Hi Gang,
After reading Coffeeman's post today it really inspired me to try one of these cottonwood Santa's. I had a couple of pieces of cottonwood sitting around my workshop so I decided to give it a try. I had so much fun and thanks to Bill's tip about painting using the water base polycrylic mixed with the acrilic paint it worked great. Now I know that I have a long way to go but you will have to be patient with me as you all know I am used to carving things a heck of a lot bigger than this guy. The piece of cottonwood was about 14 inches high and about 3 inches thick. I have posted a picture of it on Picture trail in the Holiday album in case this link doesnt work. I know the picture isnt very good I needed better light. I have always been fasinated by Santa's and now have quite a collection.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...&members=1
Colin

[Bandaid]

Looki'n good Colin...big or small your carvings are great.
...Reg

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Now you are hooked! lol good carving!

[Kenny_S]

Great to see you ourside your comfort zone Colin. Nice piece. We will expect more from you. Guess I need to finish up a couple I have started and get them painted and upload some pictures. Haven't done that in a while.

Must have been something in the air. I did two bark Santas while watching football the weekend after Thanksgiving. I already gave one away but took a pic of the other and will post it later. Working on a few ornaments this week.

[BasketballJones]

As the kids would say, 'Dude you are a Santa Carver'.

Thank you all for the nice comments I had so much fun doing that bark carving. Funny you should say that but isnt it true BasketballJones I am no longer Grandpa my grandson now calls me Dude and has done for the past few months but as he tells me its because I'm cool.
Colin

Colin.....Ho,,,Ho,,,Ho,,,Great job !! there is a litlle bit of Santa in everyone of us, keep up the good work, and thanks for the email.

Coffeeman

Colin
The painting turned out great and so did the santa.