What would you do with this (Suggestions needed)

[Colin-Partridge]

Hi there all my carving friends I need a little help here. This summer the wood fairy stopped by my place and left me this. I have no idea who left it on my doorstep. I think it is possibly a cedar burl very light now it is dry but still not sure exactly what kind of wood it is. It is really big probably about 18 inches long and about 12 inches high. The wood is a creamy white almost ivory white. When I got it the bark was still on it I doesnt smell like cedar though. I stripped the bark and I ended up with this. I have been racking my brain what to do with it. I thought a snail or tortoise. Then I look at it and I really dont want to spoil it. It is a thing of beauty so smooth and pure I am thinking it would be a shame to take a chainsaw or chisel to it. Any suggestions or would you leave it as it is just put a coat of danish oil on it or should I turn it into something. Just wondering what all you woodcarvers would do if it was yours.
Thanks in advance
Colin

[ajcoholic]

it reminds me of half a walnut shell! I am not sure what I'd make from it, but it is pretty cool, thats for sure.

AJC

[Mottles]

Hi Colin:
Reminds me a little of a garlic clove.

I wonder if it could possible be some really old Juniper? Did it have any odor close to Cedar? If it is Juniper it will darken when you apply oil or lacquer or varnish. That has been my experience with Juniper (Shaggy Bark Juniper) anyway.

Really interesting piece of wood, obviously someone thought if anyone can carve something with this wood it would be YOU.

Good luck with your newly found present and let us know what you find out and decide to carve.

[johncarves]

a scalloped clam shell, mostly working around the split and leave as much untouched as possible.

[fly fisher]

You could carve a womans face with long flowing hair.......Maybe

[Dan Wegiel]

Hey Colin,
Nothing jumped right out but if you would like to send it to me I'd be happy to take a closer look. LOL Don't have a clue as to what type of wood but I'm POSITIVE that there's something beautiful hiding in there, its very interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Dan

[Donna_T]

Wow, Colin,
THat's one beautiful piece of wood. If you were a bird or animal carver, you could use it for a base for 2-3 carvings. If I used it for that, I'd probably just leave it in its natural color--just seal it. Or I'd widen the opening, and put an animal in the "cave."

Nice problem to have. Great character in the wood just waiting for final adornment.
Donna_T

[carvingbarn]

That is a wonderful piece of wood. On the first picture I see a turtle 3rd picture I see 3 faces. Your mind can run wild on that one. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Bob K.]

Colin, that's a magnificent piece of would that only God could create! It's so beautiful and unique that I wouldn't touch it! If I was going to make something from it I would make it a snail...it's perfectly suited for that! Instead of carving that piece, though, I would carve the lower part of the snail (perhaps even a caricature type snail) and mount that piece on top as it is. Perhaps I might treat the whole thing with a weather resistant finish.

[Ripton]

It flows. I agree with those about leaving it alone, or only minimal cuts. I could almost see a salmon jumping out (at the open knot) of a river stream or at the least poking his nose out of the water there. Using it as a base pretty much goes along my thoughts as well. Have fun!