Artistic wood carving always looks very impressive. Most people have no idea how such products can be made. It seems that this requires enormous physical strength, and in addition, artistic taste and education. However, cutting out a beautiful ornament is not as difficult as it seems, you just need to learn a little technique and, as they say, get better at it. We will show popular drawings for learning wood carving techniques that will be useful for beginners and masters!

It's no secret that for manual creative work it is necessary not only to master the skills of this art, but also to have inspiration, desire and, of course, time. In order for all these parameters to come together, the master can use drawings to study simple wood carving. Not only drawings help to generate an idea, but also photographs of the work of other craftsmen.

There are sketches for different types of wood carving, and here you can find a suitable sketch for yourself completely free of charge.

We analyze drawings for wood carving: sketches for geometry

Drawings for geometric carving are well suited for beginning craftsmen. This is an easy and effective type of wood carving. To do this, you just need to determine for yourself which areas are convex and which are concave, in which case the correct picture on the tree will come out.

Boards in geometric and flat-relief techniques.

Stencil.

Stencils can be changed - for example, reducing the number of elements, or, conversely, adding details for a more interesting result.

Stencils for slotted carving.

There are other types of artistic carving. One of the simple cutting techniques, provided you have the right tool, such as a router, is slotting. It is also called openwork because the finished product, made precisely and accurately, looks like lace. It has no background - it is cut out of the pattern. Hence the name. To practice this type of wood carving, you need to have a steady hand and cut clearly along the contour of the stencil. A contrasting color of fabric or foil is placed under a product made using this technique with a router or jigsaw. The photo shows examples of finished work, as well as sketches suitable for this technique.

Contour wood carving technique: examples, sketches for work.

Contour carving is different in that a contour pattern is cut out on the wood. You can make a lot of different paintings using this technique; it is not necessary to take a ready-made stencil for carving. To decorate a nursery, you can outline the coloring book and use it as a sketch. Also, if you don’t know how to draw, you can take any sketch made in pencil and transfer it to wood. This technique produces good images of animals, birds, as well as landscapes and still lifes. The images clearly show examples of what can be carved on wood using this technique.

Black varnish carving is a type of contour carving, where a light contour is cut out on painted wood.

Examples and stencils for flat-relief wood carving.

This type is different in that the drawing is above the background. In this case, the pattern has the same height. The background can be textured or smooth. The edges of the cut out pattern are usually rolled over, that is, it is carefully sanded so that they are smooth, as if oval. This technique requires a little more skill than others, but the products made this way look amazing. The photo shows examples and sketches for carving in this style.

Decoration of boxes using various carving techniques.

Drawings for boxes can be distinguished as a special type. They can be made using various techniques: slotted carving, placing a base of fabric, foil or noble types of wood of a suitable color under the design; flat carving, which includes geometric and contour, or another subspecies. It differs in that indentations of the same depth are made in a flat background. In the case of geometric techniques, the recesses, as a rule, have the shape of triangles or quadrangles. In addition, there is also a staple carving, which is also a type of flat carving and is well suited for decorating boxes. In the images you can see boxes made in various styles.

Wood has always been considered a good material for exterior and interior decoration. Therefore, today wood carvings, photographs, drawings and sketches are used to create an improved interior. Following this direction, they decorate furniture sets and interiors using the latest technology, techniques and elements that make it possible to obtain products with excellent appearance and quality, as well as having high artistic value.

Wood is a fairly light material that can be easily processed and has been used since ancient times in decorating palaces, temples, and houses. Craftsmen from all over the world eagerly apply designs for wood carving, using natural materials in their work to create a unique stylistic image in the interior of the house.

Relief carving is a rather labor-intensive type of carving.

For decor from wooden elements using carvings use different woods:

1. Linden. A very soft material for carving, from which you can make small products in the form of photo frames, various boxes, and household utensils with patterns. They simply attract attention. This material is perfect for learning wood carving, as it has a soft, pliable wood structure and a beautiful cut color.
2. Birch. It is an excellent raw material for obtaining dazzling applied decor or creating excellent souvenirs.
3. Nut. Hard material, very good in processing and polishing. A wide range from small products and furniture decor to a variety of sculptural compositions.
4. Pear. Unique material, almost does not crack. Used to create exclusive decorations and souvenirs.
5. Alder. It is considered an aristocratic tree. The wood has a variety of colors from rich red and purple to black. This often replaces valuable tree species.
6. Pine, yew, spruce, cedar. These types of tree species are used to form massive carved sculptures, platbands, which are used in the design of cornices and home decoration.

