Dead but given a new life

[Colin-Partridge]

Well I know I have slowed down to a crawl because of joint problems but this had to be done. The birch tree that I planted from just a twig some twenty years ago decided that it would die this year. Birch are not a hardy tree anyway if fact they are classified as a weed. The better half was devestated so I said that I would give the tree a new life. I can remember how we used to be mortifed when we would look out and see the grandchildren twenty feet up sitting on the branches. All the birds that have either nested or sat in that tree, not to mention the squirrels that would use it to jump from tree to tree. Enough of the trip down memory lane but it is sad when something you nurtured passes on. Well I rented some scaffold and this is the first of many faces and animals or what ever that i plan for the stump. I was thinking of carving an owl and attaching it to the top of the tree someway but it will all come in time. I was thinking of getting my good friend Bob (Bobs Birds) to come over and help me with the owl he is a master of carving those. Maybe some blue jays and cardinals perched from place to place who knows. This is just the roughout on the old man in the top of the tree. I want to do the top first then I can putter and finish the bottom. I dont have a time limit and that is great it will happen when I decide to do it who cares if it takes me all summer. I will keep everyone posted as I go I have no idea what it is going to look like when finished but if I dont like it I can always cut it down if I dont like it. BTW I know Patrick carves birch all the time and now I know why. It is beautiful wood to carve nice tight grain that takes good detail and not that hard on the chisels.
Thanks for looking
Colin

[Bob's Birds]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Nice start Colin,
I am glad you are using the wide planks up there.
I may be available around the end of July for an Owl after I move into the "Cove"
Watching the sun on the water right now and it is nice.

Thanks for posting.

Bob

[mateo]

Re: Dead but given a new life

I can appreciate what you're feelings are about your yard tree. Birch tree's are born to die. A short life expectancy is expected, as you know. It's in capable hands. look forward to seeing the finished sculpture.

[Josef]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Coundn't think of a better end for a loved tree Colin. That is what I love so much about carving; breathing new life into discarded and dead wood.

[TreeWizard]

Re: Dead but given a new life

The trees probably suffered from an attack by Bronze Birch Borer. If you have the live stem treated yearly, you can probably save it.

[Kadiddle]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Nice start to it. Take it easy on yourself and have fun. Like the song says, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for posting your carvings, really cool style you have.
Carve On,
Kadiddle

[artolver]

Re: Dead but given a new life

hi colin
It is a real nice job up on the old pal. A quite nice to keep at home. right on ... Art

[Sharon of the Dell]

Re: Dead but given a new life

This going to be great!

[Colin-Partridge]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Here is the start of face #2. I have decided to take all the bark off because when it is carved it started to lift. So rather than have to remove it all later I will do it now. When I did start removing the bark the amount of insect infestation was huge. With the bark removed the insects will leave no place to hide and nest then.
Colin

[riverwood-dan]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Great job Colin
Do you plan on finishing it with a clear coat of some kind?
My past experience with dead standing birch ( I heat my home with wood I have 30 acres on the river with a fair amount of birch) is that it will start to rot within six months, first it will go punky in any end grain not sealed and within a year it will be rotten though-out. I have never seen a year old standing dead birch or laying for that matter that I could burn for firewood (they all go punky) so I would suggest coating it with BLO at the very least. I would hate to see all the beautiful carving rot where it stands. Dan

[Colin-Partridge]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Dan thanks for the tip I will for sure coat the tree especially the end grain. My first birch tree carvings so I didnt know. I will give stain the faces with Sikkens two part stain and then coat the entire carving with marine varnish. Really glad you logged on with the tips otherwise i would have been scrambling next year to try to prevent it from rotting. Lets hope the marine varnish will help it last.
Colin

[Bob's Birds]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Colin, Maybe you should take a ride up to Orillia to the Opera House to see what they put on that rotten birch. Probably a 2 part epoxy like Robbin uses.
Might be worth a trip one day soon.

Bob

[Colin-Partridge]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Yea Bob I did go and see that right after it was done Jimmi Mckey carved that and he put copper on all the end grain and I think I remember him saying he did the rest in Sikkens clear. Maybe I should go and see how they are holding up. Enjoy the cotttage and have a great Canada Day
Colin

[Bob's Birds]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Same to you Colin. Enjoy a great Canada Day.

We move into the "Cove" on July 26th. Unpack and get right back up here as I bought Mary Lou her own car again.

Bob

[Dan Wegiel]

Re: Dead but given a new life

Hey Colin,
Great to see you back at it, you haven't lost your touch! Looking great, can't wait to see what else you come up with.
Dan