Shaun Cipa Nativity

[Captain_Bandaid]

Ok, I decided I needed to carve another nativity and liked the looks of Shaun Cipa's figures. Bought the book and already got Joseph carved. Mary is about half done. I might even make it in time for Christmas 04. These figures are very simple; the painting and antique finshing are what set it apart. The book is not bad for a first effort but I discovered that some of the important details are skipped over and you need to be clever to go back and do it like the pattern (specifically, the eyes need some more details and photos). :P

[mdallensr]

Cap'n, you're doing one the projects I contemplate every year, then put off for another year. Maybe I should just carve one figure each year......

[KimHoJo]

I just started the same project. Finished up Joseph and realized he was WAY too big for the size nativity scene I had in mind. So I reshaped his scarf and turned him into yet another Santa.

I'm finishing up a slightly smaller Joseph now and think I'll at least get Mary and Jesus done before Christmas. I really like Cipa's books; very clear and concise instructions.

[MelNM]

I have Joseph and Jesus done, I still need to do Mary. I'll get it done some day. I generally like to improvise on the eyes. But over all the carvings look the same.

I have done some work on Mary out of the Helen Gibson nativity. I had the wonderful opportunity to take a weekend workshop with Helen at the end of October. What a gret experience that is. I look forward to being able to take workshops with other master carvers. For me it would be great to be able to spend some time with the master carvers who are on this message board.

Jerry, Hartwell, GA

[Captain_Bandaid]

MD, I meant I would have Joseph, Mary and Jesus done for this Christmas....maybe. Yep, a couple of additional figures every year would make a nice project. We bought a camper this weekend and maybe next year I will spend more time camping and carving instead of blacksmithing. I love smithing but it does cut into my carving time! :

[mdallensr]

Cap'n, you could start making the rounds of the carving shows and competitions in your camper. It seems to be the thing to do in the good weather, and you're sure to have some time to carve. No grass to cut, honey-do list......