In the spirit

[ElWoodTroll]

Since several people have offered up their spirits recently I decided to take a shot at a bark spirit. I only chipped off the nose 3 times and the brows twice. That's got to be some kind of record... no? Still trying to decide what to do around the eyes and what to use for stain to bring out the depth a little
C&C welcome .

[GeorgiaCarver]

Really nice work. I did my first woodbark carving about a month ago, know what you mean about chipping! Got to watch the tool.

I read other threads, don't really remember which one, but one of them mentioned the product Watco Natural Satin Wax. I bought some and tried it. I really like it 2-3 coats and the carving looks great. Don't worry about the dark color at first, it does lighten up when it dries.

Others may have better ideas?

Greg

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Art Olver uses shoe creme!

[Tom-H]

Very nice little spirit. I too have only recently discovered how necessary super glue is to carving bark. I'll be watching for answers to your question on eyes and finish. I have a habit of ruining not so bad carvings with the "finish". TOM H

[Mottles]

El, dang your good! I really like your work on this--can't help ya with the eyes, but for a stain I like to use my oil paints and linseed oil for my relief carving. Either burnt umber or burnt sienna.
Kathy

[ElWoodTroll]

Thanks for the ideas all, I think I'll get out some scrapps and try some of these ideas. I'm thinking maybe a pipe to hide the crack. I think it detracts from the appearance.

[whitecree]

A pipe would work, but make it one of those long, skinny, hooked sort with a wide, flared bowl. Not too fancy, or it will overpower the face.

[wade clark]

Great one! I don't think you need to hide the crack, maybe just round the edges of it to show a natural part in his beard.
He looks like you caught him napping! Rip Van Winkle? I think it's great just like it is!
Wade

[Colin-Partridge]

Nice wood spirit no need to hide the crack it is the way the wood was I would leave it just as it is. Yes you have to be careful with bark the noses break off real easy but they go back on with wood glue of crazy glue better than before.
Colin

[Thor]

Great face on the spirit. I don't think the crack is distracting in the photo. It may look different in person. A pipe sounds like a great addition in any case.
Please post photos of how he turns out.
Thor