Now you're ready to carve but first some information on wood itself. Information on hard and soft wood and the conversion and seasoning of wood. How to deal with defects and woodworms. Grain, hardness, figure, texture, and durability: recognize those elements that distinguish a quality piece. What type of wood works for what type of carving, gluing up, edge to edge, face to face, flat and end grain joints. And last but not least, all about finishing.