[chipper67]

I just finished my Santa from Harold's paulownia roughout. I found carving it to be ok until I tried to carve some fine detail (eyes) and it was somewhat difficult. Your tools need to be very,very sharp when detailing. Other than that I can honestly say I don't mind carving paulownia. I painted with an acrylic stain and then dipped it in BLO with a bit of burnt umber oil paint. Once again I want to thank Goody for sending me one of his roughouts to carve. Goody, you are to be commended for your generosity.

Merry Christmas to Harold & Anna Goodman and to all of my carving family. I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!!


Chipper67

[Ron Davidson]

I had the same problem when I tried to do detail unless my knife was real sharp. Your's turned out great. Have a Merry Christmas

Ron

[rick-in-seattle]

Fantastic Beard! You did a beautiful job on it.

[decoycarve]

Paulownia will make you keep your tools sharp. I really think the trade off to other woods for the santas is the open grain. Did you notice that after it is painted you can still see all the grain lines going up the skirt. Pine has tendacy to look ceramic after it is painted. Another wood that looks great for the santas is mahogany. Now you want to talk about keeping your tools sharp. Mahogany wants to splinter worse than the paulownia. I strop about every two cuts when I am working detail on mahogany.

The Santa Looks great glad you enjoyed it!
Goody

[Hugh]

Unbelievable job, thanks for posting the photos.

[squbrigg]

Beautiful work, well done. It is so amaizing what different creations will come from the same blank. I am very impressed with the variety and quality of carvings.

This was a great idea Goody. You are to be commended. You truly keep the Christmas Spirit all year long! Thank you.

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Outstanding Chipper67, Love the beard and face. You made it!

[chipper67]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. I really appreciate it.

Chipper67