• Found in collections all over the world, each of Zoe's woodcarvings are unique pieces and carved directly from one piece of timber - usually a log of native hardwood - using hand tools only.

 Further details about Carvings for Sale...

• A selection of woodcarvings for sale can be seen at the Visitor Information Centre, Holsworthy, and there is an ongoing Exhibition at the Rydon Inn, Bude Road, (A3072) Holsworthy, Devon.

• If you are looking for a different gift for someone, perhaps a few days on a  woodcarving course might be the answer - the gift of a new interest which may well last a lifetime. Perfect for the person who already has everything and ideal for that special landmark 50th, 60th or 70th  birthday present, or perhaps to give the wood turner in the family a new experience.

• We can arrange any combination of days ranging from a short  "taster" session to see if wood carving is to your recipient's liking, or perhaps a longer course, or alternatively, several days taken over several months. Accommodation can be arranged if desired, and all tools and timber are provided.

• When you have purchased the number of day/s you wish, you will be sent a gift card such as Birthday or Christmas, relevant to the celebration, together with suggested course dates to give to the recipient so that he or she can make further arrangements with us.

Please contact me to discuss your requirements.  

• Commissioned work is undertaken with full reference to your specific requirements. This is ideal if you are looking for that special commemorative piece or  a carving particularly suited to someone, for whatever reason. Such carvings are unique and you can be sure that you will not find another the same.
  

• Have you a special piece of wood with a sentimental value, perhaps from a tree planted years ago, that you may like made into a unique carving? Provided it is sound, this may well be possible.

• Would you like a personalised woodcarving as part of your home construction, eg a barn owl or relief picture carved from an offcut of green oak timber used in a barn renovation?

Or even a rat... see below

• A curious and interesting carving that Zoe carved recently

   

  While Zoe was demonstrating woodcarving at South West Forest Woodfair in July 2007, she was asked if she would carve a rat which would hang over a beam in the bedroom of a Barn conversion from an offcut of Oak. Apparently the place had been riddled with vermin and the owner wanted to remind his wife of this for her birthday present.

  Zoe drew the profile on the block and sawed away the waste wood before starting the carving proper. Then using gouges she rounded the body, narrowed the face, detailed it and arranged the tail to hang down so the rat would drape over the beam.

  Major carving completed, the unwanted area between the front feet and tail was removed so that the rat would fit over a 7in wide beam.

  Using a fine file, the rat was given a textured surface, and the recipient's name and birthday date carved on the plinth.

  Let's hope his dear wife was not too startled when she woke up on her birthday.

   

  Please contact me to discuss your project, then we can find the best way to proceed, be it through pictures, drawings or a personal visit.

• 'Woodcarving - A Foundation Course'

by Zoe Gertner  

       ISBN 9781861080592  Published by GMC Publications October 1997, can be obtained by internet title/author search/www.amazon.co.uk

• Magazine Articles.

  Written by Zoe for the magazine "Woodcarving" (GMC Publications Ltd) a number of articles including projects and tool sharpening techniques can be found in back copies as well as the compendium Woodcarving for Beginners (ISBN 1 86108 019 0) and   The Woodcarvers (ISBN 1 86108 038 7)  published by GMC Publications. Available by internet search.

  Some of these articles will be available on CD/DVD later in the year.

• Woodcarving Manuals

Written in response to her students' wish for concise informative booklets dealing with various topics,  Zoe's series of woodcarving manuals can be collected individually to build up a comprehensive library. For availability please contact Zoe.

Manual 1. Choice of Wood

Manual 2. Tools and Equipment for Carving

Manual 3. Keen Edges: How to Sharpen Woodcarving Tools

Manual 4. Using Carving Tools

Manual 5. Good Practice in Carving

Manual 6. Carving Lettering

Other Titles in Preparation: Carving in Relief, How to Carve Heads, Starting Carving in the Round, Texturing Methods in Carving, Design and Inspiration in Woodcarving.

Manuals will be available on DVD/CD later in the year.

• Have you seen the latest project to try yourself?

details...

• The family firm of Ashley Iles manufactures high quality woodcarving tools in their factory in Lincolnshire have a range of tools designed by Zoe Gertner. These tools have shorter and lighter blades than the standard tools, making them easier to handle. The tools are supplied ready honed and razor sharp each in its own plastic wallet with a protective shield over its cutting edge, beech handles and brass ferrules adding to their aesthetic appearance.
  

• Whether your carving is mainly in relief, in the round, lettering or chip carving, Ashley Iles have the tools, and relatively few are needed to tackle a wide range of carving.

This 'No Entry sign was carved using six Ashley Iles Zoe Gertner carving tools