Living in Canada, a snowman is a subject everyone can relate to.
Keeping the project small enough to hold, it is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to learn the basics of carving.
Using the three cuts: the stop cut, push cut and pull cut, a carver quickly gains the feel of carving with the grain, against the grain and across the grain while bringing the snowman to shape.
I used block of basswood (1.25″ X 1.25″ X 4″) to carve the following snowman using a detail knife.
Carving a snowman
STEP 1
On the top draw a circle is 1″ diameter and number the corners 1 to 4. On the bottom, the circle is 1.75″ and the corners are numbered 1 to 4. The numbering is for future reference. Corner 1 is the front, corners 2 is the left side, corner 3 is the back and corner 4 is the right side.
STEP 2
I marked line for the top of the brim for the hat. Measuring from the bottom mark
Corner 1 – 3 3/8″
Corner 2 – 3 1/4″
Corner 3 – 3 1/8″
Corner 4 – 3 1/4″
STEP 3
Using a stop cut I follow the line and use a series of push cuts to remove the wood above the brim to create a cylinder 1″ in diameter for the hat. Mark the leather strap and feature and the line for the lower brim measuring from bottom
Corner 1 – 3 1/8
Corner 2 – 3″
Corner 3 – 2 7/8″
Corner 4 – 3″
STEP 4
Make a stop cut on the line for the lower side of the brim of the hat and remove the would using a series of push cut.
STEP 5
To establish the top of the scarf measure from the bottom and mark
Corner 1 to 4 – 2 1/2″
For the bottom of the scarf measure and mark
Corners 1 to 4 – 2 1/4″
STEP 6
Use a stop cut on the top of the scarf and a series of down push cuts to establish the bottom of the head.
STEP 7
Using a stop cut on the bottom scarf line and series of up push cuts establish the bottom of the scarf.
Round corners 1 and 3 for drawing on the front and back features
Notch corners 2 and 4 to establish the shoulders(to be rounded and detailed later)
Draw on the coat, arms and face
STEP 8
Using small stop and push cuts I carve the hat feature base first followed with the top of the feature and the leather strap.
STEP 9
To give the hat a rounded weathered look slope the top down and to one side. On the lower side of the slope carve in a crease. Finish by rounding the top edge.
STEP 10
Finish the hat by rounding the brim
STEP 11
Round the Neck Scarf and mark an even number of lines around the neck
STEP 12
use a stop cut on the marked lines and push cuts to define each rib of the scarf.
STEP 13
After finishing the scarf, continue to use a stop cut and a push cut to relieve the arms, coat collar, coat overlap, buttons, pockets and base.
STEP 14
To create a nose, use a 1/4″ dowel, taper the end and cut a 3/8′ piece off. Glue the cut off piece in place using 5 minute epoxy
STEP 15
Do final clean up and your ready for painting.