[Thomp]

From a basswood apple and the tutelage of Jim O' i think i got it.. for the most part?

image upload got out of sequence, the last image is of a pinfile i made into a micro knife, (yes i break off tips too!)

the 4 images behind the apple in 2nd image are Jim' O's santa ornaments, and Upon notification of my intentions, to use his images as pattern, he did more than agree it was ok, he told me where i was being mis directed as i sent him pictures of various stages...he told me how to correct or thin and this is my results,
1st picture is as how it stands now,.

right eye is suppose to be winking, but i got the side burn and head too thin where it goes under the hat,,
im not done with fighting this apple yet, ill be danged if its gonna win...

if for nothing else its great experience, but i need to get some work done around the eyes, eye lids aint right, and the wink looks like a mutation...

my doctor was awe struck and his nurse couldn't believe i did the carving myself so that alone made it a fulfilling visit.

opinions, suggestions comments...? are welcome,,,

[Kenny_S]

only see one picture but looking good Thomp. However, a winking eye is more squinted than what you have. All in all, Good showing.

[Thomp]

more pics of steps at this link on picasa

[sbirkes]

Originally Posted by Thomp

opinions, suggestions comments...? are welcome,,,

OK, you asked for it:
Really great step-by-step photos. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[Thomp]

Steve,

not really step by step but photos of changes as i made them without getting too far from the previous session, theres several or a lot of dupes in the picasa,
i got another apple im trying to set up for a step by step, after i get a couple new tools from rick...
along with some more turnings hadent decided if its gonna be basswood apples or oranges though

thanks for the comment steve..

[Mitchell]

good work so far Thomp.

You can bring the eyebrow down a bit over the winking eye...this will help - I didn't notice, but the cheek could be higher on that side also (you may have done that and I just didn't notice it - and am too lazy to go back). If there's not enough wood to drop the brow, you can use texture to help....flow the brow hair sideways more over the right eye compared to the left. It doesn't take much.

On the left eye, make sure that you round the eye to keep it from appearing "buggy". This is a VERY common mistake that I make when carving eyes.

Another tip, on the outside of the eye, make sure the lower lid is lower (in level) than the upper where they meet at the outside corner. You basically want it to appear that the upper goes over the lower. You can look at Jim's picture just to the right over your carving to see this. You can also see that there's a little triangle cut out just to the right and below. This gives the lower lid a baggy appearance. Make sure the face is curved here and not flat.....

Can't help much more with the winking eye.....sorry.

[gene messer]

Thomp .. excellent job .. your progress through the Santa is great ..

Another fine job by you .. as always ..

Gene

[Thomp]

Originally Posted by Mitchell

good work so far Thomp.

You can bring the eyebrow down a bit over the winking eye...this will help - I didn't notice, but the cheek could be higher on that side also (you may have done that and I just didn't notice it - and am too lazy to go back). If there's not enough wood to drop the brow, you can use texture to help....flow the brow hair sideways more over the right eye compared to the left. It doesn't take much.

On the left eye, make sure that you round the eye to keep it from appearing "buggy". This is a VERY common mistake that I make when carving eyes.

Another tip, on the outside of the eye, make sure the lower lid is lower (in level) than the upper where they meet at the outside corner. You basically want it to appear that the upper goes over the lower. You can look at Jim's picture just to the right over your carving to see this. You can also see that there's a little triangle cut out just to the right and below. This gives the lower lid a baggy appearance. Make sure the face is curved here and not flat.....

Can't help much more with the winking eye.....sorry.

thanks mitchell'
just hope i can remember all this info when it comes to apply it,

thanks gene for the nice comments

just some fiddling with eyes but 6 new shots on picasa

[Joy]

Nice job! You really got a good nose.

[tnartist05]

Thats a really neat looking santa Thomp,you are doing such a good job with him! Keep up that work!! I like your home made knives also! Forrest