Interested in wood carving for beginners, as a rule, people who do not have an artistic education. For them this art is a hobby. Due to the fact that the knowledge of most of these carvers is scattered, we will try to organize it. There is nothing complicated about wood carving itself. In Russia, this type of creativity has always been the main one. Even in stone processing, at first they used techniques that they had long been accustomed to.

Applying a pattern to a wooden piece

Today this type of art is of genuine interest, despite the fact that many skills are already being lost.

Generally speaking, wood carving can be classified as a plastic art. Traditionally, a distinction is made between relief and. A novice carver should first master the techniques of creating relief.

This technique has several thread options:

The list doesn't end there. There is still a lot left outside the scope. From the names you can understand how this or that performance technique differs. Classification is often complicated by the fact that our country is large. In different regions, the names of the same equipment may differ. However, the essence does not change, so we will outline the general working methods.

All beginning carvers are introduced to geometric carving. She is simple but beautiful. This type of carving is divided into three types:

• contour;
• triangular-notched;
• nail or staple.

For execution you will need:

• linden board;
• blunt knife;
• Ruler and pencil.

Drawings in the form of a geometric pattern are applied to the board. The carver can come up with his own or copy the one he likes. You don’t need to immediately take on complex elements if you don’t have the skills and your hand isn’t strong enough.

The board should be smooth. This surface is achieved through planing. Under no circumstances should you sand the surface with sandpaper. If abrasive particles remain in the fibers, they will prevent the threads from becoming clean and neat. In addition, the cutting edge of the knife will become dull faster.

Beginner carvers are recommended to choose hardwood to make geometric patterns.

They allow you to draw straight lines with a knife. Creating straight lines on softwood boards is much more difficult. So, the tip of the knife cuts vertically into the surface. Depth - 1.5-2 mm. Then the entire line is cut, pull the knife towards you. In this case, the blade tilts at an angle of 40°. Movements should be smooth. Note that you need to start and finish carving the line with the tip of the knife.


Having made one line or cut, we make the next one. Only now the blade should be tilted in the opposite direction. The chips will separate, and a geometrically shaped depression will appear on the board. If the edges are clear and the surface is shiny, then everything was done correctly. Gradually we cut out the entire element, and then the entire ornament.

Read also

Three-dimensional wood carving

It must be remembered that the knife goes easier along the fibers. When cutting through cross fibers, you have to apply more effort. Your hand may slip, and here you need to know the rules:

• work safety;
• organization of work space;
• tool preparation.

Carver's workplace

Work with sharp tools should be carried out at a workbench that meets all the requirements for stability and strength. If it is not possible to make such a workbench, you can limit yourself to a tabletop. It can be of any size, but the height should not be higher than the level of the carver’s belt.

The countertop should always be smooth and clean. Often, while working, the knife slips and hits the table. Jagged edges form and need to be removed. Professionals always monitor the condition of the workbench surface. They do not recommend hammering nails, chopping with an ax, or throwing a sharp tool onto a workbench, as all this can damage the countertop. The board on which the ornament is cut is carefully secured with clamps. Working on your knees or on an unstable table or stool should be avoided.

The workbench for wood carving should be well lit. You can install it near a window. However, there is little daylight.

If there is only one light source, dull dark shadows appear, which interfere with making the carving clean. Therefore, 2-3 more lamps are installed above the table.

They should illuminate the work from different sides, especially if it is dark outside the window. The lamps must be installed above the carver's eyes. While working, your eyes feel strained. Even experienced craftsmen notice this. A novice carver gets tired faster, and high-quality lighting makes the working conditions comfortable and safe.

Tool requirements

Modern ones open up wide opportunities for artists. They are used successfully in wood processing. But we will consider a tool for manual work.

After all, gaining the skill to work with such a tool is more important and more difficult.

The master always has in his arsenal:

• saw;
• hand drill or brace;
• plane;
• semicircular and flat chisels;
• knives of different sizes;
• small axe.

Many manufacturers have already taken care of cutters and are creating a variety of sets. It is impossible to unequivocally assess their quality and benefits. There is some debate about this. Let us only note that not a single professional master has such a set. All tools are purchased separately and finished by hand.

All photos from the article

As soon as wooden houses began to come into fashion again, the tendency to decorate their facades with all kinds of patterns and ornaments was revived. It has been used by people for many centuries and today, thanks to many technological innovations, it is becoming available to an increasing number of homeowners. Next, we will look at the main types of this direction and the nuances of do-it-yourself wood processing.

