with his readers. While many illustrators have brought their own imagination to Lewis Carroll's characters over the years, Tom goes back to the drawings of Sir John Tenniel for his inspiration. Of course he adds his own interpretation, giving them a unique personality that Carroll would have appreciated. As usual, Tom leads the carver through the project with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, illustrated in full color photographs. This is a great book for the beginner and intermediate carvers, but the patterns and guidance Tom provides will be valued by all.

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Bottle spirits swirl around in bottles of all kinds. Sometimes they glimmer in the glass. You can always hear them if a breeze or your breath passes over the top of the bottle. But it's not too often that they show their faces. So how do you know at first glance what’s really inside a bottle? Once you decide what kind of spirits are living in your bottles, Tom Wolfe will set you to work carving charming faces to match. Using small pieces of scrap wood, basic carving tools and paint, and not much time, Tom guides the reader through the carving of a rebel soldier, a viking, and a laughing imp. The finished carvings could be hung around a bottle, a neck, on a Christmas tree, or anywhere else that could use a little personality! More than 200 color photos paired with step-by-step instructions demonstrate the process, and a full-color gallery of 20 different carved bottle spirits that would stimulate anyone's imagination. Ideal for both the novice or more experienced carver, this book explores Tom's basic approach to carving a face and the countless possibilities, simple or intricate, that follow.

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Among the most popular of Tom Wolfe’s carving books is Tom Wolfe Carves Dragons. From the day it came off the presses Tom has received letters asking for a Wizard book to go with it. “What good is a dragon without a Wizard?” one reader asked. Well, here it is! These fanciful figures let the imagination run wild. You can make them friendly or sinister, young or old, comic or deadly serious. Tom gives patterns and step-by-step instructions illustrated in full color. The gallery has a coven of Wizards, in both full-figure and bust forms. But that is only the starting point. From there a change in costume, setting, or facial feature can lead to an infinite variety of figures. As a companion piece or by itself, this is an exciting new project for carvers. Enjoy.

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Tom Wolfe goes back to basics. With easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, Tom helps the novice carver bring life to a block of wood. With a single knife Tom carves a relining country figure and teaches the basic methods of woodcarving. Each cut is illustrated with a full-color photograph, an important visual aid to learning this fun craft. These projects are simple and fun. The new carver will find that the mysteries of this art quickly disappear and that they can quickly learn the skills they need to create a nice piece of art.

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Legend has it that the forest of the world are inhabited by elusive creatures known as "Wood Spirits." Tom Wolfe finds them everywhere and brings them to life in this delightful new instructional book. Using found wood such as driftwood, roots, and old beams from dilapidated barns, he leads the reader through the carving of wondrous, fanciful faces, that are both enchanting and beautiful. On a smaller scale, Tom also finds the Wood Spirits in walking sticks, creating treasures that are handsome and functional at the same time. Tom has been carving these Spirits for years, and they are constantly in demand. Now he leads the carver, step-by-step, through their creation, each step illustrated in beautiful color photographs. An extensive gallery is included, jam-packed with examples and ideas for the reader's own work.

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A dissection of greed-obsessed America a decade after The Bonfire of the Vanities and on the cusp of the millennium, from the master chronicler of American culture Tom WolfeCharlie Croker, once a fabled college football star, is now a late-middle-aged Atlanta real estate entrepreneur-turned conglomerate king. His expansionist ambitions and outsize ego have at last hit up against reality. Charlie has a 28,000 acre quail shooting plantation, a young and demanding second wife and a half-empty downtown tower with a staggering load of debt. Wolfe shows us contemporary America with all the verve, wit, and insight that have made him our most admired novelist.‘Enthralling enough even to satisfy The Bonfire of the Vanities devotees...humane and redemptive’ – Sunday Times

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After the big Christmas flight, while elves are busy updating the naughty and nice list or planning next year's product lines, what does Santa do with his spare time? Tom Wolfe has come up with a variety of pastimes the jolly old elf might pick up on his days off. Some of Santa's activities have been set into motion, combining Santa and a whirligig. Over 260 color photographs and easy to follow instructions take the carver through all the necessary steps to carve a Santa you can be proud of. In the carving project presented, Santa has kicked off the boots, pulled up his favorite chair, and is channel surfing with his TV remote. This project has its challenges. Using power tools, Tom guides the reader clearly and concisely through each carving step, creating Santa, his chair, and his "surf board" from a single block of butternut. Tom knows these single piece carvings are more difficult, but he is quick to remind that they are also the ones serious carvers win contests with. Sixteen patterns for six projects and a color gallery complete this book. These projects will provide a challenge to the beginner and will be a delight for the more advanced power carver.

