Bookends_One piece or many?

[Mischief]

My next piece is gonna be a rat/mouse lying on his back reading a book. I want to make it such that its a bookend. I am just wondering, construction vise...( or is that wise?...help! how am I going to educate my unborn son?!!),
should it be one piece carving or should I like somehow plan to attach the rat to the bookend...and maybe even do the ratty arms holding the book separately too.

=) help appreciated.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

much easier and usually a better carving if done in pieces, imho......afix with small dowels and glue.....

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I've done several bookends involving carvings and HiHo is right about attaching the carving. Another suggestion is to make sure you incorporate a thin piece of wood or metal that slides under the first few books. Otherwise the weight of the books will push the bookend over.

[Claude]

Here's an idea for you...
Build the wood end and bottom, with a wood or metal piece under the first few book, as Lynn says. Then carve a mouse wearing glasses. He's leaning his shoulder against the wood upright, his legs are crossed, and his hands are holding a small book that is open to a picture of a wedge of cheese.

Claude

[Mischief]

Any hints of joining pieces? I think I am going to do it in clay/plastastine first. I check the forum. Lots of about joining pieces before carving. Anyone can help me with some principle of deciding what to join? e.g I am sure i dont want to do the head on its own right? Small ratty neck would be hell to glue right?or is there another trick to it?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

the neck would be simple, make it longer than it needs to be, drill a hole in the body and insert the neck to the depth you want and glue.

[Mischief]

Woohoo!! Drill ..did u say drill? Another excuse to get more stuff...I need a Dremel then right?right? I need to get it right now! yes...yes...I must!!
=)