Varieties

It is worth noting that carved ornaments can decorate any wooden product, be it a box, a cornice, a gazebo or the facade of a residential building. So, if you want to experiment, then you don’t have to build a wooden building; for the first time, for example, a stair railing or the door of an old bedside table will be enough.

Through thread

This is a very common method of creating patterns, which is used most often in the process of decorating houses. It involves the complete end-to-end removal of some elements of the wooden surface. If before everything necessary work were performed mostly with chisels and cutters, now the task is performed mainly with a jigsaw.

Blind thread

When implementing this method of applying patterns, the cutters do not pass through the wooden canvas, which is most conveniently done with a milling cutter.

In turn, blind threads are also divided into several types:

1. Flat-notched. In this case, there is a background plane, and the ornament goes deeper into it. Subspecies:

1. Relief. Here the fragments of the ornament are either on the same level with the background, or even higher than it. The method itself is similar to contour thread, but when it is implemented, the edges of the grooves change their shape, fitting into the overall idea.

1. Flat-relief. A very common way to decorate wood surfaces in architecture and applied arts. It consists in removing part of the material with a recess of several millimeters and at different angles. The result is a volumetric composition.

Sculptural carving

Of course, creating wooden sculptures from wood is the most complex type of processing. But with such works of art you can safely decorate not only your home, but also any place in your summer cottage.

Advice: after applying patterns to wood, be sure to treat it with antiseptics, especially when it comes to external work. This will significantly extend the service life of your masterpiece.

If you decide to decorate own house or a gazebo, then all of the above methods of applying patterns can be used in combination. But if this is the first time you’ve touched on such a task, then it’s better to stick to the simplest options.

First of all, it is worth considering wood carving patterns for beginners:

Wood selection

When choosing a suitable material, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• Texture features. So, if you want to create a complex ornament with a semantic load, then it is better to take a block with a weakly expressed wood pattern. And if you prefer to only emphasize the natural beauty of wood with your pattern, then opt for a clearly defined texture.
• Try to place the pattern itself along the fibers. This will make it easier to apply.
• Pay attention to wood damage caused by rotting or other diseases. Discard such samples immediately.
• It is also worth weeding out products with such defects as knots and pockets with tree sap.

Purpose

When decorating your home, remember the main functions performed by wooden patterns:

• Decoration appearance. This is the main purpose. It is noteworthy that in ancient times many ornaments had a specific mystical meaning and served as amulets.
• Protection from direct sunlight. A visor with a through thread does an excellent job of dispersing light.
• Fencing of dangerous places. A balcony or staircase railing can become much more attractive thanks to this finishing.

Preparation

Once you have chosen the appropriate block or board and decided on the carving method, prepare the work area. You may need a vice or clamps, a pencil, a jigsaw, a chisel and a router.

Next, use a pencil to draw a sketch of your design onto the wooden canvas. Securely secure it and start working. Be extremely careful when applying the pattern, as the slightest miscalculation can ruin the entire workpiece.

At the end of the work, coat the resulting ornament with varnish and install it in the place where it will be located. As a result, you will receive an original product that is made with your own hands. Even if you don’t get a masterpiece the first time, don’t despair, a little practice and your craft will become a real decoration of your home.

Conclusion

Patterns used to decorate wooden buildings hundreds of years ago are back in trend and gaining popularity. With their help, you can not only revive the monotonous grayness of a classic facade, but also make it absolutely original, something that no one has ever had before.

A little fantasy right choice application method, purchasing a suitable workpiece, patience and attentiveness are the most important things you need to successfully complete your plan.

With patterns you can not only decorate your home, but also express your thoughts, create a certain business card for guests and passers-by.

Having barely learned to hold objects in his hands, the little man shows a craving for creativity. Over time, he will have the opportunity to try himself in various types of crafts: needlework, modeling, origami, wood carving, drawing. Of course, certain skills that the child received in school will be useful for this. early childhood. Sometimes a simple hobby gradually turns into a hobby, and then becomes the work of a lifetime. So many centuries ago in Rus', one of the main types of creativity was wood carving. And in the 21st century it still arouses genuine interest among people.

Popular types of intricate art

For a long time, people decorated their homes with wooden carvings. Various kinds of paintings, kitchen utensils, religious objects, and children's toys were considered valuable things for any family. Perhaps that's why they appeared different kinds wood carvings. The most popular options are:

• geometric;
• flat-notched;
• slotted;
• sculptural;
• embossed;
• openwork;
• invoice.

