I would like to try my hand at chip carving and would like to start with something simple. I am trying to locate plans for a small cross, not over three or four inches high. If anyone knows where I might obtain such a pattern I would sure appreciate a reply. I can also be contacted at my e-maill address shoemaker@comcast.net or my personal web page
http://home.comcast.net/~shoemaker/wsb.

Thanks,

Orrin Shoemaker

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have chip carved numerous crosses...I usually cut the cross 1 inch wide, by 12 inches long, and the crossbar 6 inches long. Â* As for the design, buy one of Wayne Barton's chip carving books, he will show you all kinds of designs and how to lay them out. (the cross thickness was usually 1/2 or 3/8 inches) ( try www.chippingaway.com )

[Colin_Partridge]

Orrin,
Dont know about any web sites for chip carving its not my thing tried it once didnt like it although I admire people who can and love the finished product. I was impressed with your carvings especially the native carvings. I am a lover and collecter of native art and have a few Haida pieces I go to the west coast to Vancouver Island every year where I compete with many native carvers they truly have a gift. Just thought I would let you know I visited your site.
Colin

Hi Friend,
I'm Jerry L. Watts, a carver in NE Oklahoma. I do a few small crosses. You can see them on my web site, www.woodcarvedstuff.com. They are about 6' tall and 4' wide. My experience has taught me that from the center intersection of the cross, figure 2 units down and 1 unit left, right, and up make for the best portions. The other thing I've learned is that you can 'over carve' a cross. In shows I've done, people buy the more simple crosses first.
Hope this helps a little.
jerry

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I looked at your site Jerry, liked the format and also liked the western santas lol.........thanks oops, forgot, I just received some mesquite sticks from a neighbor and I thought it to be too hard to carve but find it is fairly soft, he also has some bigger chunks I am thinking about getting...should I or is it too hard on knives?

Hey Hi Ho,
Thanks for the compliment on the site. I have a new carving student who is a superb web master. Web site for lessons? Was sure a no-brainer for me. Mesquite...I find it ornrey to work with but I sure like the end result. I like to power carve the stuff as it's too tough on knives and such. If you have a friend who can provide you some, get it and carve away. If you don't like the results, use it to grill a nice porterhouse.
jerry