- 1). Sketch an outline of a furniture leg onto the wood you will be using, to act as a guide while during carving. Draw a smooth flowing leg that tapers towards the bottom. Incorporate a 4-inch allowance at the bottom of the leg for the ball and claw. Draw the talon or claw portion of the carving. Draw the outline of the ball inside of the claw. The bottom portion of the claw will be visible, while the top part will be hidden by the claw.
- 2). Follow your outline and use a band saw to cut the ball and claw out of your wood, by following the pencil lines you made in the previous step. Guide the wood slowly through the saw.
- 3). Use a mallet and 1-inch straight chisel to cut away small pieces of wood on the board to begin to shape the piece's leg and ball and claw foot. Create the overall ball shape, using the chisel to cut away small chips, one at a time, until the ball is formed. Work from the outside of the ball towards the center from either side.
- 4). Add more details to the ball and claw on the foot using a v-gouge chisel. Create depth by carving along the edges of the claw with the v-gouge.
- 5). Achieve the finest details of the claw using a wood carving knife. Carve the lines of the claw to create the joints and the nails on the tips of the claw.
- 6). Sand the carving lightly with fine-grit sandpaper.
- 7). Apply a wood finish or stain to the wood to protect it from damage. Allow the stained or finished wood to dry thoroughly.
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