Drinkin' Buddies

[HCJ]

My name is Clayne and this is my first post to the board. I had back surgery a couple of years ago and needed to find something to fill my recuperation time and wood carving was perfect for that. I started out copying Gene Messer’s and Lynn Doughty’s work with only slight changes. I felt no guilt back then because I always shared the source of my ideas. Also any resemblance of my work to theirs was slight at best. Still, in hindsight, I feel I need to apologize for not getting permission first before using some of their ideas. I also would like to give Gene and Lynn my heartfelt and sincere thanks for their unselfish mentoring. I truly appreciate and admire you both.

Now I’ve finally come up with a carving idea that I’m proud of because it’s my own idea. The carving quality still leaves a lot to be desired, but the idea at least is mine and that is a major step for me. My best friend while I was growing up in southern Idaho, died from cancer a while back. He had a horse he named Micky Finn. They were like best friends themselves. I was thinking of him and got the idea to make this carving in his honor. I call it Drinkin’ Buddies. I hope you like it.

Also, thanks to all of you over the last two years. Since I’ve been busy at work and also a little shy to post my work, you haven’t known me, but I feel like I’ve met all of you. I appreciate the help you’ve given me with your ideas and encouragement to each other. It means more to me than I can say.

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[bbowers]

Great carving- I really like your idea & title. Looks good!

[BrandantR]

Now that's a great little carving there HCJ!!! Welcome to the forum from a fellow Utahan.

[MHarnett]

Nice carving with good detail.

[Merle Rice]

Hi HCJ, That is one fine carving and you should be proud of it. It sounds like you are not going to be carving much now that you are back on your feet, I hope i'm wrong and would like to see more of your work. Merle

[brent]

Nice idea and work.

[Northwest29]

Very nicely done. Great idea and the carving is great. Thanks for sharing!

[Tom Ellis]

Very nice HCJ. It really shows the importance of starting off on the right foot. You learned from some of the best.

Tom

[suzy]

That is a Great carving!!!!!

[uvawyo]

My Goddness, Clayne, That is a fantastic carving. Don't be shy about posting. Your work is jsut supper good.