Carving is used to decorate the outside of the house thanks to different ornaments and figures.

Variety of types of wood carvings

In the modern world, more than one type of manual wood processing technology can be used. Of these, you can focus on the following methods:

1. Through thread. It is characterized by the complete removal of wood shavings from the boundaries of the design. There is a simple look and an openwork one with different heights and edges. Thanks to this technique, frames, overlays, doors, and decorative elements are made. If you want to carve wood in an oriental style, then a jigsaw will come to the rescue.
2. Thread with flat notches. It is characterized by the presence of a flat surface into which thread elements are deepened. There are several subtypes of carving - contour, when, thanks to grooves of a semicircular or triangular section, patterns are obtained on a flat surface; stapled, when the pattern is made from semicircular notches; geometric, when several types of elements are used for the design - pegs and a triangular pyramid recessed in the middle. The patterns are made with a wood carving knife - a jamb. In this case, you get a variety of figures in the form of rhombuses, chains, and honeycombs. Black varnish carving is also performed, when the front side is covered with black paint or varnish, and then grooves are cut out.
3. Relief carving. The elements are placed at the same level with the front surface or higher. This is a rather labor-intensive type of carving. Thanks to this type, images of coats of arms, various ornaments, and emblems are created. Subsequently, the image is completed by the play of light and shadow.
4. Carving for home decoration. They are used to decorate the outside of the house thanks to the different ornaments and figures that are located on the back of the wooden elements. They decorate cornices, porch posts, and balusters.

A wood carving stencil always comes to the aid of a craftsman. In this difficult task, he is always an indispensable assistant.

Types of stencils

Stencils for wood carving are used to perform rather difficult and painstaking work, which will then decorate the house. Divided into the following types:

• stencils intended for strip ornaments, platbands, pilasters;
• stencils for carved boards - depict ornaments;
• stencils for brackets, rosettes, balusters and the like.

What stencil is preferred for wood carving?

To select suitable stencils you need to follow several rules:

• you need to choose a stencil that you can work with, especially if this is done for the first time, do not think that this is an easy job - you can ruin the material;
• for cut wood carvings, you need to choose only the types of stencils that correspond to it, while trying to transfer the design more accurately and not go beyond its boundaries, otherwise the work will be sloppy.

You need to choose a stencil that you can work with

What parameters should you use to choose a template for wood carving?

Firstly, for large wooden elements it is necessary to choose large stencils, otherwise the elements will be small and will not be visible. But for boxes and frames they choose more complex patterns.

For different carving techniques, the proper patterns and templates for wood carving are selected:

1. Slotted carving requires templates and stencils of proper quality and fast work. After the drawing has been transferred, those areas that turn out to be through will need to be shaded.
2. Geometric technique is the basis of wood carving. When a sketch is selected, it is applied to a wood panel.
3. Sculptural or relief carving is more labor-intensive and requires certain skills from the master. First, the sketch is made on paper, but if it is a three-dimensional craft, then it is necessary to create a figure from a plastic material, for example, clay.

One of the most luxurious products, valued for their originality and handicraft, are rightfully considered to be products made in the form of wood carvings. Since ancient times, with the help of this type of art, unsurpassedly decorated towers and huts have been created.
Some of them are currently considered architectural monuments. This art is beginning to revive in the modern world. Wood carving stencils are excellent helpers in this matter.

In contact with

What is a stencil for?

First, let's try to figure out what stencils for woodworking are. These are special ones that are used to apply pattern elements to the surface of wood.

They are much make it easier to repeat identical characters and allow you to speed up your work. For example, the most popular stencils for are samples for platbands.

With their help, quite complex interior and facade design work is performed.

Stencils are divided according to their purpose for creating interior elements:

• ribbon carved ornament;
• carved platbands;
• pilasters;
• towels;
• carved balusters and more.

