Here are some other tips from Wayne:

• Begin layout by quartering your piece to be carved. This locates the center and provides divisions to simplicate drawing.
• In general take out the largest chips first.
  
• Make the first cut of the new chip away from the last one made.
  
• Look ahead of the blade-where you're going-as you carve; this makes it easier to follow a line.
• In case of a splinter or tearout, apply a dab of wood glue to the piece with a toothpick, then press it back into place.

When you've completed the carving, erase any remaining pencil marks. An ink eraser usually does the trick. Then, sand the plate lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to flatten or round over the sharp edges that give the carving its crisp look. Blow the sanding dust out of the cuts.

Stain the plate, if you wish as follows:

For a natural finish, spray on three light coats of dull or flat lacquer or polyurethane, sanding between coats with 220-grit sandpaper.

For a stained finish, spray on a sealer coat first. When dry sand the surface smooth before staining. Apply a gelstain by brush continually brushing and wiping the stain out of the cuts until completed. Spray three coats of finish as above.