First carving of Experienced Carvers

[carver33]

I had minor foot surgery last Friday, and though I can't walk, I can still carve, burn and type (some of you may have noticed a marked increase in the latter).

Sooooo, anyways, I take great pleasure in seeing the first work of the newbies and their many questions about tools and carving material. I got to thinking (as I occasionally do) about the experienced carvers and burners on the boards and what their first work was (if they can remember back that far).

My first piece was a baby elephant caricature carved from an apple limb with a home made knife, made by a neighbor (the knife, not the elephant). It was originally carved for my mother who collected elephants, but my wife layed claim and I still have it. She'll have to go before the elephant can, and that ain't gonna happen.

From that first experience, I was hooked on carving and have done so sporadically since then. Here is my first piece, carved in 1984. It was carved with a single knife and lots and lots of sandpaper.

I would really like to see the first work of the experienced carvers and burners on the boards, and think a number of the newer members would enjoy it too. So, if you still have photos of your first work, I think it would be really nice to see them.

[bigEd_H]

Hey, that's a neat little elephant. Cool deal for a first carving. I can't wait to see the first carvings of other experienced carvers here.

Ed

[Soggy]

Not really sure if I'm an "experienced" carver or not, but here's the first one that I remember doing and that is still with me.
I carved it in 1978 using a utility knife and sandpaper. I remember at the time I was working as a carpenter so the cod fish was carved (whittled) from a piece of pine stair tread, and the base was a piece of mahogany door jamb.
I didn't even think about carving back then, had too many other things to occupy my time, it's only been this last year that I started to carve regularly.........
Wayne

[Dan Wegiel]

Both of you did great for a "first". I'm not sure I want to show mine although I'm not a very experienced carver, but here it is, carved in some very hard oak about 4 years ago, I call him 'Monkey face'.

Dan

[Dicky]

If this is "beginner" stuff, I might as well cut my fingers off. lol

[carver33]

This thread is very interesting so far. We all tell the new carvers to use Basswood ar Butternut, but so far, we've got Apple, Oak and a Pine stair tread (that would probably be southern yellow Pine). Soggy, my hat is off to you, and . Dan, that's a fine first, and in Oak, no less.

Here's hoping to see many more.

[Donsexton]

I dont have a picture but it was a top water plug for bass fishing.

[jmischel]

Those are some beautiful first carvings. I hope I can do that well at some point.

[gene-messer]

great looking elephant

Gene

[carver33]

Thanks, Gene. although I'm a littles disappointed that there aren't more "firsts" here.

Do you remember yours?