All varieties are considered professional templates. You can use them create several ornaments for wood carving of a voluminous nature and significantly facilitate the task assigned to the master. There is no need to create them yourself. On the Internet you can find and download the option you like.

Prices for wood carving kits

wood carving kits

How to choose a stencil

Wood carving patterns are so diverse that they can be used by both beginners and advanced professionals. With their help, both simple ornaments and high-level works of art are created.

The main thing is to make the right choice. To do this, you must adhere to certain rules:

• if you started using incisors quite recently, then Don’t choose intricate patterns, since it is quite difficult to work with them, and the workpiece can be damaged;
• for each type of wood carving they choose their own stencil;
• Before starting work, you must apply a stencil design to the workpiece; the lines must be neat and clear.

Finding stencils today is easy. This can be done using electronic libraries.

Every decorator will appreciate the convenience and wide selection of this source. Here you can choose drawings from a bygone era as well as modern masterpieces.

When making a choice, be sure to compare the dimensions of the workpiece and the image itself.

You also need to choose a sample that will look appropriate on an element of the interior. We pay attention to the nuances:

• for a large product, you do not need to choose a stencil with small elements or openwork patterns;
• for small items, stencils with large designs are inappropriate;
• proportions must always be observed.

All these tips apply to any drawings.

Types of wood carving

Wood carving does not have a narrow direction; on the contrary, it has several varieties:

• slotted;
• flat-relief;
• embossed.

Slotted carving on plywood

The key to success when performing slotted carving is the correct choice of ornament. Thanks to it, plywood carving sets the overall concept and adds aesthetics to the product.

Drawings and ornaments on floral or animal themes are standard representatives of the classical style and are suitable for any interior design.

Very often used slotted inscriptions. In this case, ready-made stencils are difficult to find, since they are created individually for each case. This is due to the fact that it is necessary to maintain the size, style of the font, and the set of words is always different.

Important! The situation is completely different with patterns of plant, animal and fantasy styles. Many options for this topic can be found on the Internet. Some options are shown in the photo below.

House wood carving

Brownie is the main focus of the design of huts, which is very common in the Nizhny Novgorod region. It is she who can boast of various lace patterns. To perform it yourself, you should select the appropriate sketches.

The main condition for house carving is to avoid small parts. They will get lost on the facade of the house, and will not last long.

Options for house carvings can be selected on websites dedicated to wood carvings. But there are craftsmen who can make a template to order. In this case, you can realize exactly your idea and get an original pattern.

Attention! Patterns for house carvings are applied using tape stencils.

Through wood carving

A distinctive feature of through thread is complete wood removal from the inside of the picture.

Through threads come in different styles:

• simple, in which elements are cut out along the contour of the design;
• openwork, when the pattern is created with a volumetric effect due to multi-level cutting.

Through carvings are used to make frames, various overlays, door panels, and decoration elements.

Through carving in oriental style is done using a jigsaw.

Sawing with a jigsaw

Sawing with a jigsaw is mainly carried out on plywood. To perform quality work you must have at least the slightest experience with the tool. Also an important factor is the presence of an original stencil depicting animals.

Commonly used stencils:

• a pair of swans;
• head of a deer, wolf;
• cockerels on a knitting needle;
• a horse standing on its hind legs;
• butterflies.

It all depends on the style of the interior, which needs to be supplemented with decorative elements. You can easily find examples of templates on the Internet.

The most suitable material for sawing is birch plywood 3–10 mm thick. In addition, for work you need to prepare:

• copy paper for interleaving the pattern;
• special paper for sanding parts;
• wood glue for joining parts;
• clear varnish to give a decent appearance.

Before starting work, the workpiece is carefully polished with glass paper, only then do they begin to transfer the design.

Floral ornament

Often, floral or foliage patterns are made in the form of stripes or borders consisting of repeating patterns. Can be made in an individual composition that contains an image trees, fruiting plants, various floral elements And so on.

The work is done in various ways:

• display in a naturalistic form;
• simplified plant elements.

Floral patterns for carving wood are in second place in popularity after geometric patterns. Favorite thematic elements at all times are lilies, grape leaves and berries, oak, hops, ivy, etc.

