By Gerald & Barb Sears
Today's FREE holiday carving pattern is a sheriff santa.
Woodburning and painting add the details that give this cowboy Santa a lot of down-home charm. I use both a metal engraver and a wood burner. The engraver does an excellent job creating texture on the trim of the coat and hat. The wood burner is great for little details.
Getting Started
Transfer the patterns to the blank using your preferred method. Cut the outline with a band saw. Draw a centerline on the front and add the major landmarks, such as the hat brim, beard, hands, legs, and boots. Remove some of the excess wood around these major landmarks.
Adding Details
Carve Santa using the tools and techniques of your choice. To make the paint application easier, try to keep the carving clean from dirt and oil. Woodburn the trees on the boots, the holly leaves on the belt buckle, and all of the main cuts on the carving; the seams, the creases in the clothing, the boots, around the eyeballs, and the eyelids. Use a low-heat setting so that these lines are light.
Painting and Finishing
After adding the details, prepare the carving for paint. Reference the Paint Notes on the pattern pdf. Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of a 50-50 mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner. Once dry, spray lightly with Deft semigloss finish. Add a piece of felt to the bottom of the base, if desired.
Carve More Cowboys!
It's the best of the west!
From the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated magazine comes this compilation of stand-out cowboys!
Ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced so there's something for everyone, Classic Carved Cowboys features eight original designs to bring to life!
From iconic cowboys to more festive caricatures, each woodcarving project packed inside this concise 36-page guide includes detailed step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography, full-size carving patterns, and insightful painting and finishing guides.
Also included are expert tips and tricks from today's leading caricature carvers to help you make the most out of these timeless projects.
Create your own rootin'-tootin' characters in wood, with Classic Carved Cowboys!