First Carving

[bikeopener]

Finally, got this one done. I learned a lot about whittling. When I thought I was done I'd put it down for a couple of days then when I picked it up again I always found something more to clean up. I still see things I could clean up. Next step is painting which scares me. I'll re-read the posts on painting. Thanks for the postings on buying quality basswood. As you can see in the photo I had to deal with a crack in the middle of the block I started with. Also the wood seemed very hard in places and also so soft that even a very slight cut split wood off the carving. I won't buy at Hobby Lobby again!

I used the book Carving the Little Guys by Keith Randich. I used a 2X2 block of wood instead of the 1X1 which was recommended. A 1X1 would have been easier I think. Great book with step by step instructions.

Comments and critiques are welcome!

[Souperjumble]

Re: First Carving

Prety looking fellow! I think I will get that book. For your first time you did good. I hope I can do just as good as you.

[Kadiddle]

Re: First Carving

Nice #1 carving. Study him, keep him as is, he will be your standard to judge your progress on the next one. Congratulations! Keep looking for good wood. Also, some times a little bigger is easier to get the hang of details as you have more room to work with and a better grip with your gloved hand.
Carve On,
Kadiddle

[Goodgal]

Re: First Carving

Looks really good to me.

[Lazy Carver]

Re: First Carving

Great Job! You have taken the first step in a long and lustrous journey... This is the first step of many.... Congratulations!

[Nomad]

Re: First Carving

That is a great first carving! Keep it up!

[SlowMover]

Re: First Carving

Great for a first carving. Practice a lot,that is the only way to get better. On the next one make the hair less regular and linear...vary the lines, curve them a bit, make them interrupted...anything to avoid that "farm field regular row style". Your cuts look pretty clean so your knife is pretty sharp...work on stropping and honing and keeping it sharp, tool maintenance is vital for carving success. Congrats on a good start into a lifetime of carving. Keep it up.

[Guest]

Re: First Carving

Great first carving. Like Kadiddle said - keep him. Don't forget to sign and date him, it will be nice to be able to see where you started. I haven't tried any of their wood, but from what I hear avoiding hobby shop wood is a good idea. Hope to see more of your carvings.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Re: First Carving

Great start! Don't be afraid of taking off more wood. And as far as being afraid of painting. The worse that can happen is that you screw it up and have to repaint it with a darker coat. Remember, you're going to be your worst critic!

[Dougie]

Re: First Carving

You did great!
I have the painted little guy on my blog.
Check it out.
Doug

[Scott Hagerty]

Re: First Carving

Looking good for the first carving! Be careful, carving gets addicting.

[bikeopener]

Re: First Carving

Thanks for the feedback. I find it hard to find time to sit and carve but when I do 2 or more hours seem to fly by. It was a good project for me as I was also learning how to handle my knife. Using a thumb guard and carving glove bothered me for a bout 2 minutes then when I got to carving I forgot I had them on. When I was cleaning it up at the end I realized I was carving bare footed! Does anyone know if they making Kevlar Carving Slippers? I best be wearing my shoes!

Thanks for the photo on the blog. It helps to see what the paint job will look like.

Time to start a new one!