[Mottles]

Hi All, well this looks like my last woodspirit of 2005 and will have to finish it in 2006.
He's pine and 6 inches tall I have two coats of Danish Varnish applied. I think I may paint this one with color. I do think I'm improving slowly.
As always I appreciate your thoughts and comments for improvement.
Merry Christmas,
Kathy

[ElWoodTroll]

Thats a cute little fellew Kathy!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Kathy, you have come a long way in a short time! But you need to try some basswood, you will like it a lot better than pine I think.......try Heineke or Don Wedll for some basswood.

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by ElWoodTroll

Thats a cute little feller Kathy! Mind telling me what tools you use to carve with and how do you like working with pine on smaller pieces?

Hi Dave, thank you 'little feller is right' I really need to start working larger. LOL For most of the carving I use a Stubi bench knife. I also use a 'V gouge' for the hair, nose and eye outline and a 'U' gouge for the eye indentation. These tools are by Ramelson (spelling ?) macro set. There are more tools I'd love to have but have to add them slowly $$$$$. I'm getting Moor's chipcarving knives and workbook for Christmas from hubby. I've got some really nice cottonwood limbs I want to carve some limbspirits. All has to wait now until after Christmas and things slow down a bit.
Merry Christmas to ya,
Kathy

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Kathy, you have come a long way in a short time! But you need to try some basswood, you will like it a lot better than pine I think.......try Heineke or Don Wedll for some basswood.

Hey Dave, how the heck are ya pard? Thank you I love to carve so that makes me try even harder. It's folks like you and others on this site that give me inspiration, help and encouragment.
Most of my carvings have been in basswood and I do prefer it over pine. The basswood is smoother and doesn't have a lot of grain. I have ran into problems with the wood following the grain after a cut (pine). I must say though I like the looks of the pine grain and if I was better I could make it work for me. And I will!
Merry Christmas,
Kathy
Hey did ya see there is a Wood Carving Show in Mesa in March? Check your WCI Holiday Issue pg. 86 and pg. 88 a couple of classes. If anyone is interested and doesn't have this issue I'll be happy to post the info.

[Kenny_S]

Yep, You keep getting better and better. Neat spirit.

[Thor]

Kathy,
The little pine guy is terrific. I work in pine a lot too, so I know the challenges, and you did great. You are getting really good at the eys and nose. I like his little hat too.
As for the "last one", I think you have another week or two in 2005.....can you really put it down for that long?
Thor

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

May have to look into the show at Mesa.....sure hate trying to drive around Phoenix tho! we's jist hill folk, ain't usta no big cities! lol

[JIM QUILICI]

mottles,
Very good carving , with your attitude your going to even get better.I used to have a saying that I used a lot doing my working days. (6yr ago)..........if you think you are going to get better ..... or you think you can't get better ..... your right.
keep up the good work

Just old Jim

[Mottles]

Thanks, Kenny If I don't get better it won't be for the lack of trying. LOL
Merry Christmas,
Kathy