[Donna_T]

Hi Kenny and all,
I kinda do all the above. As I get the general shape of a carving, I'll clean it up with knife/gouge to get the chunks cleared away. Then I usually redraw my general details (using an artist pencil) to 'go by' as I start working on the detailing.

Periodically, my carving glove gets dirty and as a result, gets my carving dirty--along with oil from my hands. When that happens, I usually hand wash the glove and let it drip dry--and it's good to go. I like using dishwashing liquid soap to softly scrub at the soiled carving before I paint it.

Once I get the carving scrubbed and dried, I use red or green Scotchbrite (depending on the carving details) and lightly go over it with the little sdquares of Scotchbrite in my battery operated Dremel mini-mite. One of the reasons I use it is that it has less power and I'm less likely to obliterate my carving marks that I worked so hard to put in! HINT: I got lazy and quit cutting Scotchbrite in circles...just cut them in squares and in about 2 minutes of operation, they are rounded by the wood itself.

If I've got some corners and crannies that need more attention, I sometimes use the little white detailing cones (really, really fine sandpaper) with the Mini Mite.

Now, if I've woodburned, I use a fine, brass brush and gently brush with the flow of the burn--and follow that up with a stiff bristle denture brush. It helps clean up that annoying char and makes it easier to paint. I don't burn very dark, however, so there isn't too much char generated.

Of course, if a carving is stylized and smooth--I just sand the soup out of it and don't have to worry about the crud.

Donna T

[Kenny_S]

Thanks all for the comments. For the new carvers, a wealth of info here.
I am trying tupelo now and find that there are no fussies and like that and not much different in how it carves than basswood.

BTW, had to take the little bride to Wicthita to get some more cootonwood bark. She said', I want to pick my own pieces. : Man ,Have a created a carving junkie. Glad she is enjoying it. It helps as she gives me pointers also.