new member first carving

[choiceofbeverage]

Hey all,

So wood carving has been something I have dreamed about since I was quite a bit shorter than I am now.

It is out of 1.75" X 1.75" basswood. I roughed it out with a 5/8" #3 gouge and coping saw. Then did the majority of it with an Opinel No. 6 which is much too big, I think: 2-7/8" L and 9/16" wide. I did take a #2 x-acto to it after these pics. managed to clean it up some more and break off his left ear Sad. glued it back on though.

So here it is, first time I ever took a knife to wood didn't end up with a "pokin' stick".


JL

[DManning]

Good start. Trust me, they will get easier and faster as you go along. After the third or fourth one, I bet you're hooked for life.
Keep going and keep showing us your progress.
Good luck,
Dan

[Sharon of the Dell]

That's a great first carving. You're on your way to becoming a fine wood carver....sharon

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome. You did a really fine job with your first carving. The proportions are nice, his stance gives him animation and all on a small carving.

Keep up the good work. You also seem to have a working knowledge of tools.

[choiceofbeverage]

Thanks y'all.

I was pretty pleased with it despite my self-critical perfectionist mindset when I engage in such things as these.

JL

[Kenny_S]

Very good horse. Wink Just kidding. Great carving . I Like the dog. Keep on carving

[arnie]

good first. There will never be another first.date it and keep it for ever. Another impressive thing I noticed...... No Cuts I still haven't achieved that. Arnie

[Iowa Carver]

I think you did a fine job on your first one. Keep them coming!

Corey

[Eddy-Smiles]

Okay JL.... Here's what you do! Rough out about a half dozen more of them things and stick your knife and one in your pocket the next time you have to go somewhere that you know you're going to have a long wait. Once there, pull it out and whittle. Not only will it help pass the time but you'd be surprised how the repetitive action of carving mulitple copies will improve your carving. By the way, you're starting out the same way that I did, with an Opinel and Xacto's!

[choiceofbeverage]

Originally Posted by arnie

good first. There will never be another first.date it and keep it for ever. Another impressive thing I noticed...... No Cuts I still haven't achieved that. Arnie

yep, my good pen to sign it with is at work. Do you mean no cuts on me? There's actually four. technically they're more pokes from the tip of the blade coming through the glove.

Eddy, that's a good idea. I really like those Opinels. I'm planning on getting some more and having Rick at Little Shavers modify the blades.

Thanks again everyone.


JL