Just got my kit. Now what to carve?

[roxi]

I just purchased a 21 piece wood carving kit from warren. I have never carved anything before and want to jump in. I've read to practice making an egg which I plan to start this week. But after that I am wondering what to carve.
I would like to carve a corvette or a lizard. what would anyone suggest? I was thinking the corvette because it would be pretty basic. maybe make it about 7-8 inches in length and about 2-3 inches high.
any ideas?
Thanks,
Shane

[mikeg]

If your kit didn't come with a carving glove and a thumb protector, get them!! It'll "cut" down on the injuries! Rick at littleshavers.com can set you up if you don't have a local source.

As far as what to carve, carve whatever interests you! You may not like the results at first but you'll improve with practice. If you want, you can get a basic carving book to teach about sharpening, grain, etc. You could always look at the library, some of them have carving books.

mikeg

[roxi]

I don't have a local source here yet, nor do I think there's one in Tampa. But the protective wear sounds like a must so that will be my next purchase.
I do plan on the worst for my first piece. But that's how you get better. I don't expect expertise at once. I just want to carve something that people could look at and sat, oh ya that looks like a corvette. So I think the car would be a good choice.
I don't have basswood ordered or anything, but I found some wood out from the woods. I puttered around with it and it seemed to be pretty "soft" to work with. Still don't know what it is yet.

[rick-in-seattle]

Shane,
Your first project will be to spend a couple days sharpening the tools.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have to ask.....what is the connection between a corvette and a lizard? LOL leezard leezard leezard!

[Mitchell]

Suppose a corvette is as good as anything. I started with a pig.

[Kenny_S]

That is ok Shane. My first carving, everyone thought it was a nice horse. However, I carved a dog.


Glove for one hand(holding the piece) and thumb protectors for the other is a must.

Welcome to a neat art!

[AlArchie]

If this is indeed, your first project and you are determined to carve a car......here's suggestion that won't be too hard, and not cost a lot. Of course, follow Rick's advice on sharpening. Then boogie on down to the local Boy Scout supply store and pick up a "Pinewood Derby Car" kit. It's not a Vette, but you can pretty well make what you want out of it. Other than that, check any of the carving supply outlets and look through their list of carving blanks....they don't cost much more than 5 bucks apiece and there are a whole bunch of different subjects.


Al

[squbrigg]

Corvette......the car or the ship?

Bob

[roxi]

Sorry I haven't responded but I got caught up christmas shopping last night.
Well the corvette and lizard have no connection. I own an 87 corvette and my girlfriend loves lizards/ iguanas. So they were the first thing that came to mind. I think the corvette would be a fairly easy first project to complete. It wouldn't be intricate but something pretty basic. Good for a beginner like myself. Archie, I think you might be on to something with the boy scout soap box idea. I'll have to look into that.
Just don't ask if I am going to put the lizard in the corvette. I can't stand Geico!!! (I work for Progressive insurance).