Walking Stick from Saved Wood

[Merle Rice]

This is a Walking Strick made from a limb of White Pine Tree in back yard. Last year I tried to carve it and it would crumble because it dead for a long time. Very dry. I tried the water and alchol, wapped it in wet towels, that seemed to help some , but after a few days it was right back to the way it was. I still felt I wanted to try and save it, so I put a good coat of BLO on it and put in a corner and forgot about it,till the other day. I got it out sanded it and started to carve it. It carved great and this is the results. Merle

[tnartist05]

Theres is alot of old wood that will fool you just how tough they really are. You did a great job Merle bringing this old pine stick back to life with the nice carving of yours! Good work indeed! Forrest

[Tom-H]

Merle, That's a fine looking stick. Carving, painting and finish all fine. Your story of the limb kinda reminds me of the old Christmas tree story where Charlie Brown picks the little scruffy tree to be decorated; and how fine that little ol tree felt. Thanks for sharing.

Tom H

[Merle Rice]

Hi Forrest, it had a lot going for it, length,size,color, weight, but didn't have the texture for anything but Firewood. The BLO realy worked,amazing! That piece of wood will be around for a long time. Thanks for your comments. Merle

[Merle Rice]

Hi Tom, glad the old piece of wood created a picture in your mind. I guess if someone does something that creates a good feeling in someone elses mind it can be considered a success. Someything to Strive for. Thanks Tom. Merle

[Kenny_S]

Never know till you try something. Very nice piece Merle, Nice carving and paint job. Worth the effort.

[Fred Zavadil]

Merle, I have to agree - it was worth the effort. Very nice job and somebody will enjoy it for a long time.
Fred

[Jim OH]

Great job on the stick Merle! I like the carving, face, and finish. It was certainly worth all your effort!
JIm OH

[Merle Rice]

Hi Kenny,Fred, and Jim,Thanks for your comments. Never to old to learn new ways. BLO sure surprised me. I wasn't sure if I should paint it, being a Walking Stick, but nothing ventured nothing gained. It seems to work. Merle

[Kenny_S]

Merle, I have several Eagles carved on walking staffs that I carved for Eagle Scouts when they made the rank. One looks as good today as it did the night I presented it to the young boy. He was 14 and now 28. Others a little worst for wear as for the painting goes and I put several coats of protectant on them. The one that looks as good today as when I gave it to the boy has never been out of the house. Why, He is my son and he uses the first walking staff I carved him which was and Indian head.
It depends how it will be used and how many coats of protectant is on it. Anyway that is what I have found over the years. Mine which was of a mountain man with and indian,egale and buffalo and it was not painted and it has seen a lot of hikes and still looks great.