DIY Series

"Whittling for me is more than just an art. It is like meditation and rather therapeutical. Every single time you create something, it brings you the delight and also the happiness that meets your mind and soul". This is the reply I got from an old practitioner when I asked him how do you interpret Whittling. Then I realized the core idea behind this craft. It comes with no deadline, no pre-written script, no rules, and just pure expression of your emotions through a knife and a piece of wood. In the present times, when all the self-help gurus are talking about Digital Detox, Whittling comes as a strong contender to pass on to the young and the old alike. My Journey in Whittling My wife introduced me to the world of Whittling 5 years ago. As I was already into Leathercraft and Pyrography, I got the basics quickly. But reaching the intermediate level in any art requires practice and patience. It has been an incredible journey for the last few years, working alongside her on various Whittling projects. About the Book This book is like a friend sharing his experiences and taking you from point A to B in your Whittling journey. The examples and references are real and taken out of the conversations with various experienced Whittlers. The book covers: Introduction: History of Whittling, how it started and became part of popular culture. Wood: All about the type of wood, grains, and tips for starting. Tools: All about pocket and carving knives Techniques: All type of cuts Safety: Gloves, Thumb pads, duct tape, and other innovative options. Starter projects with photos and step by step instructions Frequently asked questions: 22 beginner questions as answered by experts: Multiple solutions to a single problem List of online resources for patterns I have included realistic photographs, discussions, tips, FAQs, which I have received along the way of my journey in Whittling over the years.   Still on the fence? Okay, let me explain to you the difference between Wood Carving and Whittling? Whittling is like an unplanned vacation (go with the flow), and Wood Craving is like planning a vacation through a tour operator! And lastly my favorite analogy: When I was struggling to understand the concept of wood grain initially, one old-time whittler told me, "Think of the grain-like petting a cat. When you pet it head to tail, the fur all lies down, and the cat purrs. If you try to go from tail to head, it spikes up, and the cat gets very angry. Keep the cat happy." So what are you waiting for, get the book now and start your Whittling Journey!

"There would be no trees without branches, and there would be no furniture without joints." The one which binds together has always been special across cultures. Wood joinery has also evolved across various schools of woodworking in their unique ways. For example, in Japanese joinery, the whole wooden house was built on the strength of joinery. Joinery is used for both connecting the wood and also enhancing the aesthetics of the final product. My Journey: Back in the days when I was starting with Wood Craft, I was desperately looking for the go-to guide about the processes and the tools involved. Woodworking is a vast subject with many branches or verticals of this craft like Cabinet Making, Wood Carving, Joinery, Carpentry, and Woodturning. The online content was information overload and not presented in a sequential manner. The books I referred were either focused on a few processes or assumed that I had the necessary information. Also, I found that most of the books were a little aged. There are two ways of learning; one is learning from subject matter experts who have years of experience, and then there are people who are just a few steps ahead of you in their journey. I am the second one, five years into this hobby, and still learning from the experts. I still remember the initial doubts I had and the tips which helped me. This book comes after Woodworking for Beginners Handbook, and it focusses entirely on the joinery process. This book is for people who are in their first lap (0-3 years) of the wood-crafting journey and want to have a holistic idea of methods, tools and need help in their initial projects. I have included ample photographs of realistic projects of beginners explaining the process and standard operating procedure while starting. In the last chapter, I have provided a glossary of joinery terms and tips for beginners. Below is the flow of the information provided in the book: Introduction to Joinery Joinery tools: Type of tools and how to use them Detailed discussion on 15 types of joinery: advantage,disadvantage,strength,usage etc. Japanese Joinery: Introduction, types, pros, cons, and application CNC wood joinery: Introduction, various kinds of CNC joinery, Five starter joinery projects with step by step instructions Glossary of joinery terms Tips for beginners So, what are you waiting for? As said  in the woodworking community: Measure Twice and Cut Once and let's start the journey.

"A kitchen without a cabinet is like a body without a soul."   This is what a wise cabinetmaker uttered when I asked what cabinet making meant to him.   I have been practicing all the aspects of woodworking like Joinery, Woodturning, and Furniture making along with Cabinet Making, and I must say this art provides the maximum chance of impacting the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom and eventually, your home.   Cabinets, for me, are an extension of your personality and a great way to express yourself.   When I first started woodcraft, I looked desperately for a go-to guide about the specific processes and exact tools required.   The content I found online was total information overload and wasn't presented sequentially. The books were either focused on just a few processes or assumed that I already had the necessary information. Many of the books were also very dated.   There are two ways of learning: learning from SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) with years of experience, and the other is to acquire from people who are just a few steps ahead of you in their journey.   I fall into the latter group. I've spent five years on this hobby and am still learning from the experts.   I still remember my initial doubts and the first tips that helped me.   This book is for those who are still running their first lap (0-3 years) in wood-crafting and want to gain a holistic idea of the necessary processes and tools.   I've included photographs of realistic beginner projects, and I'll explain the processes and standard operating procedures associated with them.   Below are the topics you would find inside:   Introduction to Cabinet Making Cabinet Types, Doors, and Drawers Tools used and best practices Process and Techniques 10 Beginner Projects Recap and Safety Tips Conclusion and Free Online Resources   In the last chapter, I've provided a link to free online resources for planning your next projects.     Cheers, and let's start the exciting journey!

