[jillsy]

I don't know what's going on. About 2 weeks ago, I was doing great carving little miniature Santas (about 2.5 inches tall). This was my first time carving such little things and I really didn't think I'd do well, so I've been pretty happy with the way they've been turning out.

Then, all the sudden, I can't carve anything without hacking it to pieces! Seems like everything I put my hands on, I destroy! It's not that I'm feeling lethargic or in a rut, I really want to carve, but it just isn't happening. My brain and hands just aren't working together.

Does this ever happen to anyone else? It's so frustrating!

[Tom H]

Jill, It's the other way around for me. Most of the time my brain and my hands don't seem to be on the same page. But every now and then they suprise me. Well, maybe less than every now and then. The answer! Keep on carving. Tom H

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Try doing something totally different, but structured. A ball in cage, a chain, etc. Just one, not a bunch.

[GeorgiaCarver]

I know this is most likely a silly response but you are stroping and keeping your knife razor sharp right? I know that if the blade dulls you will have a heck of a time.

[Ashbys]

Jillsy,
Have you been carving everyday? Trying to improve on each carving just a bit? Have your hands and arms been getting fatigued before you stop ?

Your body is learning , and even though your mind tells your hands to press here or move there, you may just be to a point you need to stop for a day and let your body catch up.

If i get fatigued from carving , I will find it hard to place the knife where I want it, or even hard to make a cut. As beginners were just not used to using the muscles and tendons which we do when were carving. And after a while they will lightly revolt. So rest them for a day or two, and you will be amazed how willing they will become again. And how much longer it will be before they revolt again .

Ash

[jillsy]

Well, you've all brought up really good points and I thank you.

Yes, my blades are sharp, that doesn't seem to be a problem. But, I have been trying to carve everyday...and with a teething baby keeping me up all night for a week, I know I've been a walking zombie! I was hoping the carving would help alleviate some stress or fatigue, but maybe it's just adding to it. I even popped the blade off the bandsaw yesterday! (scared the heck out of me too - sounded like a gunshot!) I guess a couple days away from it will do me good!

Tom, I finally started the Ark Animals from the patterns you sent me. I decided to use Butternut in case I wanted to make them detailed. I traced them onto the wood, but dared not try to cut them out or carve them until I get back into the swing of things.
Looking forward to working on it for my babies!

[Colin_Partridge]

Jillsy,
It sounds like maybe your mind it not really with your carving. A new baby requires a lot of your time and even when your carving your mind is probably not on your carving completley. Take some time for yourself away from everything just you and your tools and your carving. Also try not to take too much wood at one time remember it cant be put back on after you take it off. Small chips is much better than big ones. Hope it all works out for you keep us posted as to your progress we would hate to loose you as a member of this board and as a carver.
Colin

[wade clark]

Jillsy,
Lots of good advice already on here.
You might try an exercise like carving geometric shapes, one kind of round, one kind of oval, one kind of triangular/pirimidal, one square, etc., future blocks for the wee one.
How about posting a picture of your babies? We'd love to see them! Nothing sweeter than wee ones!
Wade

[Thomp]

Jill,

You just got too much on your plate..
if your not sleeping or tired decision making is the furtherist thing from what you should be doing,
carving is a constant succession of decision making's and you might be better off with pencil and paper designing something you can recheck later for accuracy,

as i have gotten a little age on me i have noticed lots less miscuts and less scrap, if i get a nap when im sleepy, and not fight it, you can struggle with a unclear muddy mind and make some real loo-loo mistakes its unsafe as well...
hope this helps....

[squbrigg]

My answer to your question is yes!

It happens to me when I'm tired and in a hurry, so relax. Read the latest issue of WCI, rock your baby, and think about what you want to carve, plan it, think about it, and when you are rested....start it. Most important not to rush when carving ..... think of it as your special time, a form of meditation, relaxation technique or therapy.

Your special time, to feed the artist in you. Like your baby, that artist needs to be fed, to develope, to learn and be nurtured and loved....and it takes a life time to do it. It will be worth it.....baby's grow up! Your skills improve and after that baby is out on her/his own, your skills will be hitting their pace and you'll really be producing works of art. At least it took that long for me. Enjoy the journey!

When do we get to see pictures of the baby?

Bob