bark carvings

[gordo]

i might show how domb i am,but bark carving isnew to me . i think it is vary beautifull . do you use the bark from a tree and what kind of bark do you use. i guess what is a good source to find out how?

[pallin]

Most bark carvings use the thick bark from cottonwood trees. There are books listed in this site that describe bark carving.

[johncarves]

Go see Mac Proffitt at Smokey Mountain Wood Carving Supply in Townsend Tennessee, or go to their website.

Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Supply

[artolver]

gordo, carving in cottowood bark has been around since early 70's and maybe before that. ( I'm an old timer and started around then in the bark ) what you are looking for is the outer part of cottonwood trees. The thicker older trees grow where it has colder weather. The harvesting of the bark should only be off of dead trees, most of these are around 100 years old. Lot of them are along streams and rivers.the older and longer the tree grows, the better it will turn old when you are carving it. It also is easier to harvest the longer it has been dead. ( if all the bugs don't get it first, still can be used though) I have always felt there should be a use for the liner between the bark and the tree. Haven't figured that out yet! No you are not dumb for asking as it is new in lots of area's that don't grow cottonwood trees! It's a lot of fun and good for the imagination! There are a lot of idea's under Carving found wood on this web-site!

Art/aka thebarkguy & Dorothy