He
also tells beginning cane carvers to start out simple. “There are several ways to
approach cane carving. Find a branch and carve in it what you see. Or carve a figure and
then dowel it to a staff. Or carve an entire cane out of one piece of wood. If you’re
just starting out, start within your own comfort zone.... And don’t forget to
study.”
Hershal estimates that he himself has studied under at least 20 different teachers.
He has found that the perspectives of each new teacher have helped him to better define
his own likes and dislikes. |
He also encourages
carvers to join a local carving club.
“A carving club is the best connection for someone wanting to get started
carving,” Hershal says. “Most clubs have libraries, patterns, videos, help
sessions, competitions... An active club can boost a carver’s creativity and help him
improve his skills.”
Harold’s philosophy when it comes to carving is found in Colossians 3:23:
Whatsoever you do, do it heartily unto the Lord. “Things just turn out better that
way. I don’t go for easy,” Hershal says. “I always try to go the extra mile
to make something exactly what I want.” |
Carving Canes with
Hershal Borders
1. Sketch out ideas for a theme. Themes can be any broad topic
— from a child’s favorite fairy tale, to a memorable family vacation, to an
historical event. Hershal chooses a theme and then takes two to three years to collect
ideas relating to that theme. Collecting ideas over a long period of time ensures that he
doesn’t overlook any element important to the theme.
2. Work up patterns based on the ideas you have collected. Hershal makes a
pattern for each idea within the theme. For example, every element in the Noah’s Ark
Cane — from the ark all the way down to the giraffes — has both a side view and
a front view pattern.
3. Find a block of basswood with a vertical grain that is large enough to
accommodate your cane. Hershal starts out with a block that is more than big
enough to make a cane. Starting out large and bringing in the wood a little at a time
allows him plenty of room to make changes during the carving process.
4. Layout your patterns on the wood. Hershal leaves no area of the staff
uncarved. Each element is linked to the next through carving and texturing. This often
requires shifting patterns around until he finds the best positioning — not only for
presentation, but also for strength.
5. Carve and finish your cane with your favorite hand or power tools and paints.
Hershal uses a wide variety of tools to carve his cane — everything from knives and
gouges to power tools. Every area of the cane is painted, most often with oil paints
thinned with a turpentine-like product called Terp. An initial application of Terp keeps
the wood from absorbing the paint and making the colors too dark.
6. If your cane is for practical use, cap the bottom with a rubber bumper screwed
into the wood. Hershal finds the rubber bumpers the most aesthetic and the most
practical of all the cane-tipping options on the market. The bumpers keep the cane from
sliding on hard surfaces and won’t detract from the beauty of the finished product.
7. Enjoy your creation by “wearing” your cane to your local carving
club’s next event or by placing it on display in your home. |
The American Indian Cane is Hershal’s representation of key events and symbols
in the culture of Native Americans. Sitting Bull, the Sioux Indian who led the defeat
against US forces at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, is featured at the top of
Hershal’s American Indian Cane. General George A. Custer, the US commander who led
the opposing forces, is shown just below Sitting Bull. The cane is carved in basswood,
painted with oil washes and took approximately 500 hours to complete. |