Duck Decoys: Classic Carving Projects Made Easy

by Tom Matus

Overview

The Carving Classics Made Easy series is designed to bring the traditions and joy of woodcarving to a new generation of hobbyists. Each book in the series will guide you step-by-step through a variety of quintessential carving projects, building your confidence along the way. The duck decoy has a long tradition as a classic carving project. Now, you can get started on your own decoy with this instructional guide by award-winning decoy carver, Tom Matus. You will be amazed at your carving success as you follow the author, step-by-step, through an entire drake (male) mallard carving project. Beginning with the head and working through the entire bird, you will be led every step of the way as you learn to carve a decoy. Also included is an in-depth lesson on painting your mallard in the traditional floating decoy style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565231924
Publisher:	Fox Chapel Publishing
Publication date:	04/15/2003
Series:	Classic Carving Projects Made Easy Series
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Tom Matus is a world champion wildfowl carver and an instructor and judge for the Ward World Champion Wildfowl Carving Competition. He is a frequent contributor to Wood Carving Illustrated and the author of Duck Decoys: Classic Carving Projects Made Easy and Antique-Style Duck Decoys. He lives in Boise, Idaho. For more of Tom's work, visit his website at www.tmdecoy.com

Table of Contents

Foreword iv About the Author v Introduction vi Part One: Getting Started 1 Step One: Gather Reference Materials 1 Step Two: Select a Pattern 5 Step Three: Assemble Your Tools 10 Step Four: Choose Your Wood 12 Part Two: Carving a Decoy 11 Step One: Lay Out the Body 12 Step Two: Lay Out the Head 15 Step Three: Rough Out the Body 17 Step Four: Rough Out the Head 19 Step Five: Lay Out the Head 20 Step Six: Lay Out Feather Groups 25 Step Seven: Attach the Head to the Body 26 Step Eight: Shape the Neck and Breast 27 Step Nine: Set the Side Pockets 29 Step Ten: Add the Major Feather Groups 31 Step Eleven: Add the Bill Detail 36 Step Twelve: Set the Eyes 41 Step Thirteen: Hollow the Body 43 Step Fourteen: Attach the Head to the Body 45 Step Fifteen: Add Feather Details 46 Step Sixteen: Construct the Keel 47 Step Seventeen: Float the Decoy 48 Part Three: Painting a Decoy 49 Step One: Create Texture 52 Step Two: Apply Base Coats 54 Step Three: Paint the Head 56 Step Four: Paint the Tail 58 Step Five: Paint the Primaries 60 Step Six: Rump and Speculum 61 Step Seven: Tertials and Scapulars 62 Step Eight: Side Pockets 64 Step Nine: Breast Blend 65 Step Ten: Head Detail 66 Step Eleven: Paint the Bill 67 Step Twelve: Dry Brushing 69 Step Thirteen: Seal the Decoy 70 Afterword 73 Reference 73