A fun little carving practice- whittle a pig

I have the feeling that, even though times are grim, you guys might appreciate a little lighter post. Actually, this is why I carry a knife (one of the many reasons, actually). Whittling is proven to be a very wholesome activity, 

 (https://summit.sfu.ca/_flysystem/fedora/sfu_migrate/15910/etd9350_GHamilton.pdf)

with therapeutical benefits for individual mental health.  The creative possibilities are infinite.  This is a simple project that is well suited for beginners and kids with a bit of experience.  Start with cutting a hazel branch that is long enough to give you a bit of a handle.  

Carve a flat on either side.

Carve the snout by using reverse grip power/chest cuts. 

Carve a notch using a thumb pressure cut and reverse grip chest cut to shape the body. 

Using a pinch grip cut, carve the eyes. 

Shape the butt of the little piggy. Essentially it is just a notch you can carve with a chest clutch cut or by applying thumb pressure on the spine of the blade. 

Before cutting all the way through, you can do some refining cuts on the body and shape and refine the legs. 

 Cut or saw off the notch, and in no time you get a stylized piggy.  You can refine it with more details, of course, but as is, this project can be done in 20 minutes. It is a really satisfying lunch break project and is pretty well suited for grounding yourself when you feel stressed out, and you can keep little piggy in your pocket to aid comfort and resilience.  

Take care, play it safe, and I hope you like it and have fun!