Fortunately, the list does not end there, because this type of creativity is widespread throughout our vast country. Let's look at just a few of them.

Geometric wood carving involves the use of various figures in the work. These are triangles, circles, squares and polyhedra. It is used for the manufacture of furniture elements, household utensils, and wall crafts. The oldest type of such carving is triangular-notched carving. This is one of the most simple methods, since it is performed with only one tool - a knife with a jamb. For such wood carving you will need a simple set of items:

• lime board;
• special knife-jamb;
• ruler;
• pencil.

First, sketches of geometric shapes or a finished ornament are applied to the board. It is better for novice amateurs not to use complex drawings so that the work turns out flawless. For the first works will do material made from deciduous trees, since it is more convenient to draw straight lines on it with a sharp knife.

The wooden surface should be as smooth as possible. This is achieved by planing the board. At the same time, it does not need to be sanded with sandpaper. Otherwise, the carving will not turn out clear and neat, and the tool will quickly become dull.

The flat-pit method is used to cut out depressions of various sizes and shapes on a plane. These can be oval contours and all kinds of convexities.

The slotted type of carving is also considered quite simple. It is performed using a jigsaw. A sketch of any figure applied to a wooden plane is cut out along the contour. The result is some cute crafts. Slotted threads are used to make background objects through which other planes are visible. She is often called openwork carving, and it is used to decorate furniture in the Baroque style. These can also be elements of cupboards, window frames, doors, and sometimes decorative screens. If crafts are attached to a special base, then this type of carving is considered overhead.

The process of working with the slotting method begins with a sketch, which is applied to a pre-polished workpiece. It is transferred to the surface using a special template or transparent white paper. Then holes are made on the contours and cut out on the work table using a thin jigsaw file.

Relief carving includes two main methods: flat and blind. In addition, the blind option implies a low or convex relief. The bottom line is that the pattern is formed due to the main background of the surface.

The flat-relief method is performed in such a way that the pattern and the surrounding background are made at the same depth over the entire area of ​​the base. Blind carving is characterized by a convex pattern that does not have flat outlines. Such products are valued for their high decorativeness and richness of composition. After all, a unique miniature landscape with hills, depressions and depressions is created on the plane. To create such masterpieces, craftsmen use elements of almost all types of wood carving. Therefore, beginners should master each method separately in order to apply the skills with more.

The first steps on the path to mastery

History shows that wood was traditionally used to decorate living spaces. Nowadays, various photographs, drawings and sketches of wood carvings are exhibited in local history museums or printed publications. This suggests that smart people who are willing to learn can master this art form. Wood is a wonderful natural material from which you can create decorative compositions, paintings, furniture elements and kitchen utensils. Having mastered the basics ancient art, some became real masters of wood carving, devoting their entire lives to it.

Popular wisdom says: “The hardest trouble is the beginning.” This is how it is if you do nothing. Practical wood carving tips for beginners open the door for brave people to the world of magnificent DIY crafts. First you need to prepare your tools and understand the basic nuances of the craft.

It is advisable for beginners to choose high-quality and durable equipment for work in order to acquire valuable craftsmanship skills.

For wood carving you need to prepare the following tools:

• sharp knife;
• chisel;
• jigsaw;
• bit;
• drill;
• needle files;
• spoon cutter;
• bars;
• milling machine.

Of course, for beginners it will be enough to purchase a special set of tools for wood carving, which includes a knife, a jigsaw and an awl. With their help it is very convenient to master the skills of ancient craftsmanship.

The next step is the selection of raw materials. The quality of the product depends on this. There are two types of wood in nature: hard and soft. The first group includes mahogany, oak and beech. For the second - aspen, pine, spruce, birch. Of course, it is easier to work with soft wood, but with one wrong move it quickly deteriorates. Despite this, it is considered the most suitable raw material for beginners.

Hardwoods are used by professionals because they are very expensive.

In addition to the strength of the material, the color of the wood also plays a key role. A suitable raw material for learning the skill is birch. It lends itself wonderfully to cutting and drilling in any direction. When choosing patterns for wood carving, you should keep in mind that birch wood darkens over time. Despite this, she is very easy to work with.

When the pattern is selected, it must be transferred to a wooden blank. In the age of technology, you can use ready-made photographs or drawings provided by specialists. The subjects of the images are very different, but each has its own unique beauty. When everything is ready, you can start creating your own masterpieces. Thematic wood carving lessons are an invaluable aid for beginners.

