Back in my youth (and I'm surprised that I can remember it) I can recall an old farmer in rural Quebec, sitting on his porch whittling a walking stick while rocking in an old and probably carved rocking chair. It's amazing what can be achieved with a sharp knife.What a great way to relieve the stress of everyday life. Simply pick up a branch from a birch, maple or cherry tree, a sharp knife and whittle away. Lubkemann's "little" book can get you started whittling immediately. There are 31 whittling ideas in the book as well as some basic information. The author suggests what types of wood to select, what type of knife to use and most of all, how to keep the blade sharp.In the author's eclectic collection there is a fully detailed weather vane, a weather station (if the stone is wet, it's raining), a sling shot and a tic tac toe game to name but a few.

You don't have to be an expert carver to enjoy whittling, even a novice can get started right away and the author can help. So, pick up your Swiss Army Knife, a stick of wood and throw away those tranquilizers.