Wood carving has a long and proud tradition as a skilled hobby, probably dating back to at least the invention of the knife and other carving tools. Carvers commonly create duck decoys, statuettes depicting people and animals, and even elaborate landscape wall hangings. But we didn’t know the range of the carvers’ craft until we received a press release promoting a book  titled “Carving Mexican Wrestlers,” and another called “How to Carve Bellamy Eagles.” For those who might be interested, the full release is printed below.

“Carving Mexican Wrestlers”

Learn how to carve caricatures that display the sport and theater of Mexican wrestling with instructions in both English & Spanish.

Atglen P.A. — With step-by-step photos and instructions, this book teaches wood carvers the steps necessary to create six of Mexico’s colorful, costumed wrestlers, the Lucha Libre. The wrestlers bring a time-honored tradition to the wood carving world. Patterns for six different wrestlers are provided, including one swinging a folding chair, plus a referee to oversee the match. Painting instructions are given to bring these figures vibrantly to life. A gallery provides detailed pictures of each figure from all sides, so that no detail is overlooked. The text is provided in both English and Spanish. Carvers from the novice to the well seasoned will enjoy this book.

Ballo Rebora has been carving wooden figures in Guadalajara, Mexico, since his childhood. This is his third book with Schiffer Publishing. Ballo’s book sells for $16.99 and can be purchased through the publisher at www.schifferbooks.com or your local bookseller.

“How to Carve Bellamy Eagles”

Discover the Golden Age of American Wood Carving and explore the amazing eagle creations by John Bellamy in a new book by North Carolina author Paul Rolfe.  This book will instruct carvers how to carve in the style of the original artist.  These carvings are fun  projects for carvers of all skill levels.

Atglen P.A. — John Haley Bellamy (1836-1914) was a folk art woodcarver from New England, best known for his eagles. His work is prized today by collectors and has been copied more than any other artist from “the golden age of woodcarving.” These symbols of America, in his unique style, make them ideal projects for carvers of all skill levels. Learn about Bellamy himself and see 293 color photos with step-by-step instructions. This informative guide discusses the tools, with instructions to carve three differently styled eagles (“Portsmouth,” pilothouse and soaring). Instructions include gold leaf application as a finishing detail. Patterns are provided. This book will be a treasure for all who enjoy carving in this distinct style.

Paul Rolfe started carving in 1974.  In 1980, he received a Master’s degree in chemistry from Appalachian State University.  After graduation, he was employed as a research scientist for a pharmaceutical company near Raleigh, N.C.  When the first of his two daughters was born in 1982, with support from his wife Linda, he decided to become a stay-at-home dad and start a woodcarving business.  The business, which eventually became known as Raleigh Carving Company, went through many phases.  Rolfe carved original sculptures that were sold to a company that cast the figures and marketed them across the country.  He carved signs for government offices, businesses and individuals; made furnishings and sculptures for churches; built reproduction furniture and has created exacting portraits of people in wood and lots of eagles, horses and assorted figures and reliefs. You are invited to visit his web site at www.rolfewoodcarving.com.  He currently teaches classes in traditional wood carving techniques and directs and helps with the judging of woodcarving shows.

Paul’s book sells for $16.99 and can be purchased through the publisher at www.schifferbooks.com or your local bookseller, as well as numerous online venues.