When Rude Osolnik was asked, "Rude, how do I become a good turner?" he replied,  "Stand at the lathe." Well, that's the key!  Of all the woodworking crafts I have practiced, Turning demands most patience and focus. As you start, you have to find your comfort zone with a lathe, chisels, and other tools. After some practice, your mind and body would get attenuated to the ecosystem of Turning. As lathe is involved and the wood item revolves fast, always remember that overconfidence and lack of focus are not options. So find your sweet spot of how long you can work at a stretch. When I first started woodcraft, I looked desperately for a go-to guide about the processes and tools I would need.  The content I found online was total information overload and wasn't presented sequentially. The books I looked at were either focused on just a few processes or assumed that I already had the necessary information. A lot of the books were also very dated. There are two ways of learning; one is learning from SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) with years of experience, and the other is to learn from people who are just a few steps ahead of you in their journey. I fall into the latter group. I have spent five years on this hobby and am still learning from the experts. I still remember the initial doubts I had and the tips that helped me. This book is for those who are still running their first lap (0-3 years) in wood-crafting and want to have a holistic idea of the processes and tools they need. Topics Covered ✓      Introduction to Wood Turning ✓      Process & Techniques ✓      Finishing ✓      Safety and Best Practices ✓      10 Beginner Woodturning Projects ✓      Tips, Glossary, and Conclusion I have included ample photographs of realistic beginner projects, and I will explain the processes and standard operating procedures associated with them. In the last chapter, I have provided tips for beginners and a glossary of woodturning terms. So what are you waiting for? Get this updated book from someone who is a few steps ahead in the Wood Turning journey! "If you don't blow up a bowl now and then, you are not aren't trying hard enough"- D. Raffin, Master Woodturner.

◆ Are you a parent looking for ways to engage with your kids, bond with them, and have fun? ◆ Are you looking for ways to help turn off the smartphones, tablets, and television and still have your kids and teens occupied with a fun activity?  In an ever-changing society, there aren't a whole lot of activities that are geared towards children, teens, and parents. Marketing strategies have become so specific that they target the exact age ranges. Fortunately, if you take a step back from "modern" society, you can get involved in some age-old crafts and practical skills that are fun for the whole family! Wood carving and whittling are two such crafts. Not only are there projects that range in difficulty for different skill and age groups, but there are some projects that can be completed by two people, giving you a chance to interact and bond with your children face to face. Without the input of noise and visual stimulation from screen entertainment, you and your children can talk to each other and create something together. Wood carving and whittling are detail-oriented crafts, so it is best to unplug completely, removing distractions like phones and screened devices while participating. It is a good excuse for you and your children to step back and develop a different set of skills. By utilizing this book, you'll learn why wood carving and whittling are important skills. You will be taught basic techniques and be introduced to the proper tools and materials for these crafts. Additionally, you'll have several beginner projects with step by step instructions to get started on with your children. This is a great place to start you and your children's digital detox and bonding activities! I've included photographs of realistic beginner projects, and I'll explain the processes and standard operating procedures associated with them. Below are the topics you would find inside: ✓ Introduction to Whittling ✓ Tools ✓ Process and Techniques ( 1 Project) ✓ Step By Step Beginner Projects ( 30 Projects) ✓ Conclusion and Free Online Resources In the last chapter, I've provided a link to free online resources for planning your next projects. ♥Cheers, and let's start the exciting journey!♥