Sketches for patterns

Stencils for wood carving are quite diverse in their subject matter. Some of their variants are used in a narrow direction, and some can be found on any interior elements.

Here are several sketch options that can be used for a specific purpose:

1. Wooden patterning is used to decorate the facade of houses. It looks perfect on both doors and walls.
2. Art style cutting is used to decorate tableware and furniture.
3. Products made using intricate openwork cutting are especially held in high esteem. Most often it is used for household items.

Important! A correctly selected sketch will help you complete wood carving quickly and accurately.

Useful video: templates for wood carving

Each type of cutting has its own processing technology, and detailed elements are maintained. In some cases, several techniques are used simultaneously, which are subsequently transformed into a three-dimensional canvas with the presence of smallest fragments. This characterizes a true master.

All photos from the article

As soon as wooden houses began to come into fashion again, the tendency to decorate their facades with all kinds of patterns and ornaments was revived. It has been used by people for many centuries and today, thanks to many technological innovations, it is becoming available to an increasing number of homeowners. Next, we will look at the main types of this direction and the nuances of do-it-yourself wood processing.

Varieties

It is worth noting that carved ornaments can decorate any wooden product, be it a box, a cornice, a gazebo or the facade of a residential building. So, if you want to experiment, then you don’t have to build a wooden building; for the first time, for example, a stair railing or the door of an old bedside table will be enough.

Through thread

This is a very common method of creating patterns, which is used most often in the process of decorating houses. It involves the complete end-to-end removal of some elements of the wooden surface. If previously all the necessary work was carried out mostly with chisels and cutters, now the task is performed mainly with a jigsaw.

Blind thread

When implementing this method of applying patterns, the cutters do not pass through the wooden canvas, which is most conveniently done with a milling cutter.

In turn, blind threads are also divided into several types:

1. Flat-notched. In this case, there is a background plane, and the ornament goes deeper into it. Subspecies:

Thread name	Description
Contour	The simplest execution instruction, which consists only of cutting out an even groove along the contour of the pattern that does not change its size.
Bracketed	Here the main element is no longer a groove, but a semicircular notch created by a chisel in two steps. It is from such peculiar brackets that the ornament is created.
Geometric	In this case, there are two fragments: a triangular pyramid buried inside the canvas and a peg. First, the area to be treated is outlined, and then all excess is cut off according to the planned figure.
Black-lacquered	Unlike the first option, here the primary plane is first coated with black varnish, and only then the grooves are cut out, which results in an amazing play of light and shadow.

1. Relief. Here the fragments of the ornament are either on the same level with the background, or even higher than it. The method itself is similar to contour carving, but when it is implemented, the edges of the grooves change their shape, fitting into the overall design.

1. Flat-relief. A very common way to decorate wood surfaces in architecture and applied arts. It consists in removing part of the material with a recess of several millimeters and at different angles. The result is a volumetric composition.

Sculptural carving

Of course, creating wooden sculptures from wood is the most complex type of processing. But with such works of art you can safely decorate not only your home, but also any place in your summer cottage.

Advice: after applying patterns to wood, be sure to treat it with antiseptics, especially when it comes to external work. This will significantly extend the service life of your masterpiece.

If you decide to decorate your own house or gazebo, then all of the above methods of applying patterns can be used in combination. But if this is the first time you’ve touched on such a task, then it’s better to stick to the simplest options.

First of all, it is worth considering wood carving patterns for beginners:

Wood selection

When choosing a suitable material, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• Texture features. So, if you want to create a complex ornament with a semantic load, then it is better to take a block with a weakly expressed wood pattern. And if you prefer to only emphasize the natural beauty of wood with your pattern, then opt for a clearly defined texture.
• Try to place the pattern itself along the fibers. This will make it easier to apply.
• Pay attention to wood damage caused by rotting or other diseases. Discard such samples immediately.
• It is also worth weeding out products with such defects as knots and pockets with tree sap.

Purpose

When decorating your home, remember the main functions performed by wooden patterns:

• Decoration of appearance. This is the main purpose. It is noteworthy that in ancient times many ornaments had a specific mystical meaning and served as amulets.
• Protection from direct sunlight. A visor with a through thread does an excellent job of dispersing light.
• Fencing of dangerous places. A balcony or staircase railing can become much more attractive thanks to this finishing.

