Self-Portrait

[Claude]

The homeowner's association had cut down a few trees that were possiblly a danger to parked cars near where I live and left the cut up wood by the side of the street. I picked up a couple of pieces and took them home. I put some old varnish on the ends and the wood sat around outside for three or four years. I split one piece (10 inch diameter) and took it inside where the pieces sat around for another three or four years, as I gradually split off more pieces and made some cooking spoons. The wood is mostly sapwood walnut, but the sapwood seems to be just as hard as the heartwood. I finally attempted something with a little four-inch block of the wood. Had to use my Dremel with carbide burrs to do most of the shaping, then shifted to a knife for the final detailing. Stuff was so hard to carve with a knife, I'd just carve a little on it when I needed a break from something else.

I'm not totally satisfied with the carving, although it does bear a distinct resemblance to me. Critiques are welcome, as always.

Claude

<edit> Added the "pattern photos" </edit>

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

good carving....in spite of the model ha ha..just kidding!

[Nancy-G]

Claude -- I haven't found one single critical word to say about you

[GaryMc]

Very good job Claude! keep up the good work! Practice makes perfect or so they tell me.
GaryMc

[rick-in-seattle]

Claude,
The carving is very well done, unfortunately, it looks just like you.

Rick

[jillsy]

I have no idea how some of you can do faces like this! Looks really good!

[Callynne]

Claude, can't say how much it looks like you but can say it looks really good!! Thanks for sharing.....yourself.....with us! Deborah

[Kenny_S]

Claude, Very nice carving, I like it and the finish on it. Job very well done!

[Bartster]

claude,

great peice, job well done on the carving and the finish.

bart

[Irish]

Claude, the carving is great and the grain within your wood really makes it an outstanding piece. So often we look for those absolutely clear and clean pieces but your bust shows how wonderful a piece of wood with character can really add to the carving.

Susan