Wood carvers bring lifelike textures to their creations through a combination of meticulous technique, specialized tools, and keen observation. For fur, artists use fine gouges and V-tools to carve shallow, overlapping strokes that mimic hair direction, often layering cuts to build depth. Feathers demand precise knife work to create delicate barbs and quills, with burnishing tools adding smoothness to the surfaces.

Fabric textures are achieved through controlled chisel work, where carvers alternate between sharp cuts for crisp folds and rounded gouges for soft draping. Many artisans study real-life references to understand how light interacts with different materials, then replicate these effects through strategic grain selection and finishing methods like sanding or wire brushing.

Advanced carvers may employ power tools for initial texture work before refining details by hand. The final magic often lies in staining and sealing techniques that enhance the natural wood grain to complement the carved textures, creating astonishingly realistic results.