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Have you ever wondered why golf balls act the way they do? Why the perfect swing leads to disaster with the ball wildly veering left or right, careening off three trees, two squirrels, and your golf partner before burying itself in a sand trap? Tom Wolfe knows and reveals all! Follow Tom step-by-step through the process of carving two of the evil spirits and tiny demons that reside in the black heart of every golf ball. Every step is clearly explained and illustrated in color. The material within the golf ball is so easily carved, it is almost the equivalent of doodling. Once the carving is complete, bring the demon to life with a staining technique. A color gallery shows both the finished projects and many additional carvings for further inspiration. Carvers with basic skills will enjoy the challenges and advanced carvers will be delighted by the details.

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When Tom carved a walking stick in his book, Tom Wolfe Carves Woodspirits and Walking Sticks, it was almost an afterthought. But it was soon followed by a book devoted to them, Carving Canes & Walking Sticks. Now we are pleased to present a brand new book with original patterns and different techniques to produce creative canes and walking sticks. Also included are designs for sword canes. As always each step is clearly illustrated in full color and patterns are presented to aid the carver in his or her own creation. A gallery of 25 canes and 11 patterns make this a most useful aid to carving.

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Very few carvers can carve animals and people with the same skill. Fewer still can convincingly carve realistic figures and caricatures. Tom Wolfe is one of them. Following his book on carving realistic horses, he now he brings the same talent to bear on caricature horses. As always, Tom takes the reader step-by-step through the carving process, with each step illustrated with a clear color photograph. From the blank to the finished painted figure, everything a carver must do is clearly explained. In addition to the standing horse project carved in the book, there are patterns for other projects, a seated horse, a rocking horse, and an Indian on horseback with a dog. A great book for carvers at all levels of expertise.

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When the well-known wood carver, Tom Wolfe, turns his talents to a new medium the results are wonderful. The almost limitless medium of polymer clay and Tom’s eye for character and caricature combine to produce some endearing and delightful creatures. For years Tom has been using clays as a modeling tool for his wood carving. At the same time, though, he has created some characters in clay that are just meant to stay that way. The polymer clay comes in a variety of colors and can be shaped in almost any way imaginable. For those thousands of hobbyists and artists who use polymer clay, this new book will open new doors of expression. So, for woodcarvers and clay modelers alike, this is a welcome new book. Fully illustrated with beautiful color photographs, it takes the modeler step-by-step through the process of creating a male and a female caricature bust. A gallery will spur the imagination even further.

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What carver's Christmas is complete without a nicely carved Santa? In this new book Tom Wolfe leads the carver through the process of creating a beautiful Santa ornament for the tree or to be displayed on a stand. A basic understanding of carving techniques is all that is needed to follow this fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions. As always Tom is happy to offer the tips and wisdom of many years of professional carving. The project covered in the book is a traditional Santa's head along with a sculpted stand from which to hang it. In the back are many other examples, from the saintly Nicholas to a fanciful "Banana Santa." All in all this is book will bring delight to carvers and those who see their work.

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Tom Wolfe takes his creative talent to the National Game: Baseball. With easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. Tom helps the carver bring the classic ballplayer out of a block of wood. Each cut is illustrated with a full-color photograph, an important visual aid to learning this fun craft. These projects are exciting and challenging, but with Tom's guidance even the novice carver will find they have the ability to bring them to successful completion.

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Just when it seems that Tom could not possibly have any more Santa patterns, here are 75 never before seen designs. They reflect Tom's unquenchable creativity, his boundless sense of humor, and his keen eye for caricature. Each pattern is clearly drawn and reproduced at full size. A color gallery is included on the back of the book to use as a paint reference.

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For the veteran carver or the newest devotee of the hobby, carving vegetables can be educational, fun, and surprising. We're not talking pumpkins here, but real carving, using woodcarving tools and techniques. Instead of wood, though, Tom uses sweet potatoes, which are firm enough to take the knife, and inexpensive enough to take a mistake or two. That makes them the perfect medium for new carvers or for experienced carvers learning new techniques. And there is more!!! As the vegetables dry and wizen, they take on wrinkles and twists that give them truly surprising and delightful character. Like woodcarvings, carved vegetables become a permanent artistic expression. Tom Wolfe came upon sweet potatoes when a teacher asked for an alternative to soap for her young carving students. Now Tom becomes the teacher, taking the reader step-by-step through the carving of three projects. A gallery of finished works is included, some in both their freshly carved and wizened states. This is the perfect introduction to the great and fun art of woodcarving.

