Small attempt

[Nancy-G]

I just put a photo of a really ho-hum Santa on Webshots. The only reason I put it up was because it's my first attempt to carve pine cones and needles on his hood instead of generic holly leaves. Of course, the photo, being so close up, is a total disaster. Well, I tried. :-/

[Callynne]

Â* Â* Nancy, I just looked and didn't see your 'pine needle and cone' hooded Santa on your Webshots site, lots of other really terrific Santa's though. Â*You do amazing work, I really love how you include the animals. Â*And the scene on the one, very Currier & Ives, beautiful!! Â*Callynne
P.S. Did you find a small enough glove? Â*Hope so!

[AlArchie]

Nancy, like most ALL your Santas, this one is charming! They are in a class by themselves. You inspire us all!

Al

You folks never cease to amaze me with what you can create! Nancy, the carving with the little fawn is BEAUTIFUL!!! I can only aspire!

- Brian

[Nancy-G]

:-[ Callynne -- Ooops. Â*No wonder you didn't see the 'small attempt' new Santa on Webshots. Â*I didn't put it there. Â*I put it on:

http://www.picturetrail.com/members/edit

The user name is 'carvers-R-us', password is 'carve'

Sorry 'bout that. :

Hi Nancy G,
That Santa is great!
You really carved those pinecones in
How.........................
Back to my blah Santa Michele

Wonderful job, Nancy...as usual. Your work continues to amaze me.

Teri

[AlArchie]

Nancy, I have a question. Are those pine cones carved as an integral part of the hat, or are they carved individually and applied? Either way they are GREAT! I've just started TRYING to carve Al Rudd's Santa pin, and am reminded, again, why I don't carve Santas.

Al

[Nancy-G]

Yup Al ... the pine needles & cones are part of the wood of the hat. I just, of course, left too much wood across the top of Santa's head and then drew the cones and needles on with pencil. Then used knife & small chisels to rough out the shapes. When the shapes suited me as well as they ever would : I used my trusty woodburner (thank God for Colwood) to do ALL the detailing. If I didn't have that woodburner I couldn't carve.

The chickadees each are carved separately and pegged in with very heavy wire.

I've been pondering this woodburner thing - I have a 'crafty' version of one, but have never used it much. I've been thinking about trying to do more with in on my carvings, but I wonder if I should probably have a better one for that - any recommendations for what to buy?

Teri