[TIGER7]

i haven't really carved in over 6 weeks. does anyone have any suggestions on how to get back in the groove

[mark yundt]

sure it's not a case of burnout? happens sometimes, if so a little break is fine.You'll find inspiration EVERYWHERE on this site.Check out ALL the different categories , mull them over and find a type or style you like, give it some thought and let the smouldering embers ignite your imagination and inspiration.Sometimes a lack of motivation is really not having a goal, or knowing what to do, you just kind of get stuch for awhile,,, it'll come,, you'll see.

[Francesco]

try to look http://www.deviantart.com/, I find many paint and draw.

Francesco

[Thomp]

i go through those stages, carving has always been a fall back thing to keep me busy when not inspired with gardening or other task or long term hobby,
i use this time to sketch projects or caricatures from every day lifes little perls of wisdom and such

it may be my downfall to except whatever comes out in a carving instead of re carving the item until i get it right. so technicaly i probally wont get much better..

i have carved all my life, but only in spits and spurts,
i think this was due to not knowing how to technically handle a challenge or not having the tool or knowledge of how to make the tool...

i buy a book nowadays, recently i bought the wci collection of back issues, for such times, i have only prosed them lightly but if i cant find inspiration within the 20 back issues ill give up...

[woodbutcher]

I have gone thru this every so often for the last 30 years. Try something diffrent. If you carve fiqurines than try doing a sign or a duck decoy. I will try something more complex just to keep my mind sharp. You will have many days like this but they always pass. And you jump back in at full speed! Hang In Th ere

[squbrigg]

Natural to get the blaaa's once in a while. To get inspired, I agree with Woodbutcher, try something different.

Six weeks is long enough! To get back in the saddle, sharpen all your tools first, a good honeing, then a little oil wiped on then off. Clean up your space and put everything in it's place. Bring order to your area and to your mind. Then choose something to carve, something completely different from your usual work and for someone else! Your wife, your son, daughter, a friend or a stranger. Just a simple gift to help get you focused.

Bob

[Just Carving]

Find a piece of scrap of your favorite wood that you like to carve.

Pick up your favorite chisel, gouge or knife.

Just make chips!

No pattern...no pencil...no hassle.

Just make chips!

Don't even try to carve anything.

Just make chips!

What'd ya carve?

[jillsy]

I hate it when this happens!

Sometimes to get inspired, I'll stop thinking about what I'd like to carve, and think about doing a project for someone else. Next thing you know, you may have 10 different people who come to mind and 20 different ideas!

Jillsy

[Tom H]

All great ideas! The only thing I'd add is, if these ideas don't work; get a catalog and order a new tool.

Tom H

[Mitchell]

I suggest finding a buddy to carve with....


(Sorry - inside joke).....


You could come up with a project that could give you some incentive. Say - making a gift for someone's birthday, etc.

I'm sure your Mom would LOVE a hand carved present!

This would give you a purpose and not make it something that you are doing for yourself, but for others.