study sticks

[TOEKNEE]

I have 9 study cast for faces, but i have dicovered in hindsight they do not help you at all unless you actually practice, practice practice!!! that is to say, alot of carving happens between each step on a study stick that is hard to grasp unless you just get in there and do it. as a beginner, study sticks made no sense to me. now that i have carved ALOT of faces, i can look back at them, and they make alot more sense to me...

[Tom-H]

It would seem to me that, most if not all, commerically available study sticks Have too few steps. It's just like when you read lots of magazine articles that include step-by-step photos. In the interest of space and expense the steps are combined, and in this process, confusion can creep in. The best way may be to talk a carver into making you a study stick that has enough steps. And, as Thomp and Eddy says, the very best way would be to have that carver demonstrate how each step is done. Then you can use the study stick to start making your own. Then of course practice, practice, practice, etc, ditto.......



Tom H

[Ron T]

Hi Rick,

When I first started carving, a friend gave me a woodspirit study stick. I used it for my first two carvings, then gave it away.

I just started to try practice sticks a year ago and was surprised by the benefits. First, I was able to carve the faces quickly because I was "practicing" and second, I was able to try different facial types because I was able to concentrate on certain features. Third, the fear of screwing up a piece of "good" wood frees you from holding back. That's something I have to work on.

[whittlingjoe]

Originally Posted by rickm

any of you use study sticks or practice sticks or whatever for faces? Is it worthwhile to play around with them?

I literally carry mine everywhere I go! I LOVE the study sticks. THey give you a great foundation. From them, you can sit and grasp an overall concept then play around a bit and develop a style all your own.

Just my $.02 but with inflation that has got to be worth at least $.05 by now.

Joe

[againstthegrain]

I bought one from Allen Goodman at the Charlotte show and I have found it to be a very good reference. It is step by step and easy to follow.

[Blake Lunsford]

I bought one of Wayne Shinlever's study sticks at the Charlotte show and it really helps to capture some of the features that he is able to pull off on his carvings. I would definitely recommend them for anyone interested in carving faces.

Blake

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

They have helped me.

Dave