Gee, only one response yesterday . Lots of 'peeking' though . Some of you are no doubt carving away and just don't want to let go of your knives long enough to punch some keys.
I'm going to dig thru my stuff and see what wants to be worked on today...probably a fish or a santa...will let you know later.

Have a nice Sunday and...stop in and tell us what you are up to today!

[jamesfa]

yesterday was chores day,and i also started painting my caricature hope to post early next week.today i'm delivering a custom sized table i built for my daughter.
showed my granddaughter my picturetrail site it doesn't take much to impress her as i'm her favorite grandfather.
hope to get back to carving next week

[Colin_Partridge]

Toy carver,
Trust me I carve everyday and usually check the message board as well. All that said I also look after my grandson full time when his mom is working so sometimes my day gets really full and I just dont get the time to respond. He is 10 years old and is in to snowboarding, snowblading, hockey, skateboarding, and is in every bit a boy so grandpa is busy. I did however finish the woodspirit is the wild plum also I finished a woodspirit I had started in Arbutus (I think thats how it spelled) wonderful wood to carve a piece I had picked up on the beach in Washington State a few years ago. Today I am carving a collection of spirits in a piece of driftwood and finishing up the Spuce Balsum cane. So I am busy but loving every bit of it.
Colin

what finish did you decide to use on that 'plum' carving?

I live in Washington State...will have to ask my husband about 'Arbutus' wood, I'm not familiar with it...but he has a degree in Landscape Architech...and may know something.
Your grandson sounds VERY ACTIVE...which is great, I think too many younger kids are stuck on playing video games and not getting the exercise they should.

[Colin_Partridge]

Toycarver,
Do you have a first name or do we just call you toycarver? I decided on a natual antique oil I didnt want the wood to take on another color. It darkened it just slightly but I like the way it finished. On the Arbutus carving I used shoe mahogany shoe polish and brushed it and brushed it I was really happy the way it turned out. I got idea off of this message board I would have never thought to use shoe polish but live and learn as they say it is probably the nicest finish that I have seen I recommend everyone that is doing a natural carving try it. I tried it on a scrap piece first and that is the way to go. Arbutus tree's grow on the west coast, I have seen them on Vancouver Island all over the place they look like they dont have bark I always call them naked tree's.
I will post pictures if I get time probably not this afternoon I have the dog to take for his run and the grandson is snowboarding at 4.30 so I will try for tomorrow only because I have to sleep over at his house tonight mom is on nights.
Colin

was out of town Friday and did not get back till 2 am sat morn
slept most of sat
not really carving anything right now
had to buy another vehicle
opted for a 94 custom chevy van
plan on doing some craft shows this year
think it will be great for that
also planning a move end of feb or mid march so trying not to get too many irons in fire
I do read the boards everyday
Wayne

I kind of figured that tree was on the other side of the state... your finish sounds nice. I have heard of using shoe polish, I think Tina Toney use to recommend it, and I agree..it does give a nice finish.
Looking forward to your pics (when you get time). Just got back from a run myself...no doggie partner though.
Well, call me TC for short
name is Kris though...

[Donna_T]

Colin,
I think your grandson is lucky to have a grandpa who is willing and able to spend the time with him that you do. He couldn't have a better role model of what to do to stay out of trouble. Now you take care of yourself so you can raise him right!

Kris (toycarver) we welcome you to this message board. I enjoy reading about your carving efforts. Some days the closest I get to carving is 10 minutes on this board.

Donna T

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Ummmm first name is Kris....a toycarver...ummm is the last name Kringle? 8) :

Who was that masked man