[Kenny_S]

Yuper, What they all have said BobS. Very Nice and well executed! Just finished up the horse head cane toper and cane for the friend from Austraila and she loved it. Now for her to get it back in to Austraila. While visiting with her in Texas last week, found out that the "Bark carving" will have some problems at customs in Austraila as they usually do not allow bark or seed to come into the country. I have sealed it on both sides with Deft semi-gloss and it appears totally sealed but our friend said that it may be several weeks to months before she will be able to recieve it as her own. Never thought about that. Has to do with insects or larve! Of course I know there wasn't any in the wood, They don't and may have to be fumegated. A learned lesson for sure. But knowing her, I pity the lad who will not let her have it.

[Anthony Filetti]

Bob,

Great Job!!!

So now how did you come up with the idea for the design?

[squbrigg]

Thank you Rocket39, it was fun to do. Feels much nicer than a plastic handle too, a warmth and texture that is all wood. The dragon design is a combination of ideas, part "Our Miss Irish's" beautiful book on dragons, part from the art work on my daughters "Dragonlance" books, a little of " The Hobbitt" dragon thrown in and a lot from a memory of the figurehead on a Viking Long Ship model that I built when I was a kid. I sketched out the head on paper and played with some positions, cut a blank on the Cherry and started carving. The shape developed and the detail appeared. I then hit on the idea of extending the head, up the neck from the bow of a ship carved below it, so it became part of the shape. The Norse design below the ship are typical/historical art work from the period. I finished off the cane with a dragons foot/claw on the bottom, just above the rubber tip.

Now that it's finished, I keep finding more and different dragon head shapes to try, but since this is my first, I'll stick with it for now. BTW...the handle is shaped to fit my hand and the finger grips curled for comfort. Fits much better than the old plastic one, much like a set of custom grips on a handgun, or rifle.

Bob

[Bandaid]

Great piece Bob. Not only intricate carving but functional as well. Always look forward to seeing pics. of your work...Reg

[Just Carving]

Bob,

Beautiful work on your latest cane! It serves as an inspiration that one day I might carve half as well as all of you "Masters"--and I'll use the word regardless!

A word of caution: Don't let your hand get to close to the dragon's mouth--he looks hungry! LOL

Bob

[Lightningbolt]

Wow! Now that's what I'm talking about!

Looking over my extensive woodcarving library I can't believe that I have only one book on dragons, "Dragons- A Book Of Designs" by Marty Noble. Dragon designs have really made a big comeback in recent years and looks like I'm gonna have to search out for more material. I'd say that woodspirits and dragons run neck-to-neck in popularity.

Thanks for sharing such a fine cane!

[papasar]

Wow you didn't waste any time! It was about a week ago that you asked for suggestions. The cane is absolutely beautiful. You will find when you use it that it will attract comments from complete strangers. Kinda like walking a puppy in the park. What a great way to meet people and promote wood carving.
Bill K.

[squbrigg]

Bill.....you are absolutly correct in your remarks. I got the idea for carving a cane by noticing one in the waiting room of the doctors office and had a delightful conversation with the owner and his wife. He was, alas, not the carver, and I must say the work was rough, but, it reminded me of the facts: 1) I carve, 2) I must use a cane when I walk now, 3) I had been missing the obvious (1 & 2) for too long. And I do love to talk carving!

Lightningbolt......you are right about the Dragons becoming popular. I have noticed a couple of really nice carvings in the last couple of carving magazines, (both WCI and the other guys) and wish I had noticed them before. They are very well done. Inspiring. With all the movies and books out now with dragons in them, I suppose it's expected. Lord of the Rings, Ring of Fire, Dragonlance, Dragonslayer, Dungeons and Dragons ....the list appears endless. I am surprised there is not more is in print on dragon art though. There seems to be a ready market for it. I did pick up one childrens book for my granddaughter that was very well done, "Dragonology, The Complete Book of Dragons". It is delightfully illustrated, by Candlewick Press, and the art work is superb. It is brief though.

Thank you and the others for your kind comments and encouragement.

Bob

[jamesfa]

Bob-thats an outstanding cane,i concur you had better keep you eye on it when your out and about.it will be envied by those who need a cane and by those who don't.
i hope your next one will incorporate your nautical themes.

Frank

[rgbonehead]

I seen that dragon on TV selling car insurance.
great job......Ron