Christmas Nutcracker Soldier ( finished )

[STAR]

Here is the Christmas Nutcracker Soldier I did for my daughter just before Christmas. Probably should be in the beginner's section, but.

It was a twelve months project on and off. it was possibly my third carving but the others were only tiny. This one is near life size and combined some turning and come carving.

the torso took some working out how to get rid of the waste. I found that an Arbotek mini grinder helped and then a small cushioned sanding disc on a die grinder removed the rest.

Instead of painting i decided to stain. daughter was impressed, so was the family. I had to scale it up on graph paper, so a big learning curve. thge complete Nutcracker will be next, it was too big to put all the photos in here.

Pete

[STAR]

Here is part 2.

Pete

[STAR]

If I knew how to turn the photo's around so you don't have to stand on your head, i would.

Pete

[DanJohnson]

That came out to good to be a begineer's work. I am sure your daugter will be proud of him for years to come.

[cut up]

Very nice.
Keep up the good work.
Michael

[Lazy Carver]

What's even more amazing about this, is that you did it sideway's! "Nation Wide is on your side"! Outstanding piece! The fact that it's life size... Wow! You'll fit in perfect with all of us here!
Sincerely, Rob V. (Lazy C.)
PS the 'Nation wide is on your side' is an insurance commercial joke... If you see one you'll understand.

[STAR]

Thanks all. While I can see some areas that are a bit iffy I am happy with the result all being considered. But I will say without this forum it could not be done.

I have learnt so much in all the various areas of this forum even though I was not really interested in some. I now realise that everybody has something special to contribute, no matter what their area of interest is.

Where once, when I first started to learn twelve months ago when I looked in amazement at the fine work being presented here I have now moved onto 'Gee that is good. How can something from that carving help me in one of my next projects especially in areas that i struggled with. "

Pete