Squirrel holding a candy cane 1st carving

[TexasSteve]

Well, I bought some palm tools from little shavers and joined a local clud here in north Texas (North Texas Woodcarvers Guild). Started buying some carving magazines and my wife saw this Christmas ornament, carved by Desiree Hajny, in the holiday issue of Woodcarving Illustrated. My wife loves Squirrels and of course wanted this ornament. I told her I would give itmy best shot. It is not painted yet, i am a little scared of messing it up now that i have it carved. Not real pleased with the head, the one in the magazine is looking down a little more, but, hey, it's my first.

Any feedback is appreciated. I know everyone wants to say it looks great or looking good, but i am really wanting tips or feedback. My feelings don't get hurt, so fire away.

Steve

[Bob K.]

With all honesty Steve, I think you've done a mighty fine job, especially for a first carving! That was not an easy project to start out with. My suggestion is regarding the fur...all of the fur on each part of an animal all goes in one direction...all of the fur on his leg should go in one direction, all of the fur on his back should go in one direction, etc. Try not to criss cross your gouge marks when doing fur on an animal...if you look at a real animal (squirrel) I think you will see what I mean. I'm not sure how realistic you wanted him to be but you can also use a wood burner to make very fine lines which make it look more realistic. I'm sure Desiree uses a wood burner to make her animals look so realistic.

[SlowMover]

I agree that is an excellent first job. I would hesitate to do this one, as animals are really difficult to get right. You did well. I think the main thing you need to do to improve your carving is t just carve more, and more, and more. Having joined a club will really help you, listen to what the folks whose carvings you like say..and ask questions. keep up the good work.

[TexasSteve]

Thanks guys, A woodburner is on the christmas wish list ( I figure the more squirrels she wants will justify the woodburner). Good tip on not criss crossing the gouge marks. This took about 9 total hours to carve over a weeks time. I really enjoy carving, it makes me slow my life down and relax some.

I have three grandkids that want ornaments this year. One wants a santa hanging by his hand from one of the magazines, one wants an elf head from one of the magazines and the other is going to get a snowman. Should be a busy few weeks trying to get them all done.

[Tom Ellis]

Steve, Bob is right on with the hair, If you have a pet dog, check how his fur changes around his body. Draw a few pencil lines to show the direction you want the fur to flow, and it will help you keep from forgeting where you are at. You are going to love the burner.

Have fun, Tom

[Nomad]

Can't add much to the great comments already made but just want to chime in and say that for a first carving, ya done really good. That looks like quite a challenge to carve.

[TexasSteve]

Very nice comments everyone, thank you. I appreciate the feedback and I will post more pictures after I get over my fear and paint it That will be in the next few days. Heading to Michael's tonight and picking up a variety of acrylic paint. and a good set of brushes.

Also, any recommendations on a burner? I am researching them now, but would like to hear what, if any, you all use.

[Claude]

Very good first carving!

Claude

[jmischel]

That's a nice first carving, Steve. Having been in your shoes not too long ago, I know the fear of messing it up with paint. But I found that even with my meager painting skills, the painted carving looked better than unpainted. Go ahead and paint it. You're the only one who'll know if you make a mistake, and your wife is going to love it.

[TexasSteve]

Well, I finally bought all f my paint supplies and organized my work area, so i got up the nerve to finally get it painted. Overall i am satisfied, learned a lot and can see where improving my "hair" skills will help. All the errors in my carving came to life when i painted it. This was for my wife since she loves squirrels. She is very pleased with it, so i guess it passed

Any feedback is always welcome.

Now on to carve an elf for my oldest grandson and a hanging santa (by his hand) for my middle grandson. My youngest grandson is more than likely getting a carved snowman. more to come on those. All bieng carved from pictures in the woodcarving illustrated magazines. Maybe next year i will try to do a few things from my own design if i get better at this.

Steve