Master class on simple crafts

When you look at the finished crafts, you get the impression that making them is not at all difficult. Therefore, many lovers folk craft took the instrument into their hands and got to work. To cut an ordinary flower you need to prepare the following set of items:

• wood blank;
• double soft pencil;
• tracing paper;
• chisels.

Please note that only special chisels for wood carving are suitable. They should be v-shaped, narrow and semicircular. The next stage is drawing. It can be taken from the Internet. To do this, apply a sheet of paper to the screen, redraw the diagram, and then apply it to a wooden plane.

Start working from the central part of the sketch, carefully cutting out a circle. Then, using a v-shaped chisel, cut out the petals along the contour. Wood waste between them is removed as work progresses. If you don’t have such a chisel, professional knives for wood carving will do, as they are just as good to use in this craft.

Using a semicircular chisel, cut out the outer part of the petal. It looks like the outline of a heart, but it's not scary. Then cuts are made in the inner part of the petal, connecting it to the center of the flower. All that remains is to round it off and the flower is ready. Now you can admire the first creation of your own hands. An invaluable aid for beginners is a themed woodcarving video that encourages them to get started immediately.

Modern technology for experienced craftsmen

In the modern world, many works have long been performed mechanically. Applied crafts are not lagging behind in this. The use of technology allows craftsmen to save their energy and precious time. Wood carving machines make it possible to quickly and efficiently prepare the raw material for work. The only drawback of such devices is their high cost, but people for whom carving is not just a hobby are ready to purchase them.

Pantograph

The device is designed to work with any wooden surfaces. It performs operations of various kinds, both volumetric and on a plane. The pantograph is used to process arched, bent or rotating parts. So, with the help of a machine, various elements of furniture, statues or panels are cut out.

Drill

An excellent device for working with hardwood. It is important to take into account the properties and location of the fibers natural material. Using a drill, craftsmen sharpen tools, polish wood, and, if necessary, polish it.

Tree species with dense wood that do not have a tendency to chip are suitable for working with a drill.

CNC milling machine

This technique is mainly used for the production of wooden furniture with carved decoration. The machine is designed to work with any type of plywood and wood. It is distinguished by high functionality and technical capabilities. When working on such equipment, it is important to use special protective equipment - goggles and gloves. Also follow the operating instructions for the device.

As practice shows, such machines simplify the process of wood carving. They make it possible to create great amount products in a short time. The devices are used not only in industry, but also for personal workshops.

In any case, handmade products bring true satisfaction to a person. They create a pleasant atmosphere in the house, help express the master’s feelings for his loved ones, and serve for the benefit of the household for a long time. Wooden crafts retain their natural beauty for a long time and never go out of fashion. Wood carving is an art that is passed down from generation to generation. It is available to anyone who wishes to master this craft. The main thing is not to be afraid of failures, but to be willing to learn, pick up tools and create masterpieces.

Wood carving video tutorial for beginners

Making an icon case

05.02.2019, 09:14

Making a table of contents with wood carvings for an icon case

In a similar way, the table of contents (top) for the icon cases in the photo below were made.
To enlarge the image, click on it with the mouse.

First, a sketch of the table of contents in real size is drawn on paper, in accordance with the size and proportions of the future icon case. It is determined where the wood carving will be located, and the sketch of the carving itself is first drawn.
Then the drawing is transferred to a sheet of fiberboard or plywood and carefully, as accurately as possible, cut out with a jigsaw at low speed, without turning on the pendulum stroke. Fine tooth file (I use BOCH T101 AO or Gepard T101 AO files)
Thus, we made a template according to which, using a router, we will make the very top (crown, table of contents) of the icon case.
There are two in the photo below ready-made templates: The first of the fiberboard is the table of contents wall, the background on which the wood carving will be attached. The second plywood template is the cornice, the arched frieze of the icon case, it will be made of wood.
All bends, curves, and template lines are carefully sanded with sandpaper. The appearance of the finished table of contents of the icon case in the future depends on how symmetrical, even and neat our template will be.

The following photos are a template for the lower and upper parts of the icon case

We place the fiberboard template on a sheet of plywood and trace it with a pencil.
After this, we cut out with a jigsaw close to the drawn line, but without touching the line itself.

We screw the template into the plywood blank.
Using a router and a straight copy cutter with a bearing, we go around the workpiece along the contour.
The bearing on the cutter moves along the edge of the template, and the cutter removes excess material from the workpiece.
In this case, the workpiece exactly copies the profile of the template.
We also outline the arched cornice with a pencil on a wooden board.