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Tom Wolfe has been carving canes and walking sticks for almost twenty years. Among the hundreds that he has carved, no two are alike. Each one takes on its own spirit and personality. And each one shows the carver’s creativity and skill. Tom introduced his readers to the carving of walking sticks in Tom Wolfe Carves Woodspirits and Walking Sticks. In response to the requests of readers he presents this book devoted to canes and walking sticks. Patterns for eleven figures are included with two of them carved step-by-step. The carver can follow the color photographs of each step, gleaning whatever additional information he or she may need from the concise caption. This is a fun book for all carvers, from the novice to the pro. It continues the long tradition of Tom’s creativity.

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An excellent book by a genius. -Kurt VonnegutA generation-defining portrait of the 1960s by the master of New Journalism.Tom Wolfe raised the banner for his high-octane brand of New Journalism with The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby, his first book of essays, which collects stories from corners of 1960s America that few had described before. With a thrilling flair for detail, Wolfe creates an indelible portrait of the era-from the burgeoning ersatz glamor of Las Vegas, to the hot-rodding world of car customizers, to a close-up look at the working lives of New York City doormen.These essays are a testament to Wolfe's unparalleled ability to capture the zeitgeist on the page, bringing it to life with colorful and unusual characters and an inimitable ear for a new kind of American idiom. The force and depth of his writing endures decades after his debut, reaffirming, yet again, his role as a foundational figure i

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The idea for the cane in this book came from the author’s good friend and fellow carver Claude Bolton. Both belong to the Caricature Carvers of America, and the group was looking for some way to honor a friend and supporter. Claude hit upon the idea of a cane made up of many segments to be carved by various members. In addition to Tom and Claude they include: Jack Price; Peter Ortel; Steve Prescott; Harley Schmitzen; Rich Wetherbee; Bob Travis; Dave Dunham; Dave Stetson; Keith Morrill; Joe Wannamaker; Tex Haase; Doug Raine; Marv Kaisersatt; Dave Rasmussen; Harley Refsal; Harold Enlow; Claude Bolton; Gary Batte; Desiree Hajny; Pete LeClair; and Randy Landen. In the gallery of this book you will see the results of their enormous talents. Tom Wolfe takes the reader through the process of creating a four-face segment for a cane. What you learn there can be applied to any of your caricature carving or can be used to create your own friendship cane, by yourself or in your carving club. The cane you create will be a true token of friendship and will be cherished for many years to come.

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Do animals have their own Santa Claus? One look at these creations by Tom Wolfe and you will believe that they do. Santimals capture all the charm of the season in a new and delightful way. Tom takes the reader step-by-step through the carving of the raccoon Santimal, from the pattern to the painting. Each step is clearly illustrated with a full-color photograph and helpful description. In addition there are patterns and multi-angled color gallery photographs for several other Santimals. These include a goose, a hound dog, a duck, a pig, a mouse, and a bear. In addition, the raccoon pattern can be easily converted to a fox. This creative new project is perfect for the holidays and a welcome addition to the carver's repertoire. It is a great book for carvers of all skill levels. Everyone, from the beginner to the veteran, will enjoy its delightful projects.

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Step-by-step instructions for carving an amusing golfing figure from wood, painting it, and displaying it. Full of original personality and a spark of wit, the design will delight all who encounter it. Other patterns make up a foursome, with a color gallery illustrating all.

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Few things capture the charm of Christmas like the old-world Santa Claus. You might also know him as St. Nicholas or Father Christmas. What better way to say “Merry Christmas” to a friend or loved one than with one of these beautiful Santas you carved yourself. It is a timeless Christmas decoration that will be cherished for many years to come. Tom Wolfe guides the carver step-by-step through the carving, painting, and finishing of an old-world Santa. The basic figure will challenge the beginning carver, and there are plenty of fascinating details included for the more advanced. As always, Tom provides advice and techniques throughout the process that are useful for any carving project. A colorful gallery features several old-world Santa designs that will fuel your imagination and help you develop your own designs. Have fun and merry Christmas!

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