new carver walking stixs

[mark faggion]

i am new to carveing and wouid like to try my hand at a walking stix is there any words of wisdom that i can use to get going on one. thank you markMotorcycle

[AlArchie]

Wow, Mark, that's a large area to cover, and I'm not sure of the "wisdom" I canoffer, but I sure am flush on words.

First, I guess youhave to decide what you want to carve on, nad what you want to carve on it.

If you want to collect your own sticks to start with, that's where ya gotta go...into the woods! Or if you want to work withready made material, hit the lumber yard and get either closet rod or lumber ripped to square size you want to work with.

Collected sticks can be seasoned first or carved green...up to you. Bark is more easilly stripped if the wood is collected in the spring, or early summer, so you are ontrack here. If you want to dry the stick first, seal the ends with parafin wax or primer or whatever, and let the sticks set for about a month in a dry area. Then check to see if they are dry enough for you. Some will dry quickly and some may take several months.

Then pick your design......wood spirits, wild life, caricature, floral, and find some (or make) patterns.

Make sure your knives and gouges are sharp, and have at it. Remember, a lot of stick carving is relief and does not necessarily need to be too deep, but you can make it as "in the round" as you want.

If you decide that trips to the woods for materialis up your alley, be sure to look around for interesting looking pieces, and don't limit your selection to one or two species. There are a lot of woods in the woods, and each will present different problems and rewards!

Al

[squbrigg]

Go with your imagination and enjoy yourself. See what you can create....no limits, except your own!

Bob

[woodtrapper]

Originally Posted by mark faggion

i am new to carveing and wouid like to try my hand at a walking stix is there any words of wisdom that i can use to get going on one. thank you markMotorcycle

Mark, I have been carving rhodendron(mountain laurel) for walking sticks for about a year.I live in banner elk n.c. and my backyard is a forest.The faces I carve are probably unlike anyone elses.It depends on my mood for that day. I have been getting great feedback from friends and family.I like to search for large diameter so as not to weeken the stick.I also carve faces to make candle holders. Do not be afraid to buy other carvers pieces because they make great training aids. I bought "Carving the human Face" by Jeff Phares.In that book he shows the native american in great detail which is what I am interested right now.I hope I was helpful.Aa soon as I learn to transfer pictures to the net I will post some of my carvings.Any words of wisdom in that area wood be helpful.I am an electrican who loves to carve and look for found wood hence the name woodtrapper.Thanx and good look.