Cut with a jigsaw, roughly, without touching the line.
We attach the template to the workpiece and repeat the previous operations.
We attach the template using self-tapping screws to the back side of the part, not to the front side - so that no traces of the self-tapping screws are visible on the finished element.
Although if you make a mistake, putty will help.

We repeat the same thing when making an element for the lower part of the icon case.

Using an edge molding cutter, select the desired profile from the front side of the cornice.
Then select a shallow (5-8mm) groove inside the cornice.

We connect the cornice with the wall of the table of contents.
You can immediately glue two parts together and then paint them together, but I find it more convenient to varnish and tint these two elements separately.

View from the front and back.

Sketch, wood carving template

Overhead thread for icon case

25.01.2019, 06:50

Making carved decor for the table of contents of a floor icon case.

The top (or table of contents, crown) of the floor icon case is an arch with applied wood carvings.
Inside the arch there will be an Orthodox eight-pointed cross with carved decor.

First, we draw the arch itself on a scale of 1:1 and then the cross around which our wood carving will be placed.
Initially, the sketch is drawn “by hand”; the accuracy of the lines and the smoothness of the curves do not play a significant role at this stage. The main thing is to arrange the pattern evenly around the cross, observing the general proportions, to create a logical and complete design of the floral ornament.
After that, using patterns, we align the hand-drawn lines, achieving smooth transitions, roundness of curls, and adding small details to the sketch.
We draw, as usual, only one left part of the pattern - the right one will be strictly symmetrical to it.
In order to understand what the finished carving will look like, you can attach a mirror along the vertical line (running along the cross). The right side of the carving sketch will be reflected in the mirror, that is, the entire pattern as a whole will become visible to us.

With a pencil I shade out those parts of the sketch that will be cut with straight chisels. Unshaded areas - semicircular incisors.

Some craftsmen cut out the sketch and glue it onto a piece of wood. Then, along the lines of the sketch, using a jigsaw, unnecessary parts of the pattern are removed and cut with cutters directly on the paper and on the workpiece at the same time.
With this method, the sketch template is not saved, and if you later need to make exactly the same decor, you have to re-create the drawing.
I do it differently: I laminate the sketch drawing with simple transparent tape on both sides. I then carefully cut it out using the cutters to create a carving template that can be used over and over again. You can call it a stencil.
I attach the template to the workpiece and trace it with a sharpened pencil or pen. Using a jigsaw, I remove everything unnecessary and get a blank for carving. Externally, this is a house slotted carving, but we still have to work on itcutters and chisels. In order for me to understand where, what and with what to cut, I transfer the sketch drawing onto the wooden part. Also with the help of patterns.

After processing with cutters, the finished decor is manually sanded with fine sandpaper.
We use sandpaper to remove scorch marks from the jigsaw file, and smooth out uneven surfaces after work with chisels.

By turning the thread over, you can trim the reverse side of the pattern with cutters in some places. In this way we will, as it were, lift and separate our carved decor from the background to which it will be attached.

In the following photos, the wood carving is coated with clear varnish.
The wooden board for the workpiece was glued from different plots - this can be seen from different colors planks. In this case, this is not important - the finished carved decor will be painted with gold paint.
The varnish acts as a primer and several coats will give a smooth surface before coating with gold.

Wood carving on the icon case painted “gold”.

Floor-standing icon case with wood carvings

Wood carving, sketches, photos

14.09.2018, 04:29

Transferring a wood carving sketch onto a linden board using a template

If the overhead thread is symmetrical in the horizontal or vertical plane, then only half of the sketch (template) is drawn

"Spruce and Drill" - handmade wood carving workshop in Belarus

Decorative panel, for church furniture

12.09.2018, 06:50

We make panels only from wood: ash, oak, birch, alder. Most often, of course, from linden.
If necessary, we will do the finishing: tinting with stain or stain, varnishing.
All wood carvings are carved only by hand.
A drawing, sketch, sketch of a carved ornament is discussed in advance. As are the sizes.

Carved panels can be used as overlay wood carvings for church furniture, for example, for a floor icon case or a church iconostasis.

Carved panel for a wooden altar

08.09.2018, 07:57

Hand-carved decorative wood panel

At the first stage of work on the panel, a wooden panel made from identical linden slats (lamellas) is glued together.
A sketch for wood carving is marked on the shield and all unnecessary parts of the ornament are removed using an electric jigsaw. The result is a slotted or through saw thread.

A decorative panel can become an element of a furniture facade

In our case, wood carvings (carved panels) were made for the door of a wooden altar in an Orthodox church.

