Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

[WCI Articlebot]

This is a dedicated thread for discussing article: Rolling Caricature Animals

[County Mounty]

Re: Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

What type of material are they carved from, what size

[Claude]

Re: Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

I did this one out of a piece of walnut, about 3 inches thick and around 5 inches long, but the size is not all that important (within reason...) and the wood can be anything you have on hand or like to carve. Since these are intended for young children to play with, I finished mine with no fragile pieces that can easily break off (notice that the toenails are "suggestive" instead of detailed). I finished it with plain water-based varnish and then put a coat of floor wax on it when it was dry.

Claude

[CarvEg17]

Re: Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

Is there a pattern for the hind end? This will be my very first attempt at carving. I was trying to do with some really really hard wood, and now I have changed to Balsa (?) so second attempt. Wish me luck! If you are still even following this thread. lol

[Claude]

Re: Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

Welcome to the forum!

If you are asking about my bear, I just sketched the bear on the wood and began carving. His tail is just suggestive and is flush with the back legs so it won't cause the bear to tip over when rolling.

I don't recommend balsa - it's way too soft, and no matter how sharp your knife, the wood will crush instead of being cut. A much better wood for a beginner is basswood.

I buy my basswood from Heinecke Wood Products They deliver quickly and the price is good. Another wood that a beginner might use is poplar (sometimes called tulip poplar or yellow poplar). It's just a bit harder than basswood, but not enough to really worry about.

Claude

[CarvEg17]

Re: Article discussion thread:Rolling Caricature Animals

i am finding this to be true about the balsa wood.
Thanks!