Playing w/Cottonwood Bark

[woodtrapper]

Well after a couple of weeks here in Montana I rounded up some cottonwood bark samples from the Yellowstone River.This was my first attempt at it.I have about 3 hours into it.I didn't put much effort into the eyes as you can see but this was purly just to get a good feel of the bark.I really like carving it.It is soft but seems to hold detail very well.All I did was put a clear finish on it and boy did it darken up.Anyway, I welcome some tips and pointers and plan on carving some more.
Thanks Davy

[Bartster]

davy,


nice looking peice, i have heard of folks just using howards feed and wax and it doesnt darken the bark as bad.

bart

[Mottles]

Hi Davy, looks good and I like the way you let the bark be the hat and coat--neat idea.
Kathy

[tnartist05]

Hey Davy~ I think you have gotten a great feel for the cottonwood! Like how you carved this face,I know you will be carving alot more.Keep up the good work!!! Thanks for sharing this carving with us all.

your olde carving bud-Forrest

[Mark N. Akers]

Great job on the Bark carving Davy,Bark is alot of fun.Looks like a real nice piece.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Art Olver uses shoe polish on his....

[tucker1931]

That carving even looks good up here in Canada. Great carving. Is that bark you just picked up? I mean was it found bark, if so, WOW, you are one lucky guy. Apparently I have a cotton wood tree on my property, right beside the river, but the dang thing is gonna out live me for sure.
Cliff

[woodtrapper]

Thank you all for your comments.Looks like I am going to have to try the different types of waxes.This bark is all found wood.I have collected quite a bit along the Yellowstone and have access to a sugarbeet farm that is loaded with fallen Cottonwoods.Looks like I will be carving some bark for a while.There are some good bark carvers on this board so I will be paying close attention.Thanks again
Davy

[artolver]

Howdy new bark guy! the shoe cream that Hi Ho is talking Meltonian Boot and shoe creme.
I have been using it more than 30 years and haven't had a problem with it. I put in a message here, how to apply on and stain with same. You need to look into a western ware store rather than regular shoe star The Neutral jar is the basic and brings up nice finish. Shadows can be done with any color.
Meltonian and Profferts creams not Wax...Good Luck. well you are lucky just about being in the middle of Montana. I am citizen of Montana,Sanders co. near the neck of Idaho, I have been every corner of Montana just having fun.
Art Olver

[artolver]

I thought I should send this again... meltonian is good...