You can order production from us and buy an altar with a canopy, in the form of a floor-standing icon case.

06.09.2018, 07:36

Wood carving - from sketch to finished product

Creating a sketch or drawing is the first step in making carved decor.
The sketch is drawn on a scale of 1:1.
This takes into account not only the external, aesthetic appearance of the future product, but also the capabilities of the carver, his skill, the availability of the necessary cutters, the complexity and size of the carved decor.

To enlarge the picture, click on it with the mouse.

The next step, after creating a wood carving sketch, is to laminate it (for example, with ordinary transparent tape) and cut out a template along the contour of the drawing.

With this method, the thread template can be used repeatedly if several carved patterns are to be cut.

Just trace the template along the contours with a pencil.

The next step is cutting out the slotted pattern with a jigsaw.

We remove everything unnecessary, leaving what we will work with with cutters.

In principle, this is already the so-called house carving.
A simple incised overlay wood carving used for home decoration.

Using patterns or “by hand,” we apply cutting lines and designs to the workpiece.

After working with cutters, sanding, tinting and painting, you get this kind of wooden carved decor.

This applied cross with a carved pattern was cut out for a church lectern made in our workshop.

You can see his photo and description in the "Analoi" section.

When copying images and reprinting an article, a link to the site is required!

21.05.2016, 07:50

Wood carving for the front part of a church lectern.
Step-by-step production.

Transferring a drawing or sketch to the board.
You can transfer the pattern to the workpiece using a carbon copy or using a cut out template.
With the second method, a template once made and cut out, for example, from thick cardboard, can be used many times if you need to make many identical products.

The finished slotted pattern is processed with cutters and chisels of various shapes.
At the final stage, the wood carving is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper before painting or coating with oil, wax, or stain.

Wood carving for mirror

26.03.2016, 09:19

Sketching a carved pattern

Transferring the design to a linden board and cutting out the outline with a jigsaw

Finished work... Then sanding, tinting, painting...

A short video of a master class on making a carved frame for a mirror or picture

There is a legend among local residents that tells why the village has such a name: they say that once upon a time a small unknown village burned down near Slonim. Two residents of this village - two brothers who bore the surname Krakot - descended along the Jordanka River to these places. The first brother settled in the upper reaches of the Jordan River, and the other went down the river. The place where the elder brother settled was called Great Krakotka, and where is the youngest - Malaya Krakotka. Today, these two Krakotkas are still located next to each other....

Here's another story from that time

One day they decided to involve the boyars living in Velikaya Krakotka in the ordinary daily work that the peasants did. The boyars then began to resist, saying that digging the earth and hauling hay were duties and activities for peasants. And theirs, the boyars' business, is military service. We got offended and went to the capital - Warsaw, to the king himself ZhigimontVase.
He listened to the boyars and said that no one would do this to them again and gave them a paper in which it was written that the boyars should not be involved in any other work other than military service. The kings did not give offense to their subjects and tried to adhere to ancient laws.

After three sections of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Krakotka found itself in Russian Empire in Slonim district. There is evidence that in 1798 there were 31 men living in the village. The fact is that before this there was a liberation uprising under the command Tadeusha Kosciuszko.

In the 18th century, our country was almost entirely Uniate. Uniates lived then and in Great Krakotka, and Little Krakotka, behind which there has long been a Uniate cemetery.

At the Krakotki cemetery

Attractions

The village is famous for its natural monuments.

On the very outskirts of the village is the Republican Geological Geomorphological Natural Monument "Krakotskaya ridge". Scientists say that it appeared 220 thousand years ago during the Ice Age! Such ridges, they say, appeared from sand, stones, in the openings of water streams in ice cracks.

The famous Krakota boulder

When the ice melted, a man came here.

On the outskirts of Krakotka, in the forest, there is a very beautiful juniper grove. If someone has been to Crimea, then he has seen such juniper groves. Such groves are rare in Belarus.

On the outskirts of the juniper grove, an ancient cemetery has been preserved, along which stones are scattered. The fact is that according to local ritual, when they buried someone who took his own life, a stone was placed above the head and at the feet, where a wooden cross was also placed. It is believed that when the day of judgment comes and everyone goes to God’s judgment, it will be easier for him to get up holding the cross. Now these stones have been destroyed because the cemetery was plowed up and planted there.

About the holy healing spring

In the village there is a holy spring with healing water, which has been known since ancient times.

There is a local legend about the krinichka.

They say that this land once belonged to Mr. Skurat, who had a daughter, she had very poor eyesight. One day an old man came to the village and stopped near a mountain from which water flowed.

