a couple of ornaments

[susieq]

This is the time of year I start carving to have a few things for our local club show in March.

I never know just how they will come out.....they just sort of happen and I go with the flow. They are carved from jelutong (rubber tree) wood. I think it's becoming hard to find now. I have had some of this wood for 10 years. Jelutong is good for ornaments because it is lighter than basswood. I hate ornaments that are so heavy they pull the branch of the tree downward.

Jelutong has it's down side too. It has to be handled lightly as you carve in the tiny details. If you grip too hard, you can flatten really tiny stuff. Until I get them all painted up, I am walking on eggshells to not flatten the texture of the beards on them. Once they are all painted, that isn't a problem anymore. Tubelo is much better. Still a light weight wood but holds fine detail and is very strong.

[mikeg]

Nice job on both the painting and the carving.

mikeg

[William]

great job Susieq, wish I had your talent with the brush.

Bill
^v^

[bbowers]

Great ornaments. Your painting style is amazing. It really brings out the details. Thanks for sharing!

[Kenny_S]

Those are really Nice SusieQ. I agree on the your Painting skills also.

[toycarver]

Really great looking. The eyes are super.

[Bill V]

Nice carving,I also love the painting.

Bill V

[susieq]

Thank you for your kind comments. It's certainly a happy subject. Is it any wonder that us Santa carvers, do this year round? LOL. I never get tired of it.
Thanks again.

[mpounders]

Gorgeous! Both carving and paint are just plain great!

[susieq]

Thank you, Mike.