Jenga Blocks: Anyone taken the challenge?

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's y'all! Yes Marci, the little Keebler Man would work out great as a lapel pin. Just this morning I was showing off my latest carving and one of the co-worker's that I carved a Valentine's pin for a month ago mentioned the same thing to me. I think that this idea has a ton of potential for some unique eye catching appeal!!

Yesterday upon finishing the Keebler Man I thought that I'd quickly come up with an idea for another one but even after flipping through a few old issues of WCI I still couldn't settle on anything before it was time to call it a day and go to bed.

However, today someone at work who is keeping up with my Jenga addiction showed me a picture of an ear of corn... yeah, just a simple ear of corn grown in the garden and I was amazed at just how beautiful it was AND just how perfectly that it appeared to fit a Jenga block. Sooooooo, I just might look at attempting this.

AND since you suggested it (guys are just so darn competetive when challenged aren't we?? Talking ) I'm gonna also look for something in the "bunny" department that will fit nicely into the block. It is almost Easter, huh?!? Thanks for the idea!

Ok, let me get going so that I can do my corn & bunny research and hopefully I'll have something finished for posting by the weekend!

Oh, yeah... here it goes again. I am indeed adicted at the moment and somehow I've gotta get into the 2" X 4" challenge thread at some point while trying to save time for remaining employed at the same time! Life can get busy but priorities are priorities!!

[Claude]

I began carving a Jenga block today... a real one - found the old bucket in the basement that had the pieces. Also discovered there is something just as important as a really sharp knife: lots of patience. The wood has growth rings between 3/16 and 1/4 inch thick, is quite hard, and it's difficult to cut across a growth ring without slipping - the thin dark part of the growth ring is significantly harder than the lighter-colored wood.

Makes me appreciate even more the excellent work Lightingbolt and the others have shown us.

Claude

[Claude]

Finally got my Jenga Block carved. As you can see, I still need to do a bit of cleanup and a bit of painting, but the main carving is done.

Claude

[Lightningbolt]

Good golly dog Claude! Now why didn't I think of a a train. That's really a good one and I love how the "Jenga" logo is still showing on the top but I guess that'll go with the paint job. I suppose that if you were super motivated wouldn't it be nice to have a whole train, all the way from the engine to the caboose!? Now that would be something!

I've finished the bunny from Marci's requested challenge but I left the darn thing sitting on the table at work today so I'll have to post it tomorrow. It turned out pretty good I think and I can't wait to "explain" it with all my excuses on why it turned out the way it did... but that's half the fun!

Seem's I'm eat up with the Jenga thing again this week and I've already sketched out a leprechaun, an ancient Mexican figure, and an owl so I've got my work (I mean "fun") cut out for me this week! Not only do these little pieces help me out with my detailing, I just like 'em because they're so easy to plop in the pocket and pull out on an instant's notice for some lag-time carving.

I hope you don't mind but I just might have to start my own train at some point. Great idea and thanks for sharing!

[Marci MN]

Oh wow.. that train is awsome!

You two must have a much smaller carving knife that what I have. I cant seem to get details on something that tiny with my knife. :S

Lightnin, I cant wait to see your bunny.

I'm beginning to think like Hi Ho.. I might just carve a toothpick out of my lil block. LOL

[Claude]

Lightningbolt:

Go ahead and do a train also - there's more than one train company out there. Smile

Marci:

I use a Flexcut detail knife for most of the stuff, but the really fine stuff I use a Butz Detail knife I got a Woodcraft. It has about a 1.5 inch blade that is 3/8 high at the base, and tapers straight out to the tip (like a right triangle). Has a very delicate tip that is a bear to get sharp as it's so flexible. I can't hone it on leather, but use a piece of wood with the honing compound on it. Absolutely can't pry with the point either...it's teaching me better technique (sliceing, not prying!).

Claude

[Lightningbolt]

Claude: I thought more about that train today and am even more determined now that it's a great idea! I was thinking about one of the old locomotives like back in the Marshall Dillon day's or some of those super fancy ones in the 'Back To The Future' movies.

I've already roughed out the next two Jenga's: an Aztec Indian and a leprechaun, but I also have my eye on doing an owl. I'm pretty sure that I most certainly will get to that train and I'm thinking about something hitched up all the way to the caboose! Now that's gonna be some kinda fun!!

Marci: Well, the long wait is finally over and I now present the "bunny"!! It took a while to work up a design that would fit the block to my satisfaction but I finally came up with something although I only got a head portrait.

I decided to just name him "Peter" as in "Peter Wabbit" and just in time for Easter which make's him extra special! I painted him with a washed down creamy white acrylic then swished on an antique wash to accent the detail.

All in all I'm pretty pleased but I realized that about half way through doing it that it wouldn't take much modification to turn 'em into that Playboy rabbit but I'm no Hugh Heifner so I went with a much more traditional 'wabbit! Thank's a lot for the idea... another good one that worked!

As for carving blade's on these Jenga blocks I really like the Flex-Cut micro carving set in the palm tool style. I prefer the Swiss-Made palm tools for larger carving but those Flex-Cut Micro's are my favorite tiny carving blade favorites.

Well, I've gotta get going on that leprechaun standing on his little chest of gold coins so I'd better sign off now!

[Marci MN]

Claude, Thank you for your description of the knife you use. I wrote them down on my 'want' list. I am using the knife I have gotten from Rick. I must be keeping it sharp the right way. I 'bumped' my hand with it last night. Took a look and thought "whew" that was close. Kept carving, and what do ya know.. blood. Man.. what a surprise that was. I didnt even feel it. Its not a deep gash..but I really didnt think I got a cut from that bump. But small detail or tight corners are hard for me to cut yet.

Lightnin, WOW.. I'm so impressed with the way your bunny turned out. He's cute!

As for how to hook up your train cars, how about using those tiny eye hooks left open just enough to hook into each other? Just turn them so the hook in the front of the car is sideways and the ones on the back are up and down. I have some really tiny ones..not even a 1/4 inch across. That should work for car hook ups.

I cannot wait to see more of your guy's jenga creations. I may not be able to carve one..but watching this has been just as fun!

[Lightningbolt]

Thanks Marci for the suggestion for eye hooks and I believe you're "right on" again! I've got some of them tucked away in the shop and I believe that's what will do it.

Now that you're talking about hooking up the train cars I've begun to get more excited about starting it. Just something about a boy and his train that never ever quite get's out of our system no matter how old we get!

Thanks again for a good idea!

[Claude]

Nice wabbit, Dave!

I was thinking of making some ring/eye hooks out of small wire - perhaps paper clips, or even smaller and just glueing them in with a touch of CA. I even thought of actually carving "knuckles", but figured they'd be too delicate. I may have to get a set of the Flexcut micros, as well. I have the standard 3/8 inch set, and a set of the Dockyard micros, but the FC might be good to have also.

Claude