The elder drank this water, rinsed his face, and immediately his eyes began to see better. He came to the village, told the people about it, who told everything to Pan Skurat. Pan began to take this water and treat his daughter, rubbing her eyes - the girl was cured. Then Pan Skurat dug a well on the mountain and from that time on this little spring began to be called Pan Skurat's spring.

Now the krinichka is consecrated in honor Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. They say that on holidays the water here is drawn to the bottom, but it quickly fills up. Water helps against eye and stomach diseases. There are examples of people being cured with this water. But it is known that water helps those who believe.

The Holy Krinichka is located near a river with the interesting name Jordanka. It was deeper and wider until land reclamation was carried out. And when the reclamation was carried out, it became a small stream. The name of the river is mysterious. Legend says that once in these places they killed a man who called himself Jordanas. Or maybe there is a connection between the Jordan River and the famous Jordan River, in which John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ?

Water blessing prayers are held here, with special solemnity - on the day of the Nativity of John the Baptist (July 7). Water from this source is taken not only by local residents, but also by pilgrims and travelers from near and far abroad.

Famous personalities of Great Krakotka

In the part of the village that was formerly called Malaya Krakotka, Ivan Solomevich, a Belarusian literary critic, folklorist, bibliographer, translator, and encyclopedist, was born.

He signed his works with the pseudonym Krakotsky or Yan Solomevich.

The writer was born in Malaya Krakotka, and went to school in Velikaya.

By the way, the famous Belarusian Grigory Okulevich was born in Great Krakotka. During the occupation in Polotsk, he was an active figure in the Belarusian national liberation movement. He was also one of the organizers of the BKRG and TBS. When the Poles began to hunt Okulevich, he was forced to emigrate to Canada to avoid arrest. But he did not abandon his Belarusian activities there, and together with his friends he created the first Russian newspaper in Canada, which had its own Belarusian page in the Belarusian language. And when World War II began, Grigory Okulevich volunteered for the war. After the war, he became the chief secretary of the Russians in Canada Federation in Canada, and later became the editor-in-chief of an emigrant newspaper. In Canada, Okulevich wrote and published two books: “50 years of the Belarusian Republic” and “Russians in Canada.”

In Great Krakotka, Grigory Okulevich and his friends created a Belarusian library on the basis of the TBS and named it in honor of Yanka Kupala. But the Poles didn’t like everything that was Belarusian, they didn’t like the local Belarusian movement, so the Poles closed the library. All Belarusian books were taken out of the library. Only in 1939 was the Belarusian library of Yanka Kupala renewed in the village.

The Second has begun World War, and the library was destroyed, but in 1946, the Yanka Kupala library in Velikaya Krakotka was born for the third time. Yanka Kupala’s wife, Vlada Frantsevna Lutsevich, corresponded with this library.

Yakub Kolas, Arkady Kuleshov, Kondrat Krapiva, Ivan Shamyakin, Mikhail Lynkov sent books with their autographs to the library. In 1970, a new library named after Yanka Kupala was built in the village, but today it no longer exists. Pavel Tavlay, the father of the famous Belarusian poet Valentin Tavlay, took an active part in the construction of Yanka Kupala.

Tavlay began writing poetry at an early age. When he studied at the Slonim Teachers' Seminary, during the census he registered as a Belarusian, but wrote Belarusian as his native language, for which he was expelled from the seminary. 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of the poet Valentin Tavlay. He suffered for 7 years in Polish prisons for his Belarusian activities, but, fortunately, he did not fall under Soviet repression and did not rot in Stalin’s camps; he died of natural causes in 1947. His fellow countryman, the Belarusian poet Mikola Arochka, wrote a lot about Valentin Tavlaya, researched his work, and dedicated many poems to him.

Mikhail was born in a neighboring village, but he loved to come to Velikaya Krakotka, he loved these places. The village is proud of its fellow countryman-poet.

The Great Patriotic War

In 1941, a strong battle took place near Velikaya Krakotka. On the German side, Gulden's regiment fought here against the Red Army. 160 died here German soldiers who were buried on the mountain near the church. And in 1944, when the Germans were retreating, they dug up the remains of each of their dead soldiers, put them in new coffins and took them to Germany.

Today no one can say how many Red Army soldiers died. Only 1,600 soldiers were captured; they were marched through the streets of the village. In the middle of the village of Velikaya Krakotka, 17 known and 338 unknown Red Army soldiers were buried in a mass grave in the middle of the village. And how many of them still lie buried in craters and trenches?

