Pole: The wooden pole you use to carve will influence how difficult or easy your carving will be. I used an old unused pine fence post from our property. These same poles are relatively inexpensive at your home center or farm supply store. You can of course use cedar like the Native Americans, a tree log or dead tree. Just pick a pole that is free of knots and that is not full of splits in the wood.
Design: I picked a black cat Totem for the top of the Totem Pole, simply because we had a black cat. You can chose from any number of symbols, animals or people to depict. Good sources for images are other Totem Poles online, Native American books at your library and the nature around you. If you are new to carving, pick a fairly simple design.
Setting up: First I took the pole and nailed two pieces of 2' by 4' to the back side so I had a stable surface to work. I then put the pole across two saw horses. Then I clamped the 2' by 4's to the saw horses so the pole would not move when I sawed or used the wood chisels on it.
The design: I did a sketch of stylized cat, the simpler the design the easier to carve. When satisfied with the image, transfer the outline of the image you want to carve onto the pole. See the image (enlarge). Once the design is drawn on the pole, take a bow saw and cut deep cuts where large areas of wood need to be removed.
Finishing the bow saw work, begin to use wood chisels to remove more wood until you are satisfied that the carving resembles your figure. Take your time, remove a little wood at a time. Make a note how the wood is removed with and against the wood grain. Just remember that it is better to remove less than more wood. Take your time and enjoy yourself.
Additional Decoration: You can add wings, like in the woodpecker in the image, by cutting a section out of the back of the pole the width of your board with the bow saw. Chisel out the area between your cuts until you have a smooth area. Cut out the board with wing designs and nail or screw it to the back of your Totem pole.
Beaks, noses or extensions can be added to the front of the Totem Pole. A board can be inserted by drilling out and chiseling a area that the end of your board will fit in. Make it snug, nail the board from the sides to the pole to make it secure.
Painting: Use exterior house paint. Pints will do well. I recommend you paint with a white base coat then paint with colors. Use bright but organic colors. I recommend acrylic latex because it cleans up with water. Have fun be creative. Let the paint dry for a day or so before putting up your Totem pole, or if your Totem Pole is under six foot put your pole in the ground and paint it in place.
Setting up your Totem Pole: Using a shovel or fence post digger, dig a hole at least one foot deep, deeper if your pole is over six feet tall. Put your pole in the hole, ensure you have it in the position you like, then firmly pack dirt around the base. Enjoy your unique piece of yard art.