Preparation

Once you have chosen the appropriate block or board and decided on the carving method, prepare the work area. You may need a vice or clamps, a pencil, a jigsaw, a chisel and a router.

Next, use a pencil to draw a sketch of your design onto the wooden canvas. Securely secure it and start working. Be extremely careful when applying the pattern, as the slightest miscalculation can ruin the entire workpiece.

At the end of the work, coat the resulting ornament with varnish and install it in the place where it will be located. As a result, you will receive an original product that is made with your own hands. Even if you don’t get a masterpiece the first time, don’t despair, a little practice and your craft will become a real decoration of your home.

Conclusion

Patterns used to decorate wooden buildings hundreds of years ago are back in trend and gaining popularity. With their help, you can not only revive the monotonous grayness of a classic facade, but also make it absolutely original, something that no one has ever had before.

A little imagination, the right choice of application method, purchasing a suitable workpiece, patience and attentiveness are the most important things you need to successfully complete your plan.

With patterns you can not only decorate your home, but also express your thoughts, create a kind of business card for guests and passers-by.

In pursuit of extravagance in design solutions, we sometimes go too far. Wood carving with a jigsaw is a real example of how you can surround yourself with beauty with the help of simple little things. Today, such decor is both an ancient craft and a current trend in the interior. Carving has artistic value, and therefore carved objects will only increase in price over time - the style will come back again and again.

Volumetric wooden patterns will decorate furniture and become the basis for wall panels, trim, headboards or screens. The editors of the publication offer to master carving techniques in a few clicks.

DIY wood carving with a jigsaw: where to start?

Tools and workplace preparation

Like any other activity, wood carving begins with preparing the workplace:

1. choose a comfortable chair and a stable table;
2. Pay special attention to good lighting. The table should be placed so that the light falls on the face, and for artificial lighting it is better to install a table lamp no more than 20 cm high at a distance comfortable for the eyes;
3. everything you need should be at hand - a sketch, a board, tools.

To complete the ornament you will need:

• jigsaw (manual or electric);
• special machine for volumetric carving;
• plywood or wooden board;
• set of files;
• awl and chisel;
• drill;
• glue for gluing individual parts;
• brush;
• stain and varnish.

Photo 3 - Wooden pattern above the bed

Good tools can be found from Proxxon, Arbortech, Ryobi, Pfeil, Dremel, Kirjes, Foredom.

Photo 4 - An alternative to the classic version - a painting - above the bed

Tree selection

Photo 5 - Carved decorative elements in a modern kitchen

IMPORTANT! The most practical types of wood are linden, birch, alder, and aspen. They have the necessary properties of hardness and moisture content (8 ± 2%), which reduce the risk of cracking of the product.

It is better to prepare the wood in advance; it is very important to dry it thoroughly and sand the surface first. It should be plain, smooth, and free of knots. Coniferous species are practically not used. The size of the board depends on the size of the future product, but the thickness should be at least 6-8 mm and no more than 15-20 mm.

Photo 6 - Ethno in the interior

Sketches, templates and stencils

Photo 7 - Wooden products are good for their versatility: wood is suitable for both an ascetic interior and ornate modernism

Preparing a sketch is the first stage in creating wooden decor. A sketch is usually called a contour drawing of a future product.

Photo 8 - Appropriate tree in room design

A stencil is a specialized template that is used to create three-dimensional ornaments and patterns. Samples with images for carving will help with markings. Stencils made of cardboard, three-layer plywood, PVC sheet can be used repeatedly, and for convenience it is better to sign or number them.

Photo 9 - Wood lace in the bedroom interior

From halves of one or several templates, ready-made combined ornaments are often created for the design of long interior elements.

Photo 10 - The color and texture of the product depends on the choice of breed

How to make the right template?

• select the appropriate sketch;
• Using a compass and ruler, we transfer the ornament onto cardboard or paper.

Photo 11 - In classic interior designs with the addition of wood, it is better to use warm-colored lighting

IMPORTANT! Check that all elements of the drawing are transferred accurately. Each element, pattern or ornament requires a separate template.

