doomed wood spirit

[skidmore]

I tried to do my first wood spirit from Skylar Johnsons book last night and boy was it a mess. the tools I had wouldnt cut very well, and tore the wood when I went against the grain. So today I went to Klingspor's and bought new knife and the palm tools needed for the project in the book. All Flexcut.

Boy what a difference, cuts like butter. So I managed to cut the nose off and the brow line off. cant save it, so guess I need to start over. I Think some of my problem is the project calls for a 1.5" round staff. IM using a 1" x 1" square piece of basswood. Im trying to carve the spirit on the cornor edge of the wood. Is this Wrong.? So Ill try again later, kind of agitated.

Forrest Skidmore

[Irishman]

If its a 1x1 peice of wood, I would recommend carving it on the corner as that will give your piece more depth and provide a more prominent nose. As well, going from the corner will allow your face to look less flat looking. Hopefully the new tools will make the exercise more enjoyable. I've never used flexcut before as I'm a Pfeil user. Good luck with the woodspirit carving.
Patrick

[Eddy-Smiles]

Forrest.... Johnson, if I'm not mistaken ,uses a round piece of wood for his wood spirit so the steps and techniques are slightly different than that for a square piece where you work from a corner. Send me a PM with your regular email address and I'll send you something that may help you.

[wabbiter]

sorry for appearing a bit dim but what is basswood, i've never seen it in uk...mackRed Face

[TreeWizard]

In the UK it's called Limewood.

[big dave]

forrest you can round over one corner on a square block to make it some what round for skyler's spirit. smokey mountain woodcarvers supply has a study stick by allen goodman that is a good one for showing you how to carve a face on the corner it covers eyes,(two types)and the nose. i think it will help you as a beginner he also has a round one.what part of n.c. do you live. there is a woodcarving show in feb in charlotte.

[D. Cardin]

Forrest,

Don't feel too bad. I tried to carve a Santa practice stick as my first carving about two weeks ago. I lost part of the nose, mustache and the eyes were way to deep. I just keep telling myself that it's all part of the learning curve. I plan to start one of Genes tutorials tomorrow as carving #2.

If you want to see my tragic first carving (misery loves company) it's in the Work In Process part of the forum titled as "Santa Rhinoplasty".

Keep at it!

[morganwoodcarver]

The right tools for the job are a must....Dont let it get you down, just keep practicing and before you know it you will look back on the first carving and go man have I come along way from that one.

[skidmore]

Thanks everyone, Im good to go again.

Forrest of NC