Challenge Me Please

kb2rocket · #1 01-07-2006, 08:08 PM

I have just completed My toco toucan on a log and I have been trying to think of something else to carve so I cruized the internet looking at rainforest animals then I started looking at other peoples work and I just couldnt decide .
what I dont want to do is your typical carving
.
here is what I am asking if you all would be so kind to make some suggestions I will pick one of them and have at it
.
thanks
Keith

AlArchie · #2 01-07-2006, 08:28 PM

If you really want a challenge and a piece that is not done that often, try a lion fish! I have seen one or two of these done, and they would seem to be as great a challenge as any kinda critter, you've come across.

Al

kb2rocket · #3 01-07-2006, 08:45 PM

Ok Lion Fish it is!
I dont have a clue how to do those fragile fins and spines with out breaking them but I guess the wood will show me the way
)>///Â°<
Keith

cut up · #4 01-07-2006, 10:52 PM

Way to go Al, that'll keep him busy for a day or two (LOL).

Keith, keep up informed of your progress. It'll be interesting to see.

kb2rocket · #5 01-08-2006, 07:31 AM

a day or two ha ha ha
I hope to finish before 2007
.
after looking at scores of pictures of lion fish I have come to the conclusion that will need to find some translucent wood to make the fins LOL
.
I am presently experimenting with ways to make the fins
Thanks
Keith

AlArchie · #6 01-08-2006, 11:19 AM

Keith, the two carved pieces I've seen....out in California if memory serves me, were done in basswood and the translucent appearance of the fins was accomplished with the painting. Misting a light haze of buttermilk colored white over the base colors can work wonders withthe translucent appearance. You'll need an air brush for that, although I've seen some beautiful acrylic work done on canvas of fish that show the translucent fins, and these were done with brush work.

Here's a picture of a carved one I found on the internet.....I'll try to get the URL of this ite up for you. OK, here it is

http://www.einsteins-emporium.com/life/decor/lds12.htm

Don't ask me how they crank these out for the prices they are asking...must be done in Sri-Lanka or ???????

Good luck, and PLEASE, keep us up to date on your progress.

Al

kb2rocket · #7 01-08-2006, 12:31 PM

OH MY GOD those carvings are perfect they look like the real thing
.
most of the ones I have found have simply not made the webbing in he fins
.
I believe I have found the answer
this morning I made some simple wooden spines then layed them on wax paper and applyed 5 minute epoxy to the spines and the wax paper then put another piece of wax paper on top of the epoxy and waited for it to cure then peeled off the wax paper
.
the end result was transparent fins
pat# 267846252849 LOL
.
now I got to get the guts to start

kb2rocket · #8 01-11-2006, 07:23 PM

thank you for suggesting that I carve a lionfish I have looked at nearly 100 pictures and I learned about the fish and I learned their are variations of the fish and of course just like people they are all just a little different and unique from each other
.
also I have looked at many wood carvings on the web and I am seeing a lot of
walking sticks
ducks/decoys-and song birds-wolfs-deer-gamefish-wizards & woodspirts-horses-totem poles-holiday carvings-eagles-ect
.
what I am getting at is their is a lot of subjects in the world that are over looked. now I am a animal lover so what do you say we make a list of animals that you hardly ever see as wood carvings
1.aye aye
2.praying mantis
3.kinkajou
4.armadillo
5.hedgehog
6.gopher
7.sloth
8.otter
9.bat
10.seahorse
11.norewhale
12.crab
13.snail
14.newts
15.skinks
16.squirl monkey
17.flying fish
18.sawfish
19.lama
20.emu
please feel free to add to the list perhaps someone will be inspired to try something really different like carving a buzzard instead of a duck
have fun and watch your fingers

DiamondWillow · #9 01-11-2006, 08:01 PM

Make sure we see pictures of your Lionfish when you are done with it. Looks like you are getting things all planned out. Doing the fins sounds like an interesting project. I am anxious to see you final results. Thanks for sharing your procedure.

Gene

Carvity_Carve · #10 01-19-2006, 06:47 PM

I'm an animal lover as well, particularly of weasels and shrews, which are members of the "not carved too often" club.

. Take a look at my signature for a list of very odd animals you don't see carved very often as well! What a shame, as crested rats are very funny looking critters....

And actually, otters are fairly common.

Sabrina