[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I just put up a picture of the beginning stages of my great blue heron.....and a couple pictures of my wifes 'bird in a bag' series...take a look! oops, I also posted pictures of the stainless steel knife blades I bought, had to make handles for them, and used Al's design...nice handles! seem like good blades, hold an edge, just 'big' for carving knives, make good bench knives tho....would you believe it? 2 posts and still didn't say where! birds are in the fowl album, knives in miscellaneous...whew! : :P

DAVE, HE LOOKS GOOD ALREADY. HOW BIG IS IT??

[AlArchie]

Great start on the heron, Dave! Knives look good too.....that spear point looks like it really could be, though! Reminds me of an incident I had before I retired....but I won't bore anybody with that story, here.

again as it progresses!

Al

Dave, how wonderfully realistic the heron looks because of pose and positioning. I look forward to seeing the finished carving.

Jerry

Dave, Off to a great start, really like it. Would like to see a pic after you do some burning prior to any painting, if you decide to burn in some feather groups.

Like the detail your putting into the base too, I always enjoy seeing prior to completed work, it helps me see into how other people carve out a project. Coffeeman

[Nancy_G]

Yup, Dave --- that heron is looking good.
Of course, I never met a heron I didn't like. He's my favorite bird. I also want to know what's his size?
Can't wait to see more photos.

[Colin_Partridge]

Dave,
Really like the knife third from the left, when I am doing bark carvings thats the profile I like, very good job on the knifes. The Heron in in the beginning stage? Wow I would give anything for the birds I have tried to look like that when they are finished. Excellent job cant wait to see the finished product. You know my address just ship it to me when your done.LOL
Colin

[Kenny_S]

Ya done good so far. the little bride's birds are great. Love the expression on their face. Like they were early and got the worm.

Best to you and the little bride.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

thanks for the encouragement everyone....I have been putting this bird off so long, he is a little intimidating LOL...the heron is 14 inches from bottom of feet to top of head and 14 inches from tip of tail to tip of beak...base I think is about 9 x 10. Â*First time I have used brass strips for grass, it works good but a bit time consuming as I used crocas cloth to sand the edges, figured I would be the first to get cut if I didn't! the rocks so far are carved, but when I get to putty on the legs, will make some more. Â*Would like to remember what is used for sand, think its dry coffee grounds but not sure, anyone know? Coffeeman? ha ha The spearpoint blade is really a little useless and kind of a hazard to use! I am thinking about grinding off one side or the other, the simitar is not much use either, the skew and the 'chip' knife design are great and worth the purchase price I think...but even at that, I am always wanting a sharp knife at the workbench...will use the two oddball blades there.

[jamesfa]

your heron is looking great,you should have an in progress album,and keep posting pictures as you progress.
in ans. to your question the dulcimer was built at a course given at lee valley it was more of a semi kit with some parts pre-cut and shaped.