“Woodworking is not about what children make – it’s about the changes that are made within the child” - Pete Moorhouse ◆  Are you a parent looking for ways to engage with your kids, bond with them, and have fun? ◆  Are you looking for ways to help turn off the smartphones, tablets, and television and still have your kids and teens occupied with a fun activity?  In an ever-changing society, there aren't a whole lot of activities that are geared towards children, teens, and parents. Marketing strategies have become so specific that they target the exact age ranges. Fortunately, if you take a step back from "modern" society, you can get involved in some age-old crafts and practical skills that are fun for the whole family! Woodworking is such a craft. Not only are there projects that range in difficulty for different skill and age groups, but there are some projects that can be completed by two people, giving you a chance to interact and bond with your children face to face. Without the input of noise and visual stimulation from screen entertainment, you and your children can talk to each other and create something together. Woodworking is detail-oriented crafts, so it is best to unplug completely, removing distractions like phones and screened devices while participating. It is a good excuse for you and your children to step back and develop a different set of skills. By utilizing this book, you'll learn why woodworking skills are important for the overall growth of our kids. You will be taught basic techniques and be introduced to the proper tools and materials for these crafts. Additionally, you'll have several beginner projects with step by step instructions to get started on with your children. This is a great place to start digital detox and bonding activities! I've included photographs of realistic beginner projects, and I'll explain the processes and standard operating procedures associated with them. Below are the topics you would find inside: About Woodworking and Wood Introduction to Woodworking for Kids and Teens Tools, Processes, and Techniques Woodworking Safety Step By Step Beginner Projects- 20 Projects Final Tips, Conclusion, and Free Online Resources Appendix: Woodworking Glossary and Adhesive Chart In the last chapter, I've also provided a link to free online resources for planning your next projects. Cheers, and let's start the exciting journey!

Are you looking for hobbies that can be a favorite weekend pastime for young, old, and teens alike? Well, you can get 3 of them in a single book:  Leather Crafting Wood Burning Whittling We all need few hobbies to unwind, relax, and cut off from the routine chores and excessive technology (Digital Detox). Also, whether you are young, old, or teen, across all age groups, these activities are required for different reasons. Like for older lot, it’s about being active and busy, and for a younger lot, it’s about spending some time not thinking about work. For kids, it’s about cultivating a focused work ethic in one activity in the times of million distractions and longer screen times! This book would present you with minimalistic and value-packed information on these three crafts, which would enable you to start and finish your first project. About the Author I am a Technology Consultant by profession and started my leathercraft and woodcraft journey in the year 2014. I started by going through multiple YouTube videos, courses, Facebook groups, and finally completed my first project after four months.  I was confused and was lost in the magnitude of information available online. I firmly believe that while starting, you need exact, necessary, minimalistic information to start your first project, pardon: Complete your first project! So I started writing this book to provide a minimalistic approach to information required to start your first leather project. It covers: Leather Crafting History of Leather Basics Tools and their usage Making Patterns Cutting Patterns Gluing Beveling, Embossing, Stamping Stitching basics Coloring and Finishing Tips, Techniques for the beginner Appendix: List of online resources available for free patterns, tips, and techniques Wood Burning/Pyrography Introduction to the art: The history and steps involved Tools: All about tools required: Detailed instructions on using Wood Burner including different tips Designing, Tracing, and Shading: I must say the shading part only comes by practicing! Coloring, Polishing, and Finishing Safety Instructions: Very important and highlighted all through the book  Step by Step instructions on 10 starter projects with pictures Frequently Asked Questions (All the ones I could remember and not covered in other chapters) Sample Designs: Mandala, Tiger, Dragon, and more. Whittling Introduction: History of Whittling, how it started and became part of popular culture. Wood: All about the type of wood, grains, and tips for starting. Tools: All about pocket and carving knives Techniques: All type of cuts Safety: Gloves, Thumb pads, duct tape, and other innovative options. Starter projects with photos and step by step instructions Frequently asked questions: 22 beginner questions as answered by experts: Multiple solutions to a single problem List of online resources for patterns Well, if you ever wanted to start your Journey in these crafts, this would be the perfect enabler and a guide for you. Why? Because I genuinely believe in the saying, “The best person to guide you is the one few steps ahead of you.” So, what are you waiting for? Get this updated book and start your Journey Today!

"The emotional effect of woodworking is that it gives kids that sense of accomplishment. Parents see a happy kid beaming with excitement of possibilities." Three years back, I asked one child psychologist: What is the best way to make a connection with my 8 and 13-year-olds as they are growing up? I was worried about excessive exposure to T.V, Mobile Phones and wanted to do some activity together to be much of an enabler and guide. He said," Why don't you try Woodworking in your backyard? That would serve all your purposes. " That was one of the best pieces of advice I got off late. We hit it off and started with whittling, woodworking with just a wooden stick and a pocket knife. After that, we moved on to woodworking with multiple tools. The kids only used more straightforward tools, and I handled the complicated part. Safety was of utmost priority, and I always led with example. This book entails our journey with 31 Whittling and 20 Woodworking projects. It covers: Woodworking and Whittling definitions, background, history Why kids and teenagers should practice it or how they would inculcate various skills while practicing this art which would help them in an extremely dynamic world they would face Best practices and safety instructions Tools with details of ways to use them Processes and Techniques 51 Starter Projects Tips, Guidelines, and Online Resources A perfect company for a weekend or holiday! Get this comprehensive 2 in 1 book with Woodworking and Whittling covered for a kid and parent both.