Crocodile Wood Carving: Shape a Small Figure in the Round

This stylized crocodile has a broad snout, raised eyes, four small feet, and a long tail. The project is a short process guide for carvers with experience. Its challenge is coordinating several views while preserving the projections around the body.

Draw the side, top, and end views

Use a rectangular basswood block. Draw the long side profile on a broad face and the back and body width on the top. Add simple head and tail views on the two short ends.

These are different views of one form. Match the positions of the head, feet, and tail before beginning the rough cuts.

Cut the long side profile

Remove the waste around the side drawing, leaving some material outside the line. Keep extra material along the raised back for later detail.

The first cut establishes the crocodile’s length and low posture; it does not yet resolve the width of the head or the separation of all four feet.

For securing the long blank and choosing a saw for the waste cuts, see the carving tools and workholding guide.

Use the top view to establish width

Return to the top drawing to locate the head, tail, and feet. The sketch uses four equal circles as spacing references near the head; use the image to keep those proportions consistent with your own drawing.

Reduce the surrounding waste while checking the side profile. Refine the narrow spaces with smaller carving tools rather than trying to reach every area with the saw.

Refine all sides and add the expression

Work around the remaining faces to round the body and distinguish the eyes, legs, and raised back. Check the tail from above and from the side so that it continues naturally from the body.

The example retains its wood color and adds a simple mouth. A painted body is an optional finishing choice. The completed views show the main forms, rather than a separate close-up for every small cut.