A knife and a little know-how is all you need to turn simple twigs 
into miniature wonders! In this new book artist Chris Lubkemann 
reveals his perfected whittling technique that produces perfectly 
curled slivers of wood that can be used to carve folk art roosters, 
herons, and pheasants—as well as evergreen trees and flowers.

The first part of the book covers the basics about whittling. Mr. 
Lubkemann discusses what type of knife to purchase and where to 
find good wood. He covers safety precautions and explains how to 
make the most of your carving time.

The next chapter of the book covers the three basic curling 
techniques. A different knife stroke is used to create the 
three varieties of curls: one for birds, one for trees and 
another for flowers. Through photos, carefully written text 
and supporting illustrations, Mr. Lubkemann shows the reader 
how to hold the knife and how to cut into the branch to create 
each type of curl.

Next, Mr. Lubkemann provides four step-by-step demonstrations 
on the most popular types of birds that can be made with these 
curling techniques: rooster, pheasant, heron and road runner. 
Each demonstration includes step-by-step photos and explanatory 
captions that take the reader through the process from start to 
finish. Close-up photography helps to explain the grip of the 
knife and the cuts into the wood. Added illustrations give more 
instruction.

A gallery of Mr. Lubkemann’s work shows what types of carvings 
can be created by applying these whittling techniques to a number 
of projects. The curls can be added to pickle forks, salt spoons 
and letter openers. Roosters of various sizes and styles are 
quickly and easily made. One photo even shows the top 26 
temperaments of people rooster-style. 


Over 100 black and white photos
8.5 x 11" trim
64 pages