New photos added

[jillsy]

Hi everyone, I just posted 8 new pictures in the Holiday gallery. These are all miniatures, standing approximately 2.5 inches high. I gave a quick description under each.

This is my first experience working with miniatures and I'm finding them fun, yet very challenging. One false move and it could destroy everything! I'm also learning to paint tiny areas, which has also proven to be a challenge. Then when I'm done, I'm trying to learn how to take decent pictures! One thing I just learned yesterday- take the picture BEFORE adding on the finishing varnish; it cuts down on the glare.

[Tom-H]

Jillsy, Those are some fine little carvings. What are you going to use them for? I like to do the small stuff too, and I agree that the paining is the real challenge. Tom H

[Bartster]

jillsy,

great work jillsy,i like them all. keep up the fine work.

bart

[Ashbys]

Nice work Jillsy !

Paint it ! , I can't even see that small !

AsH Cheers

[jillsy]

Thanks for all the kind words You know how intimidating posting can be, especially when you're trying something new and have lots to learn. Right now my main goal is to just keep practicing. I've been thinking about making my miniatures into Christmas ornaments, but can't seem to make up my mind.

[Blake Lunsford]

Great work Jillsy! Very nice~ I like your painting technique. Can you share your pointers??

Thanks for posting!
Blake

[love2carve2]

Jillsy,
Very nice carvings! Nice paint jobs too. I especially like the one with the candy cane behind his back...that loonng hat is so funny. Great job!
Mary

[Marci MN]

Jillsy I was coming up to this message board to tell you I really liked your lil santas when I seen you had posted a heads up on your adding them to the gallery!!

Those lil Santas are fun arent they?

[whitecree]

(runs over to the gallery, goes "Awwwww" 8 times)

Hey, nice work! I don't dare let my wife see any of those.

[jillsy]

You're all so sweet - thank you!

Blake, I'd love to give you painting pointers, anything in particular?

I just pick out the colors I like and make sure they go well together. Then I use very small fine brushes to get into all the little areas. Since the carvings are so little, I try to add extra detail to them (eg stars on Santa's bag, decorated robes, etc.) Then I seal them, add black paint to get into all the crevices (I used to use burnt umber, but needed a change). The black brings out sharp contrasts, which I like since these guys are so little. Then I seal.

After taking very close-up pictures, I then see all the "I should have dones" and "could have dones", but when you're using the naked eye on such small pieces, you don't see near as many mistakes. I think these look better in real life!