New Carver

[mszymanski25]

Hi my name is Mike, and I have just started wood carving. I have been poking around on this bulletin board for about a while now, and finally ordered a beginners set from little shavers.

I took a beginners carving class this weekend, and carved a boot. My neighbor is also a wood carver, and had some rough basswood logs from a tree that came down. I cut a few into some small blocks to practice on, and took a crack at the 5-minute wizard, using Gene Messer's video as a guide. Here is the result, I did not have the guts to try to texture the hair yet, but that is coming. Any critique is more than welcome. Sorry if the pic are unclear, I took them with my phone.

[jmischel]

That's an excellent first wizard, Mike. You did a good job with the left/right symmetry. I would encourage you to try adding some texture to the hair, at least. Even a relatively few cuts with your knife can make a big difference. That's what I did with my first wizards: Wizards! Jim's Random Notes.

You're off to a really good start. Keep at it!

[BrandantR]

Hello Mike. Congratulations on choosing the most excellent hobby around and a warm welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your time spent here. By the way, very nice little wizard.

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum, Mike!

This might help you with the hair: WWWoodcarver E-zine - Bob Travis - Carving Hair with Harold Enlow

Claude

[davidinsarasota]

Good work man! You are off to a good start with Little Shavers tools. Email Rick with questions, I hear he is very responsive. Good on taking a class too.

[breezly]

Welcome to the forum and welcome to wood carving you are off to a great start

[steve brown]

Not bad. Not bad at all. Keep it up. If you can, try and carve 3 or 4 times a week.
Steve Brown Woodcarving

[FARMALL RON]

Welcome to the forum.................Ron

[cannuckcarver]

Awesome...specially for a first...Doing real good...Thanks for sharring...

[sashadoc]

That's the spirit!!!! Good job. Take a look at the link on carving hair that Claude provided. It is one of those things you put off because you're afraid you're not up to the task but when you start you pick it up quickly and wonder why you were hesitant in the first place. Welcome to the forum.
Tim