Sketch out ideas on paper for the design of your wood carving. Draw abstract or stylized designs, as redwood's grain splits easily and makes highly detailed realistic work difficult. Keep your ideas simple to fit the character of the wood.
Obtain a block of redwood from one of the California companies that sell them nationwide. Select the right size and shape of wood for the carving or sculpture you have in mind. Use burl wood for small wood carvings. Make use of its intricate grain patterns.
Hand strip the redwood of any bark with a mallet and chisel. Rough out the shape and basic forms of your carving. Use a chainsaw to block in the design for a large sculpture. Remove excess wood with a drawknife. Define the major planes of your carving with your largest U-shaped gouges and a mallet. Establish the proportion and overall form of your carving or sculpture.
Work with the grain of the redwood as it chips easily if you carve against the grain. Carve in your detail work with smaller U-gouges and V-gouges. Avoid excessive detailing, as the grain may not hold together well enough to support it. Develop a pattern of strokes and gouge marks for decorative affect.
Use sharpening tools often to keep a sharp edge on your carving tools. Keep a razor like edge on your chisels and gouges to avoid splitting or chipping the redwood grain. Use your smallest pen knives, bench knives and gouges for the finishing touches. Sand your carving. Finish it with wood stain, linseed oil or walnut oil to enhance the color and grain.