Book excerpt: FEATURES Overcoming Adversity By Dr. Lawrence Varner Decoy carver Karl Schmidt is a lesson in perseverance An Introduction to Carving with Power An Introduction to Carving with Power By Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton Releasing a Wood Spirit by Mark Gargac First Cuts First Cuts Gary Falin and Doug Raine provide valuable tips for carvers and share their first carvings. Hate to Sharpen? Disposable Blade Carving Tools may be the Answer By Bob Duncan Inexpensive tools are great for detail work and small carvings Projects Carving a Troll By Marna Holley Disposable blades and doll hair make this project ideal for beginners Painted Turtle By Gordon and Marsha Stiller Colorful reptile project provides an opportunity to experiment with contrasting textures Build Your Own Carving Stand By Jim Farley Make your own custom version of a $500 stand for only $50 Carving a Musical Frog By Everett Ellenwood Quick and easy project is a fun musical instrument Releasing a Wood Spirit By Mark Gargac Uncover the character hiding in found wood Carving Custom Light-switch Covers By Ben Mayfield Add character to your home with relief- and chip-carved accents Peek-A-Boo Jay By Doug Brooks Delightful critter splitter carving is sure to get a second look Carving a Pierced Relief By Chris Pye Open Spaces add movement and drama to a relief carving Creating Handcarved Magnets By Fred Wilbur Functional floral decorations are a lesson in traditional carving techniques TECHNIQUES Anatomy of Wood By Everett Ellenwood Improve your carving efficiency with an understanding of wood grain Adding Subtle Color By Lora S. Irish Roughing and dry-brushing techniques add life to your carving without overpowering the wood All About Punches By Roger Schroeder Add texture and designs to your carving with these simple tools DEPARTMENTS Editor's Column From Our Mailbag News and Notes Tips and Techniques Reader Gallery Product Review Relief Column Calendar of Events Coming Features Ad Directory & Classifieds Woodchips