Wood carving with a jigsaw is carried out using strict technology. In addition to the standard manual one, they often use an electric jigsaw, special tables for volumetric carving, chisels, cutters, carpentry pipes and clamps, drills and grinders, and spoon cutters.

Photo 12 - Vintage carved door in bedroom design

Wood carving technology

Photo 13 - Carved element made using a jigsaw and chisel

• Using ordinary black carbon paper and a pencil, the drawing is carefully transferred to the board. For convenience, the edges of the sketch can be secured with push pins;
• insert the file into the jigsaw. Adjust the tension of the file;

IMPORTANT! Remember that too much or too little tension can cause the saw to break during operation.

• Using a jigsaw, we cut out the outline of the product along the previously outlined line. The jigsaw should move up and down without distortion, with light pressure so as not to damage the product and the tool itself. The position of the file during operation should be vertical. When making figured carvings, the product should be rotated, not the jigsaw itself;
• If the product contains internal parts, additional holes must be made. At this stage of the work you will need an awl and a jigsaw. In the middle of the part to be removed, you need to pierce a hole with an awl;
• Having loosened the upper clamp of the jigsaw, insert the file into the punctured hole;
• cut out the part of the picture to be removed;
• the product can be varnished, sanded or painted.

Photo 14 - Handmade wooden spoons from J. Treverton

IMPORTANT! In house carvings, a special place is occupied by the decor of platbands - on windows, cornices, doors, which will ideally fit into the interior of a dacha or gazebo.

Wood carving: window trims in country style

Photo 15 - Design project Doorway to the Ozarks by Matthew Meers

Wood carving is often chosen for decorating private homes. House carving is used in exterior design - trim on doors or windows. Here a combination of different types of carving is possible - from slotted to relief.

Photo 16 - Wooden mural by Matthew Meers (A 26′ x 6 1/2′)

The platbands cover the gap between the window frame and the opening. They protect the window from dust, precipitation, drafts and even external noise; can change the parameters of the house - make it visually higher or wider.

IMPORTANT! Window trims should be designed in the same style, and the material should be resistant to precipitation. Linden or oak are best.

Photo 17 - Carving in minimalism

When designing platbands, you can’t do without sketches. Their long design requires careful handling, since it consists of many small parts. All these microelements must be identified and taken into account when carving - it is better to pre-mark the locations for the holes inside the pattern. In complex ornaments, they begin to cut out from the internal patterns, and then move on to the external ones.

Photo 18 - Carved elements in an eclectic interior

Another way to apply a design to a workpiece is copying. You can also transfer the drawing using carbon paper. The sketch is secured with pushpins. Use a pencil to trace the outline, which is copied onto the plywood.

Photo 19 - Clamp for fixing a wooden product. In the background: a set of chisels for making small indentations in wood and contour carvings

The stencil for the platbands must be made of cardboard. It differs from standard stencils in that its dimensions are made immediately in full size. The finished template is attached to the board, the outline is outlined with a pencil. To create a holistic image of a door, carved rosettes are often used to help connect the trims.

Photo 20 - Fragment of a mirror frame. Window or door frames are cut using the same principle.

Decorative trims are suitable for all door sizes, even the most non-standard ones. You can find a wooden frame in the catalogs of manufacturers Saloy, Fenster Baum, DoorWood.

Photo 21 - Carved window frame Photo 22 - Details using a chisel

Disadvantages of carved frames: Photo 24 - If vases are used for their intended purpose, they must be soaked in drying oil or sunflower oil Photo 27 - Classic ornament

3D milling has a number of advantages:

• accuracy of image transmission;
• high production speed;
• lower cost compared to hand carving;
• the ability to create complex volumetric structures.

Photo 28 - Vintage element in modern design

$ 3D machine: price for popular models

• Esfero 3D engraving and milling machine for 2D/3D processing and cutting of wood, plastic, plexiglass and even non-ferrous metal. Price: 490,000 rubles;
• milling and copying machine for volumetric thread MPWOOD tm. Price: 101,930 rub.

Photo 29 - Wooden elements in the bathroom Photo 30 - Carved drawers in bathroom design

Master class: cutting with a jigsaw

Sketches for wood carving: