1. Introduction
   Include information on technique, inspiration, preparation, thought process for design, why you chose this project, etc.
   
2. Complete List of Materials
   List all materials, tools, stains and paints needed to complete the project. Readers want to learn different things. One group wants to know exactly what tools you use. Another group wants to know which of their tools will work. If you can list what you use and then add what other options will work you'll be satisfying the majority. Please do this also for the type of wood and size of the project.
   
3. Thorough Step-by-Step Instructions
   The instructions should be clear, complete, concise and in the correct order. Remember — beginners need details. Readers like to know what finish techniques you use — sealers, stains, etc. Readers also like to know what errors you've made and how to avoid them. Please be sure to proofread all instructions before sending.
   
4. Patterns
   Include clear full-size patterns drawn in black on white paper.
   Patterns should be actual size and photo-ready. Any hand-drawn illustrations should be detailed, clear and as professionally drawn as possible. All patterns should include as many angles as possible - front, back, sides - even from the top and bottom.
   
5. Safety Tips
   These may be "old hat" to you — but they may be new to the readers.
   
6. Teacher's Tip
   Please provide helpful hints that pertain to the project (technique, additional uses for the design, etc.). These tips may be highlighted or boxed as teaser copy outside the article.
   
7. High Quality Color Photos
   One very important goal of our magazine will be to feature high quality, detailed photos. Include as many views of the finished piece as possible — from all sides as well as the top and bottom if possible. You may be asked to send us the finished piece so we can shoot the final photos. 35mm cameras still take higher quality photos than digital — so if you have one — it works best to use it — slides are preferred. If you use digital — take the highest resolution shots you can. Use enough lights — position them around the project so there are no dark or light spots — but still preserving the details. Reduce clutter in the background. If possible — use sloped, seamless paper for the background. If you use cloth — make sure it covers the entire background and is not patterned or wrinkled. Get as close to the project as possible.
   
   See photo tips for more information on submitting photos.
   
   
8. Sidebar
   Please include a photograph of yourself and anything you'd like to promote for your sidebar. Please include as many photos, drawings and as much text as you think is necessary for the project.

We will be editing the articles for grammar, spelling, length, and clarity. Any articles sent to us need to be your original design and not previously published anywhere else. Due to the number of articles we receive, we do not guarantee when and if we are able to publish it. If we are not able to publish your article it will be returned to you. If we do choose your article, we will contact you with the issue and date it will publish.

I prefer to receive everything by mail, on a PC-formatted CD with the text in MS-Word and photos numbered and separate from the text. You don't have to design a layout as it will be changed to fit in the format of the magazine. You may design a layout if you want to give us an idea of how it is best understood.

I want people to have fun with this magazine — in reading it as well as preparing articles for it! If there is anything you'd like to talk to me about, don't hesitate to contact me.

Chris Whillock
PO Box 611
Faribault, MN 55021
editors@carvingmagazine.com