Overview
Wood figurines are some of the oldest toys ever produced. Carving these figures has been a pastime and profession for woodworkers throughout recorded time. You can carve figurines out of nearly any wood with hand tools, power tools or a combination of the two. The power tool of choice for many figurine makers is the rotary tool. This high-speed tool can remove massive amounts of wood for the shaping process or, minute amounts for the detailing process.
Things You’ll Need
Handsaw
Pocket knife
Rotary tool with assorted bits
Fine grit sandpaper
Acrylic paint
Wood stain
Spray polyurethane
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Step 1
Cut a branch with your handsaw. Remove the bark with your pocket knife. Alternatively, you can carve a figurine from ready-made lumber, but green wood from a live tree is softer.
Step 2
Shape with wood with the sanding bit on your rotary tool. Form the wood into the general shape of the figurine you are trying to create.
Step 3
Carve out the body of your figurine with the round engraving bit on your rotary tool. Add the major shape of the body, leaving it at its final size.
Step 4
Carve out the legs of your figurine. Slowly, carve away the wood of your figurine with the round engraving bit on your rotary tool using the size of the body to determine the dimensions of the legs.
Step 5
Carve out the head of your figurine with the pointed engraving bit on your rotary tool. Look at the size of the body as you slowly shape the head to its final dimensions.
Step 6
Add the finishing details to the figurine with the pointed engraving bit on your rotary tool. Add as much detail as you want, but be careful not to destroy the figurine by removing too much.
Step 7
Sand the figurine with fine grit sandpaper. Smooth the wood to its final state. Apply acrylic paint or wood stain to your figurine as desired. Seal the wood with a coat of polyurethane.
Tips
Leave a 1/2 inch base on your figurine for better stability.
Warnings
Work gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask are required when carving wood figurines.
Reference
Wood Carving Workshops; Wood Carving as a Hobby & Lifestyle; Wood Carving Workshops; 2011
Paper Tiger; How to Whittle (or Carve); Desi Quintans; 2008
Paper Tiger; Whittling Tips; Desi Quintans; 2008