[UNCLE_RICK]

Where is everybody?
This is the least activity I've seen here in the couple of months I've been around. I'm at work and things are slow. Got about 10 carvings at the house that need my attention.

Rick

I agree there hasent been too much happening on the board not a lot of questions and not too many new threads. I guess it is spring and most are out tending to gardens and grass etc. I myself have noticed that things are really slow I have had very few customers since Christmas and no commissions as yet. This is very unusual for me by this time I am usually working on a commission or working on my day planner to schedule them but as of now nothing. It is very warm here today although it did snow yesterday. I am in fact sitting outside carving in shorts and the sun is really hot. I have been working on some Sumac and Diamond willow walking sticks and hiking staffs along with some smaller Sumac carvings I will take some photo's and post them at least it will be a new post.
Colin

Hi, things are slow in NB also, BUT, there is lots to do outside. we built a new house and moved in last fall. Landscaping, and lots of cleanup. It is hard to sit in the shop and carve on these nice spring days. I have a question though. Started to make a couple walking sticks, Just carving a bird head, drilling it and fitting the walking stick with the head. No relief carving yet. Tried one and it was terrible. Gave it to a good friend, and he liked it. So all not lost. Anyhoo, how long should I make the sticks, and usually how big around are they. Is poplar a suitable wood to use for the sticks.(green wood, or dry) I know that is more than one question. I lied. :

[Gergie]

Hi, I just added some pictures of my last projects to Picture trail. I'm working on a Canvasback and a walking stick. Pretty busy around here. Check out the Photos. Later Gergie,http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...&members=1

Hugh,
Was going to give you a call but remembered you are an hour ahead and are probably tucked into bed by now. As for the walking sticks I always make them much longer than I need. That way people can cut them off to the length they want. Hiking staffs I usually make about five or six feet tall again if they are too long people can cut them off. Polar is great for walking sticks and usually is very straight and easy to peal. I like to carve them green but it isnt a problem even when they are dry. Now maple,beech and oak I dont carve when it dry's it is rock hard but when in is green it carves beautiful. Diamond Willow is my favorite to carve I guess because it has so much character you should have lots of that in New Brunswick.Hope this has helped I have posted some photo's on the picture Trail album under walking sticks.
Colin

I've been out of work for the past few months, not a big demand for computer network people in the backwoods of the Ozarks. But that has given time to do some carving and to wipe out about 3 years worth of honey-dos I've been putting off

As for carving, I built a modified version of Desertmoon's table, carved a few Cypress Knees, several relief carvings, and started on my totem pole.

Pictures can be found here http://www.extremedc.com/woodclass/c...ls.php?album=1

I have done very little in the way of carving or painting. Â*Mostly trying to catch up on yard work with the EXTRA nice weather that we are having in the mountains of North Carolina. Â*It's supposed to rain this weekend, so maybe I can spend a little time in the shop.

Oh, forgot to add that I have been playing a little more golf also. I need to sell some carvings so I can buy some more golf balls...... It's been a bad year for my golf game this year!

[UNCLE_RICK]

Randy48,
what part of the ozarks are you in?

Rick

I live in Saint Robert about a mile or so from the front gate of Fort Leonard Wood. I retired from the army here about 9 years ago.

My daughter did her basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood - went there for her graduation. A beautiful location.

Teri