Keeping my hands sharp.

[squbrigg]

Besides keeping your tools from getting dull, one must keep busy practicing so your skills don't get dull. Practice can take many forms and is always a pleasure. These small pieces are all practice and were done while waiting or sitting on the deck in the morning or evening (when it's not raining, which hasn't been often this summer). Nothing fancy, just fun.

It's funny, some folks smoke or drink or chew gum, etc, to keep themselves occupied! I carve. I don't even think of what I'm doing half the time when I'm doing these, they have become so natural. Ya, I know they may be repitious (sp?) ....... but they are fun. No two are exactly the same, but I just have to keep my hands busy.

Don't mind me, just thinking out loud.

Bob

[Eddy-Smiles]

Bob... Very nice. I always keep small projects ready to pick up and take with me on a moments notice. If enjoyment is found in the act it doesn't matter what the project is or even the outcome.... it is the action that counts.

[Kenny_S]

What do you strop your hands with Bob?/
Ok Ok, I will go back in to my little world.

Good point Bob. Great carving pieces.

[Iowa Carver]

Like the rest said, great projects. I love those 2 little bunny's, is that your own pattern?

Corey

[Joy]

More bunnies for your Granddaughter! She must love her collection and her Granddad for making them. Lovely pieces.

You are right about keeping your hands "sharp". When I started carving again last month it seemed like I was all thumbs.

[squbrigg]

Thanks folks, always a pleasure.

Kenny, I strop my hands with wood chips, and clean them with pine tar! LOL

Corey, the bunnies are inspired by the old Peter Rabbit stories and original illustrations by the author. I just carve them based on the pictures.

Joy, yes my Granddaughter Octavia does love the bunnies and enjoys her collection, but these latest ones end up a gifts to little ones in our neighbourhood, children of friends . Beginning to carve their collections now.

I better get busy on yet another set, as Octavia will become a Sister any day now, her mommy, daughter Samantha is due on the 26th and could go at any moment.

Here's a pic of our friend Addison with her latest bunny. Looks like she likes it!

Bob

[Joy]

Yes! She definitely likes her bunny.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Bob, we have had some wonderful articles on photographing our carvings. This is great for illustrating our artistic and technical abilities. Sometimes though, we lose sight of the fact that the piece is not going to end up floating in a shadowless cube. The location and setting where the carving is displayed can be as important as the carving itself. Your photograph shows that the chosen setting for this bunny is perfect!

Congratulations, my Frien'.

[tucker1931]

Good stuff Bob, and the pics are great, sure like the blue color you used on the bunny. All I gotta say is, I'm glad you didn't do any hill billies or you'd be gettin a nasty email for sure.
Cliff

[Gear Dog]

If those are practice pieces I want to see the rest of your work. Great job!!!