Carving Caricature Pins and Bolos: Step-by-Step Instructions and 59 Ready-to-Use Patterns
I received this book about three weeks ago.  It's Gary Batte's third published work.  When I first leafed through the book, upon receipt, incidentally, I thought most of the projects cute and distinctive.  Then, at the Fall get together in Fredericksburg with the Texas Woodcarvers Guild, when I walked up to Gary's table, there were many of the projects.  I quite literally did a double take and my opinion of these cut carvings changed from "cute" to "really cute, I want to do some of these." I was amazed at the difference in impact the real carvings made over the photographs-and that is not to disparage the photographs, they are very clear, etc.  But the real thing was great. The book begins with the mandatory Chapter(1) on what you need for carving and painting, Chapter(2) carving pins, and Chapter(3) carving Bolos. Most of the projects contained in chapters two and three are contained on one page, the two exceptions being the first project in each chapter in which Gary covers the steps required in carving a pin and a bolo. Uncle Sam, quite an appropriate project for these days, is the pin project chosen for detailed instructions. "Uncle Sam is carved in the three-dimensional relief style."  (5) The back of the pin must remain flat so the pin hardware can be attached, but the head is turned about 20 degrees to the left.  When observed from the left side of the pin, you'll see about 4/5 of Uncle Sam's face. Painting instructions conclude this project. There are 48 other pin patterns, one to a page.  Some, I feel, are more captivating than others, but all reflect Gary's sense of humor and distinctive carving style. Each page contains: * A colored photograph of the carved pin * A pattern(all at full size) * Finished size measurements * Carving notes(helpful hints) * Suggested colors for painting Chapter 3 contains patterns and helpful hints for carving and finishing a Bolo of Cowpoke Bob. Bob is a bit more complex than the pins, but the principles are the same, i.e. you must leave the back flat to accommodate the bolo hardware and the front is carved. Most of the pin patterns can be used as bolos and some of the bolo patterns are small enough to make cute pins. Have fun making the projects in this book.  Many are Holiday oriented and great for Christmas, the 4th of July, St. Pats Day, and who knows what else.