All this is junk.... solved

[jartzh]

I tried a new piece the same way I have always (rough idea, couple reference pixs, chunk of wood). I tried to get more out of the piece than I normally do. I opened up the mouth (which I have never attempted). And then halfway thru it hit me that I didnt have to start sanding to bring out the beauty of the wood. I actually used a wire brush to rough up some of it. And it looks better! Its not the same old same old that I always do. I like it better than anything I have done in a long time.

So I think the trick is to push yourself and not fall into a groove. And eliminate the part that you dont like (sanding, detailing, hilite,...).

I will send in some pixs tomorrow (if I get home early enough tonite).

Now my problem is that I am out of logs!!!!!

[Kenny_S]

One should always strive to be better. My challenge is to be better than myself, not be better than anyone else.

I agree with you on not doing the same old same old way every time but sometimes it is a way of life. Creatures of habit I guess, Eh?

Ah, to practice what I preach.

[jartzh]

Kenny,
Never met a carver from Kansas. Didnt know they had trees on that prairie!

Just kidding. I am from Independence myself. Wish I had a bunch of the hedge. Sure is pretty.

[Ron T]

One of my carvings friends says to try to do the next carving better than the one before it.

I try but it doesn't always work.

[Kenny_S]

Lots of trees but the hedge ot Osage Orange(if that is what you are talking about), would be a little to hard to carve. Dulls a chainsaw fast but does make great firewood.
Yes, it is a pretty yellowish wood and a lot of bow makers like to make compound bows out of it. I have a Chess Board with walnut and Hedge squares. Indy eh? Go Pirates!
Several carvers from around the area, no Club though.
You would not recognise East side of Coffeyville since the flood two years ago. Pretty well wiped the whole east side off the map and Wal-Marts want to build a new big Super Center on that side. Go figure.

You are welcome any time

[jartzh]

Kenny,
The trick on Hedge (osage-orange) is to cut it and rough it green. once it gets dry then its a rock. but sure is pretty and takes details like rock.
I have cut down full size trees and never had to sharpen. but after it dried it took a sharpen just to cut thru a log one time.

I think the walnut is the woodcarving choice of wood around there, isnt it.

[jartzh]

Here are some pixs , before I put the finishing touches on. I still need to soak the bark in polyurathane and see what comes off.

[Ron T]

Wow, Jartzh, that's an awesome carving and the wood is so beautiful.

Thanks for posting the photos.

[Joy]

Very emotional piece! The wood tells the story beautifully. I'm glad you worked through your 'blahs'.

[stickman]

inspirational carving and the wood is cool.Don't they make archery bows out of osage-orange?