Old photo uncovered...

[scooter]

Here's a photo of a taguanut carving I did <mumble> years ago. I don't recall the cardinal to be so 'stubby' (he was sold long ago, so I can't confirm); so I'm going to blame it on the picture. Anyway... here it is...

S~

[AlArchie]

That is one cool use of the tagua, and a great use of the outer husk for contrast! May be a bit stubby, but hey, it's a stylized carving and it looks just great.

Al

[scooter]

Thanks A~

WRT the outer husk:

What I did there was I gouged up the face area surrounding his beak, then smeared into it a paste I had made of powdered outer husk and white glue. Then I sanded it smooth.

Originally Posted by AlArchie

That is one cool use of the tagua, and a great use of the outer husk for contrast! May be a bit stubby, but hey, it's a stylized carving and it looks just great.

Al

[Ron T]

Hi Scooter,

That's a very nice carving. Could you describe it in a little more detail. Is that one or two tagua nuts?

[gene-messer]

Scooter .. now that is original for a nut ...

what a neat way to carve it ..

Gene

[Iowa Carver]

Now that is cool!

Corey

[scooter]

This cardinal was done with two seperate nuts. I usually begin roughing them out with a carbide burr on my dremel, then gradually get them smoother with finer carbide bits. Then I'll switch to a diamond bit, and then it's on to hand sanding. After sanding, I'll charge up a felt wheel with some jewelers polish, and work that in until I've got a nice, creamy, ivory-like finish.

I can provide other tips and tricks if you like.

S~

[cannuckcarver]

Scooter this is very pretty, it is unique.
Thanks for sharring.

[TOEKNEE]

very imaginative, nothing to be ashamed of!