All 1-piece vs. attachments

[jillsy]

Alrighty now, not sure this has been posted before (seems like we've covered it all though!)

I've been wondering, is there a preference over carving a complete piece using one block of wood versus carving a piece with attachments? (Example, a Santa completely carved using one block of wood versus a Santa who had arms attached, maybe extra wood glued on for a belly or his big sack of toys, etc?)

I'm not looking for set rules or regulations, just wondering general opinions on this. For those who do or don't, what are the reasons? I basically carve from one block, but have been thinking about laminating extra wood so I'd have enough to carve specific pieces, but I hesitate #1 I find it very intimidating #2 not sure how well I'd do #3 not sure how much more time it takes.

Thanks for your input,
Jillsy

[falconer]

Jillsy, Thats a pretty good question!! I've done both one block and parts. The Redtail on the glove for example is two parts. The engineering can sometimes take more time than carving from one block. Generally, I carve from one block cause I normally draw on the wood instead of using a pattern. It keeps things free and easy and I can make adjustments as I go because I don't have to think about having enough wood. The lifesize eagle I'm doing now was carved without patterns. I'd rather carve from one block. Anyway thats my take on the subject!!


www.sierracreekstudios.com

[Tarik]

Never done, basically by the same reasons you gave before.

[gene-messer]

Jillsy .. I dont know how other people feel about this ... but the finished product is the main thing .. I really dont care if you carve every piece separate.. if the finished product looks good .. then you have been successful... Our eye's see only what we specifically like and if someone like's your work .. That's all that matters .. Pieced together or all in one block .. It's the finished piece that impresses us ...
What ever works best for you is what works best ... For myself .. I like to carve litttle guy's .. others dont care for it .. That's what makes it so great on this forum .. Is that everyone's different .. Go for it and give it a try .. you might discover your calling ...

[Eddy-Smiles]

Jillsy... I think Gene and Falconer summed it up pretty good. Unless you're a purist with a strick set of rules that you carve by, just about anything goes. I've carved fish and I'm currently working on a manatee where fins and flippers are carved from a totally separate piece of wood. After I've molded the joint with a bit of plastic wood, sanded and painted no one will be able to tell. I've also seen some really nice high class work at our carving show that was assembled from multiple pieces, stained and finished but it was almost impossible to tell that the entire carving wasn't carved from one piece of wood. Definitely more advanced than my current knowledge but it sure opens the door to possibilities.

[Joy]

Jillsy, I added extra wood to do the nose on my Holly Lady Green Person and the Oak Leaf one I am working on now I added the wood for a nose and some extra depth for the oak leaves. It wasn't hard to glue, but it looks kind of intimidating with those "hunks" added on. I did it because I can't stand wasteing wood. And I carve for my pleasure....not to please or impress anyone else. So I figure I can do whatever I am big enough to tackle.

[JIM QUILICI]

Jillsy,
ask Lynn D (the widget carver ) almost everything he does has a add on ( carves arms and heads and etc's by themselves ) do what ever is easy for you to express yourself, do it.if you enter it in some shows there are judges who take points away if it isn't in one peice ( those are the same people who think the world is flat). what difference does it make, it is still carving , and I always say carving is carving.
Just old Jim

[jillsy]

I really like BOTH styles of carving very much and wanted to see why some carved certain ways. That's what's so good about this board - it's enlightening reading people's feelings (not just facts all the time) on certain things.

Jillsy

[Lynn O. Doughty]

As my name has been brought up I'll chime in here .... For those purists out there, I challenge you to do large scene such as my Chuckwagon or Stagecoach groups.

[mdallensr]

Jillsy, you won't find many decoys carved from one piece of wood. It takes a huge hunk of wood to carve a full size decoy, including the head and neck. Since most are painted, you can't see the joint and it doesn't detract from the finished product at all. I've carved marine mammals both ways and prefer to carve them from one piece of wood but that isn't always practical. It is difficult to insert appendages and make them look good with a natural finish on the wood. The frugal side of me says save the wood and use inserts, but when I'm struggling with the inserts, aligning pins and dowels, I make a mental note to not worry about a wood shortage next time. As others have said, unless you're going to compete and know you're at a disadvantage with combinations, do what pleases you. I think it's worth doing one or two one-piece carvings just to develop the skills and techniques of carving in tight spaces, undercutting, etc. If it takes away from the enjoyment of carving, walk away and don't let it bother you. Good topic! Mike