A project for a client.

[squbrigg]

After a month of carving ornaments for a client, I am finally getting back to work on my ship model. Yesterday and today I made gratings for the lower deck, out of Pear wood, and eye bolts for the hatch covers. The gratings are made of 3/32" x 1/8" stock and cut on the modellers table saw....

[squbrigg]

Depends on where you live, there is my go to place on the East Coast of Canada that carries everything you will ever need in wood. East Coast Hardwood Specialty in Dartmouth, NS.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Perfect Mark! It draws the eye, shows off your skills and holds enough cards to keep the shoppers happy. You should get plenty of work from that kind of advertizment.

Bob

[squbrigg]

WHAT...… you mean there are video's that will help you learn to improve your carving? How come nobody told me!

Bob

[squbrigg]

There is no secret to carving a human face, it just takes study and above all practice. I took a whole winter to try and master the art of carving a human face, I got as many reference books as I could find, photos, and drawing books, and went to work. I may not have achieved perfection but I am happy...

[squbrigg]

I have found that the best carving tools are the ones in your hand. Sorry, poor joke! Everyone has favorites, and the great folks here have listed some. The ones I use most are my sets of Ashley Iles , Peter Benson detail carving gouges and chisels. I have: Rammelson's, Japanese tools, plenty of Henry...

[squbrigg]

Losing a beloved animal is no different than losing any other member of the family. Your heart is torn asunder and it takes a lot of time and sadness to bring closure. Just know that your friends here on the forum feel your pain and most of us have gone through similar. Our hearts go out to you and...

[squbrigg]

Glad you are trying to improve on your bear, it shows that you want to sharpen your skills and push your limits. I find that plenty of reference photos will help me a lot. The Polar Bear has a very long neck, and it's face differs from black or brown bears significantly , there is a couple of good...

[squbrigg]

I have a commission for a client and his brother, two sets of Christmas ornaments, the ornaments to be designed and carved to each of four topics: shipbuilding, forestry, ship master, and an Acadian. The designs were worked out in conjunction with the client, and approved before carving began. I have...

[squbrigg]

Life is full of ups and downs, we think we have control and find out that our control is an illusion. Some obstacles in life are life changing and all you can do is try and figure out a way to survive and overcome. That's the secret, keep trying until you overcome. Never give up.

Bob

[squbrigg]

I love seeing your epistles Paul. They are full of humor, honesty and culture. Keep up the great work. I have always claimed that you should do up a collection of these and publish.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Well said all! Letting wood show it's beauty is what carving is all about! Whether it is a spoon, a figure, a ship model, or an architectional piece, the wood is the beauty. Some woods have figures, or waves, or multi tones, or eyes, they all have beauty, and that beauty is shown of best in various...

[squbrigg]

You are certainly on the right track. I think your idea of setting goals is a great idea!!! That way you can measure your progress and improvements. Keep up the good work.

Bob

[squbrigg]

That's a nice sized log, should be good for a couple of nice carvings. Looks like a great beginning on your first one.

Bob

[squbrigg]

I am happy for you that you found it and that your tools are now good and sharp. The difference between a good tool and a poor one is two things: 1) the bevel that it comes on it, 2) how long the tool holds a good edge. It takes practice to find the perfect bevel and money to find the tools that hold...

[squbrigg]

You are getting great advice here, and that is what this forum is for, helping new carvers along the road to better carving. I would suggest that you try and locate a carving club in your area, they are a great source of experience and you will find that all carvers love to spread the word and lend...

[squbrigg]

Nice looking piece, well done.

Bob

[squbrigg]

I would think that being so hard it might not be Pine, but who knows. That is a great story and history of your stick. Do you intend on doing any carving on it? Sure did shine up well.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Beautiful work as usual mark, they are a grand bunch of soldiers. Lots of character to their faces.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Beautiful design and work JP, as usual. I think they will love it.

Bob