Wood Carving Designs: 6 Undercover Santas


How does Santa know if children have been good? Woodcarver Russell Scott has a theory with these wood carving patterns.

“He sees you when you’re sleeping. And he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good. So be good for goodness sake!” But how does Santa know if children have been good throughout the year?

Award-winning woodcarver Russell Scott has a theory. Santa goes undercover! In Russell’s newest book, Carving Undercover Santas, he explores the many disguises that he believes Santa may use to hide among us. See 6 under cover santa wood carving designs found in Russell’s book below!

“In his later years, my father grew a white beard and had a rotund belly and a twinkle in his eye. Once, while waiting in line at the checkout counter at the grocery store, Dad observed a child in the cart in front of him making a ruckus and drawing a lot of attention to his obviously frustrated, overwrought and  embarrassed mother. My father gave the child a look, raised his eyebrows and stated, “Remember, I’m always watching.” The child’s eyes grew round. My
father didn’t say another word but gave a stern look. The child immediately quieted down. The grateful mother looked at dad and whispered, “Thank you.”
Dad continued his fun at playing Santa as a member of the Moose Lodge in St. Paul, Minnesota. He dressed as Santa each year, in a beautiful costume, to greet children and grandchildren of lodge members during a special event with Santa. He even had a special Santa chair that he reupholstered in red velvet for the annual event. As a Santa carver I often find myself looking at the people I meet in stores, restaurants, and events to see if I can spot an undercover Santa. After all, they are all around us and are always watching.” – Russell Scott, Carving Undercover Santas Introduction

Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine

Carving Undercover Santas

He’s always watching! Santa goes undercover with these 13 carving designs by skilled wood carving artist and author, Russell Scott. In Russell’s newest book, Carving Undercover Santas, wood carvers will be inspired to create Santa carvings for year-round decor. Off-season disguises include fireman, lifeguard, sport coaches, policeman, librarian, park ranger, chef, and more! Includes 7 step-by-step projects with patterns and instructions to carve and paint each piece, plus a gallery of 6 additional designs.
Carving & Painting Christmas Ornaments

Carving & Painting Christmas Ornaments

Carve and paint your own festive wooden Christmas ornaments, with step-by-step projects, detailed instructions, original patterns, and inspiring color photographs.

Hand Carved Holiday Gifts

Hand Carved Holiday Gifts

Includes 39 projects featuring Santas, gifts ideas and ornaments. Step-by-step instructions for several projects along with tips and techniques for any skill level.

Carving Folk Art Figures

Carving Folk Art Figures

Complete step-by-step carving and painting demonstrations for a folk-art Santa and a smiling Angel from Santa Carver of the Year, Shawn Cipa. Patterns and photographs for an additional 13 projects including Moon Man, Cupid Cat, Firewood Santa, and others also included.

Handcarved Christmas (Best of WCI)

Handcarved Christmas (Best of WCI)

Giving a handcarved Christmas ornament or gift is as much fun as it is to make one. Includes projects for caricature ornaments, whittled pencils, a folk art tree topper whittled pencils, and more.

6 Undercover Santa Wood Carving Designs

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 01

Park Ranger Santa

I work for the National Park Service and my job is to keep trees, animals, rocks, waterways, and people safe. My crisp uniform and hat inspires children to be on their best behavior. In addition, I know all about the national park where I work, and can answer questions about history, animals, ecology, forests, and just about everything else—try me! Find the step-by-step instructions for the Park Ranger Santa in Carving Undercover Santas. This project demonstrate how to paint the complete Santa figure. It serves as the general template for painting all of the undercover Santas.

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 03

Librarian Santa

I love to spend time with the children who come to the library, by reading aloud to them or by helping them discover new books or authors. It brings me joy whenever a child returns to the library and (quietly) thanks me for a book suggestion I’ve made, and asks for further recommendations — fostering learning and imagination is my favorite part of my job. This full step-by-step wood carving project is on page 70 of Carving Undercover Santas.

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 03

Tree Farmer Santa

Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, I’m out at my Christmas tree farm, helping families with children pick out the trees that will be perfect for their homes. Around the bonfire, people gather to sip hot cocoa, coffee, or tea while munching on the sausages I made as they wait for wagon rides through the pine trees. It’s chock full of Christmas spirit! This pattern and finishing tips is found on page 118 in Carving Undercover Santas.

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 04

Lifeguard Santa

At the beach or swimming pool, children are usually happy and excited. They have a large place to play and move around. Instead of sitting inside they can swim, jump into the water, play with water toys, and be noisy. My job is to keep my eyes open and watch out for people’s safety at all times. It’s also great to see so many people getting along so well. Find this pattern and painting recommendations on page 122 of Carving Undercover Santas.

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 03

Snowboarding Santa

There’s something about being outside in the cold, crisp air up on the slopes that makes me forget all about my responsibilities back at the North Pole. It’s fast, invigorating, and maybe a little bit dangerous. Plus I love the scenery of snow-covered hills sparkling under a clear, blue sky, the majestic pine trees off to the sides, and the lifts carrying people all decked out in colorful
winter gear to the top of the slope. This full project is on page 62 of Carving Undercover Santas.

Wood Carving a Fish - Step 04

Baseball Coach Santa

Childhood baseball games are a great American ritual. Finding or creating little improvised “baseball diamonds” around the neighborhood, getting teams together, and playing a structured game gives youngsters an outlet for their creativity. It’s also a great way to learn cooperation and to get fresh air. My job is just to make sure everybody has fun. Find this pattern on page 110 of Carving Undercover Santas.

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