If you want to master the art of relief carving, this comprehensive guidebook will teach you everything you need to know. Relief Carving Workshop takes you through every element of the relief carving process, from start to finish. Acclaimed carver and instructor Lora S. Irish shows you the easy way to learn, with step-by-step exercises on a practice board that introduces all of the essential cuts, contouring, and smoothing steps used in basic relief woodcarving. She reveals how easy it is to make each individual stroke, and shows how great relief carving simply involves using these same cuts over and over again. Clear, in-depth instructions and dozens of how-to photographs accompany 11 original new projects. You'll learn how to handle your tools, prepare a wood surface, follow a pattern, and apply a finish. With a few sharp tools, a smooth piece of wood, and this new book, you'll soon be confidently carving exquisite birds, portraits, dragons, landscapes, wood spirits, and more.