Practice pieces

[blusteel7]

I was reluctant to bore you with this because so many really nice carvings are shown on this site but here goes. I picked up a knife at Smokey Mtn. Knife Works back in June and decided to try this as a past time. These are all the pieces I have done thus far and none are really original. I used ideas from Harold Enlow's book, Gene's instructions on the wizard, things I have seen on the site and various vids on YouTube. Just having some fun and trying to learn and improve.

[tnartist05]

You are doing a good job so far,just keep trying more and more! I like theses!!

Forrest

[Mr. Chips]

You've been busy. All those carvings since June? Way to go!
Sounds like you're hooked.
Great first carvings. Try to learn something from each one and make the next one better.
You're off to a great start.

Randy

[SlowMover]

Excellent first carvings, really good details on them. You are making good progress. One thing we all struggle with when starting is rounding the pieces enough so that they aren't square and "blocky". Try taking more off othe corners and I think you will like the results. you have talent and need to keep with the carving, I see great pieces coming.....congratulations on a wonderful start.

[Robert Cahill]

Nice carvings I have always said I was going to carve Sadie and Rufus and still have not done it. I like yours

[blusteel7]

Thanks for the kind comments and the tip on rounding. I picked up a used bandsaw from Craigslist Friday and though I haven't tried yet, it should help. I had some trouble getting side to side even with the knife and blocking with the saw might give me more time with the hand tools to practice more on the detail and rounding. I don't expect to match the fine work you guys are doing but it's good to have something to occupy spare time during this hot weather.

[Timberwolf]

I like the carvings!

You've got natural talent there!

I bought an old Craftsman band saw (12") from Craigslist and it changed my carving world.

You can spend your time on the carving details instead of trying to rough out a piece with a knife first.

Don't get intimidated by the carvings you see on this site.

We're here to enjoy and celebrate the awesome hobby of wood carving and you'd be surprised what happens after a few years of experience.

The biggest thing is to just enjoy yourself.

[Thor]

Since June!? You sure hit the ground running. I like them all, and the angel is my favorite. The way you have applied the paint makes them look like old worn favorite toys.
Christina

[Dan Wegiel]

I agree with the others, great start! Keep it up, you're doing a fine job.

Dan

[blusteel7]

Originally Posted by Thor

Since June!? You sure hit the ground running. I like them all, and the angel is my favorite. The way you have applied the paint makes them look like old worn favorite toys.
Christina

Thanks. My wife gave me a ton of hobby paint she had stored upstairs from her days doing crafts and she showed me how to make an antique wash with paint and water. I'm experimenting with the paint as well. The angel came from a used book I found at a McKays store.