A house was recently built in the village and the remains of 4 more Red Army soldiers were found. They were taken to a mass grave and buried there.

On the outskirts of the village and in the forests there are still amateurs studying the history of the Great Patriotic War, the history of Great Krakotka is found in objects from those times, testifying to strong, bloody battles.

One of the old finds, a cross was found on the road leading to the temple in Malaya Krakotka

Search at the monastery lake (formerly Lake Shkolnoye)

Solidus 1663. A lot was found along the road near the temple in Malaya Krakotka

ring

10 pfenings

Program "Amateur's Journey" and "Hope for the Village"

An interesting and educational BT program has finally visited our village!

Velikaya Krakotka is rich in interesting sights and people.
The story about them and much more is in the video report offered to you.

Volumetric, contour and geometric wood carving are some of the most ancient techniques for decorating a wide variety of products. By and large, the work requires nothing more than a wooden blank and a fairly sharp knife: with the right skill, you can get a carved frame, a beautiful toy, or any other product.

Of course, you will only achieve masterpieces after many years of practice. But you can start mastering carving with the simplest details: just study this article and understand the basics.

Types of carving

Despite the fact that the simplest tools are used when working with wood, and the processing techniques are not complicated, the result can be very different. Depending on the appearance of the treated surface, the following types of thread are distinguished:

1. Contour thread- perhaps the simplest (outwardly, not in terms of execution technique). The pattern is applied to a flat surface using shallow lines, forming the contours of the design.
2. Geometric carving- the most common due to its ease of learning. Unlike contour patterns, patterns are formed not by lines, but by a combination of geometric shapes, most often wedge-shaped notches.

1. Flat grooved thread - technology of applying an ornament or pattern to a flat board. In this case, indentations are cut out on a flat background, which form the pattern we need.

A variation of this technique is also considered through thread, in which not only recesses, but also holes are formed in the workpiece.

1. Sculptural carving(volumetric) - the most complex technique. A piece of wood, a branch or a root is taken as a blank, after which the part is given required form. What is important here is not only the skill of the carver, but also how well the wood is selected.

Of course, this classification is very arbitrary, but it gives an idea of ​​where you can strive to improve your skills.

What do you need for work?

Carver tools

To make wooden toys, carved frames, frames and other decorative objects, the craftsman needs the right tools. In addition to the usual carpentry tools (saw, drill, file), you also need to use special tools:

Illustration	Tool	Purpose
	Knife-jamb	A universal tool that is used for both geometric wood carving and sculptural work.
	Chisels	The most extensive group of tools used to form recesses. Depending on the shape of the edge, the following varieties are distinguished: flat; semicircular; corner; stapled.
	Klukarzy	Special chisels with a curved working part. With their help, relief carvings with strong depth are made.
	Spoon cutters	As the name suggests, special tools for making wooden spoons. The special shape of the blade (ring or half-ring with one-sided sharpening) allows you to effectively select large volumes of wood.

Price professional tools high enough for cutting. And yet, a novice craftsman should not save: it is better to purchase several knives and chisels of decent quality. Then the first experience will not be spoiled, and you can concentrate on mastering the techniques and techniques of carving.

Wood selection

Artistic carving requires the formation of a fairly clear relief. And for this you need not only suitable tools, but also appropriate material. Not all wood is suitable for carving, and if you are just starting to master the technique, then you need to be very picky about your choice:

1. Linden - perfect option for a beginner. The material is soft and homogeneous, so it is better to master the most complex designs for wood carving on linden.
2. Alder (red and black)- also very a good option, albeit more dense. Cuts perfectly, almost does not warp when drying. The main disadvantage is that it is difficult to find!

1. Birch- harder and more elastic, but at the same time quite suitable for learning the basics of carving. It can become deformed when drying, so small products are usually cut from birch.
2. Oak- an excellent option, but only for an experienced master. The relief is perfect, but you need a very sharp tool and a confident hand.

1. Pear- wood with high density and good uniformity. The structure of the material allows the production of the thinnest products.

From the wood of these species, it is first necessary to cut blanks, dry them, and, if necessary, rough them. Only after this are drawings and sketches applied to them, according to which the carving is carried out.

Techniques and techniques for geometric carving

In fact, all work on a carved part comes down to three operations:

1. Preparation- selection and rough processing of the workpiece, transfer of the design.
2. Actually the thread- application of a relief pattern.
3. Finishing- elimination of defects, grinding, varnishing, etc.

Instructions for performing basic carving operations are shown in the table.