You can join in with a leader to do a group project. The leader will provide the timber you require (at cost) & take you through the steps on completing the carving or you can do your own project.
Bunnies small with knife, Large Bunny or Mermaid, Dragon
Ernie Gmehling
Master Carver & Group Leader (Woodcraft Manningham)
With over 30 years of carving experience, Ernie is a veteran of the craft who excels at “seeing the detail.” He has a unique talent for helping students identify the subtle lines and depths that make a carving truly stand out from the wood. As a respected leader at Woodcraft Manningham, Ernie’s teaching style is both encouraging and precise.
Projects for This Session
Ernie is offering projects that cater to both quick-success whittling and more involved sculptural work:
- The “Knife-Only” Bunny: Perfect for those who love the simplicity of hand tools. This project focuses on sharp knife work and clever angles (a favorite for returning students!).
- Large Bunny or Mermaid: For those looking to go bigger, Ernie will guide you through carving in the round. These projects focus on flow, anatomy, and creating a striking 3D presence.
John’s focus on animals like dogs and cats is the ultimate test of a carver’s skill for two reasons:
- The Perspective Trap: In shallow relief, you aren’t carving a 3D object; you are carving a “picture” with depth. John’s expertise lies in foreshortening—making a dog’s snout look like it’s pointing at the viewer even though the wood is nearly flat.
- Anatomical Accuracy: Because cats and dogs are so familiar to us, the human eye is very quick to spot an error in muscle structure or bone placement. John’s “pushing the limit” approach likely involves capturing fine details like fur texture and expressive eyes within that thin layer of wood.
Relief carving of dog or cat. I will supply Jelutong about A4 size, you can see by the above examples of carvings I have done in the last few years. Ellee the Eirdale dog is only 15mm deep & is a great challenge to do such a shallow relief. My favorite pose for a dog is like the French Bulldog what I call a 3/4 view but if you want can be direct on. You will need to bring a A4 size photo which can then be carbon copied on to timber blank. Any questions ring John Paine 0473 579 508
Beginner Wood Carving Relief Fish
Suitable for beginner with no experience. Maximum 5 participants.
Mark is a fantastic resource for beginners because he bridges the gap between raw wood and that finished project. His 15 years of experience have distilled his teaching down to a “total-concept” project: The Chris Pye “Low Relief Fish”.
Why the Chris Pye “Low Relief Fish” is the Perfect Classroom
As Mark suggests, carving this specific fish design isn’t just about making a decorative object; it’s a masterclass in hand carving fundamentals.
Here is why Mark likes to use it to teach all aspects of carving:
· Understanding Grain: To carve the curves of the body without splintering, you have to read the grain direction constantly.
· Form and Proportion: It moves from a flat block to a 3D organic shape, teaching you how to “round over” while maintaining symmetry.
· Tool Control: It requires a mix of aggressive wood removal (roughing out) and delicate detail work (finishing the scales and eyes).
· Surface Texture: Learning to create the illusion of movement and smooth scales is a lesson in patience and light/shadow.
Additionally, there is a focus on:
· Safety First: Proper hand placement to ensure the only thing being carved is the wood.
· Sharpening: He knows that a dull tool is a carver’s biggest enemy.
A step-by-step description of Chris Pye’s “Low Relief Fish” will be available on the website for you to read before the CarveIn.
Carved Leaves
Carve a Life-like Gum Leaf
Thanh Duong with 10 years carving experience.
* Suitable for beginner with no experience
* Timber of a cut-out gum leaf will be supplied
* Carving chisels will be provided for use on the weekend
* Instructions will be given in step by step to achieve the life-like gum leaf
* All you have to do is carving to remove timber and bring the gum leaf to life.
* What to bring: rubber mat and heat/sand bag to secure object while carving
* Maximum of 5 participants
* For more information, contact Thanh Duong, Thanhd567@gmail.com
Power Carving
Power Carving lead by Geof Findlay. Maximum of 5 carvers
Advanced Carving Techniques & Chisel sharpening
Carl is a highly respected master craftsman and tutor based in Melbourne, Australia. He is well-known in the woodworking community for his peerless knowledge of tools, traditional techniques, and furniture restoration.
How Carl Lutz Can Help Your Project. Carl is known for a “pragmatic yet patient” teaching style. If you are working on an existing project, his mentorship typically focuses on the best way to achieve your results.