I started carving about  30 years ago,but because of things that came up in my life woodworking and carving was put on hold for a good number of years. After I got our ranch setup and was able to find a little bit of time to carve again I  came across the 5 minute wizards and no seeums in Woodcarving Illustrated magazine and thought that I have time to do and it would be a good way get my carving brain working again.
 The idea for these carvings is to be able to carve them quickly so that they can be passed out at shows. I was looking for something that would not take long to do  and in able me to start carving again. After the first couple I got to where they could be finished in about an hour. After a few weeks there was a box full of them in the shop, so I started giving them to family and friends that stopped by to visit. Kids love them. I have even gave them along with a tip in a restaurant.
 This was a great way for me to try new techniques and effects that I wanted to try.

Too cool, but really in 5 mins?

WOW - those are awsome Eric - gonna have to give em a try after the holidays!

Not really, but it comes from the expression "it will only take 5 minutes" meaning it can be done quickly. Depending on how much detail the carver wants to put in to it will determine how long it will take.
I start with a block of basswood 1 3/4 square 10" long then it goes in a fixture so that the block can be bandsawed across the corners so that you will end up with 2 triangles 10" long then cut them to length. For some they are cut 4" long and for others 3.3".
At the start of one of these I will draw the the shape of the hat and beard then rough it out on the bandsaw to save time. After that I will start out with a roughing knife than finish it up with a straight and curved detail knives. Depending on how much detail I want to show it will take me about an hour or so to carve one with out staining.
 
  Bob, this is a good way to practice carving eyes on the wizards.

Those look great, and since I am a John Deere fan I like the hat.....

These are super for a very quick job.  Looking forward to more of those prizes. 

It just fascinates me how someone can look at a piece of wood and create a character or whatever else from it. Great looking carvings.