Best Carving Crafts Books of 2025

The Complete Starter Guide to Whittling by Fox Chapel Publishing is a comprehensive guide for beginners to learn whittling. The book offers 24 easy-to-make whittling projects, step-by-step instructions, how-to photographs, ready-to-carve patterns, and helpful tips to make toys, gifts, and fun displays. The book covers whittling techniques for twigs and branches, the four basic knife cuts, and how to choose a whittling knife. The book is perfect for those who want to start a relaxing and rewarding hobby and build confidence in fundamental carving techniques. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for beginners with clear instructions and plenty of inspiration.

Whittling for Beginners is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in learning how to whittle. The book covers everything from selecting the right tools and materials to fundamental techniques and safety practices. With step-by-step instructions, readers can practice their skills with 24 projects ranging from functional items like tent stakes to giftable creations like gnomes and whales. What sets this book apart is the author's outstanding photos, descriptions, and inspirational invitation to the world of carving and whittling. Overall, this is a must-have book for anyone wishing to deepen their skills in whittling or looking for a new hobby.

Making Wooden People & Pets with Personality: 24 Easy Projects for the Scroll Saw is an original and exciting collection of 24 scroll saw patterns perfect for beginner to intermediate scrollers. The book includes full-size patterns, insightful how-to tips, and guidance for sanding and finishing projects. From a hiking couple to individual men and women reading a book, running, or petting a beloved animal companion, these scrap-friendly projects are approachable for any scroll sawyer of any skill level and can be completed in 30 minutes or less. This book is a must-have for those who love making handmade gifts for family and friends.

Pyrography Basics: Techniques and Exercises for Beginners by Design Originals is a comprehensive guide to woodburning for beginners. The book covers the basics of materials, tools, and techniques with step-by-step instructions and patterns for the beginning woodburner. The author, nationally recognized artist and pyrographer Lora S. Irish, provides six skill-building projects that help readers master essential techniques. The book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in taking up the creative craft of woodburning. Overall, Pyrography Basics is an easy-to-follow guide that provides readers with the tools and knowledge needed to create beautiful woodburning projects.

The 20-Minute Whittling Projects book offers an easy and fun way to learn whittling with step-by-step instructions and photographs for over 15 beginner-friendly projects. Author Tom Hindes' friendly instructions and quick-cut method makes it possible to create expressive little figures from wood in just 20 minutes or less, perfect for beginners and experienced carvers alike. The book also provides essential advice on safety, basic cuts, sharpening, and finishing. These super-short whittling projects make great gifts for random acts of kindness or souvenirs for children. Overall, this book is a great entry-level guide to whittling and offers creative ideas for carving crafts enthusiasts.

The Complete Cricut Machine Handbook is an excellent resource for anyone new to using a Cricut machine. Author Angie Holden provides comprehensive guidance on using Design Space and creating projects using various materials, including vinyl, paper, HTV, and fabric. The book includes 24 step-by-step projects that are easy to customize to your personal style, making it perfect for those starting a crafting hobby or small business venture. The unique creations featured, such as the Infusible Ink Shirts and Layered HTV Tote Bag, offer endless inspiration to readers. Overall, The Complete Cricut Machine Handbook is a must-have for any level Cricut user and a wonderful addition to any craft room.

The Art of the Fold is a must-have for anyone interested in paper craft and bookbinding. Renowned book artist Hedi Kyle and architecture graduate Ulla Warchol guide readers through over 35 innovative designs using folding techniques, including flag books, blizzard books, and nesting boxes. The book is beautifully illustrated with Hedi's finished works of art, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. This book offers a unique perspective on the traditional book format and is a great source of inspiration for those looking to explore the possibilities of paper folding and bookmaking.

The Great Book of Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture, Revised & Expanded Second Edition is a must-have for any intermediate woodworker looking to build authentic replicas of valuable period pieces at a low cost. The book provides complete working shop drawings for 61 classic furniture pieces in the legendary Craftsman style. The author, a master cabinetmaker, measured original Craftsman antiques to create these detailed plans. With full perspective views, elevations, sections, details, and cutting lists for each project, this revised collection gives today's woodworkers the heart of the Craftsman aesthetic, along with all the information needed for workshop success. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in woodworking and furniture design.

Carving Faces Workbook by Harold Enlow is an information-packed book that teaches readers how to carve facial expressions with life and expression. Enlow, one of America's foremost caricature carvers, shares his masterful woodcarving tips and techniques that make his carvings stand out. The book breaks down the anatomy of a face and provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and detailed patterns for carving a variety of faces such as cowboy, Santa, wood spirit, witch, and more. Overall, this book is a must-have addition to any woodcarving library for anyone who wants to learn to carve faces that stand out in a crowd.

Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures by Sara Barraclough is a must-have for woodcarving enthusiasts who want to create magical little creatures. The book features 15 beginner-friendly projects with full-size patterns and step-by-step instructions, making it perfect for carvers of all skill levels. The projects range from easy to advanced, allowing readers to progress their skills. Barraclough's guidance on painting and finishing each completed project is also helpful. The book is unique in its focus on gnomes and other magical creatures, making it an excellent source of inspiration for whittlers and carvers alike.