Watching the form of a living creature -- such as a bird, fish, or butterfly -- gradually emerge from a piece of beautiful seasoned hardwood is one of the carver's most exciting and satisfying experiences. Whether you're a skilled carver, a woodworker familiar with other aspects of the craft, or a sculptor eager to give carving a try, these 17 projects, all taken from the natural world, make a fine starting point. Ranging from the realistic to the abstract, and from freestanding sculptures to functional decorative objects, all capture the energy and the subtle details that make carvings come alive. Here is information on creating that perfect fusion between subject and wood grain, on fixing your own mistakes as well as faults in the wood itself, and on judging your work at every stage. Carve a plane-leaf bowl, tree frog on a branch, heron, otter relief, cobra, and more