First time trying Cottonwood Bark

[Irishman]

This 15 inch length of cottonwood bark I purchased apparently came from the westcoast but shipped from central Canada. I can't seem to find any in the Atlantic region. The width was quite narrow so I had to decide how I could carve a woodspirit without shinking it down to fit a face into it. I decided to try a different approach and give him a long face and a windswept look to utilize the bark best I could. I didn't do anything to the eyes as there are rings showing up that give the impression of pupils. You probably can't see from the pictures. I'm torn on whether to add oil to the bark as I don't want it to turn too dark. For now I'll leave him just the way he is and see how that goes.
Patrick

[Tom Ellis]

Nice job Patrick, I think you will be a little happier with a more finished look. It seems to bring out the grain of the bark a lot more. Two fellows I carve with us bark all the time, One used Deft satin finish, and the other uses True Oil gunstock finish. Either one should work great. They don't darken it too much, but really make the grain show.

Good luck, Tom

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Great job Patrick, really nice detail. I have used Howards and it does make it real dark. Rick at www.littleshavers.com sells that shoe polish, I hear it works better.

Dave

[chpster90bu]

Great job on that spirit, Patrick! I also would opt for the stain to bring out the carving more....I'm not knowledgeable enough on finishes to suggest anything, but I love the way yours look after they're finished, so you must be doing something right! Bonnie (I could tell your noses anywhere! Perfection!)

[mpounders]

Looks great! Really good nose and features....no suggestions on finishing tho!

[Goody]

I too just tried the cottonwood bark and posted down in Found Wood. I put four coats of Minwax Helmsmen Satin on mine. It drank the first two coats then got a nice sheen. For me it brought out the color of the wood but didnt darken it too much.
Nice Wood spirit!
Goody

[Grayhorn]

Great job Patrick, I always surprised at the density of the bark, one would expect it to be far more porous. Well done. Al

[Irishman]

First of all, thanks to all of you for taking the time to comment on my carving.
Tom, Dave and Bonnie - I hear your advice on putting a treatment on the bark. I have not used a shoe polish treatment before so I'll have to research this. I do have some deft satin sealer so I'll consider that suggestion.
Bonnie and Mike - I see you noticed his prominent nose. I am partial to large snozes you may have noticed.
Goody - I used the Helmsmans Satin on occasion and I believe I still have some in my shop. If it doesn't darken much, that might be the one to try. Thanks for the suggestion.
Al - I was surprised too how thick and stable the bark was. I would like to carve more of this medium. I only wish it was available in the Atlantic or Maritime region. The shipping is what marks up the price for me.
Patrick

[tnartist05]

He looks neat Patrick!! Like his sweeping hair and beard.

Forrest

[markken5889]

He looks great, Patrick. Nice to see you posting again!

Mark