Carousel animals?

[gmarq]

Keoma, I would like to see those small ones. I have made a couple of 1/10th scale horses and they take just as long as a full size horse! Easier to handle though.
I did enjoy your work on Etsy.
Have you considered making rocking horses? Good luck! Greg

[gmarq]

Keoma, I would like to see those ornaments. I have made 1/10th scale horses and they take as much time as full- sized horses. Easier to handle though. Greg

[ragiarn]

I am about to begin making a Carousel Rocking horse for my grand daughter. I purchased plans for it from Detailed Carousel Rocking Horse Plans at WoodCraftPlans.com

The original plans calls for using a band saw to cut the parts. The final rocking horse is basically flat. I plan on carving the parts so they have a realistic carousel shape.

[ragiarn]

A good reference source is Carousel Animal Carving (patterns and techniques) by Bud Ellis and Rhonda Hoeckley- I purchased this through Fox Chapel publishing. (Woodworking Books & Magazines for the Inspired Woodworker) for $17.95

[gmarq]

You're right, that is a good book. I believe they have e new version available. Good luck on the horse, I made a traditional, English-style horse for my son when he was a baby. Greg

[mark yundt]

I've done a few,,only have pics of one though. Greg,,is the bighorn the one in the carver galleries I just saw?

[gmarq]

Mark, Yep, that's the one. Nice website by the way. Any suggestions on finding work? Greg

[mark yundt]

I thought so,,nice work,solid stance,good proportions and balance in the piece.

Thanks for the nod,,,the site is only used as an ad-hoc photo album.

Finding work,,well that's opening a can of worms! Where to start and which end is the starting point!
I read that you're an artist. Are you full time,,or do you wish to add carving to your list as a medium in which you also work,,do you want to carve full time,,looking for additional income ( who isn't today?),,any particular field of interest ( carousel animals ?) are you willing to work on commission ( my only way of working for my owns reasons) are there any sorts of carvings you're not comfortable with? What is your local community like,,,how about within an hour or so drive? Big cities near you? How's the economy where you are vs. something within range?
Then there is the issue of real estate and type of housing going up ( depends what market you're going after) upscale,,McMansions etc. ,,,church work (carved statues,,restoration,,altars,etc.),,are there many in the area that you can tap,,,designers,,Architects,,kitchen designers/cabinet shops/woodworking shops/restorers/furniture makers etc.
What are your interests. There is an outlet for most anything. Though some naturally pay better than others.Being able to have access or knowledge of architectural work can be very valueable in this field. Though many shy away from it. This is a whole thing in itself to be able to literally draw out and draw from historic sources to incorporate into a new design for an Architect/Designer/Client.Or to do traditonal type moldings. This alone I feel pays very well. eg. one foot of mldg..one hour...$100+ depending on the style. Consider that against carving a small figure for how many hours and getting 50 bucks on E-bay...There is another thing,,pricing your work so you can at least eat. I have no admiration for starving artists.Living in poverty doesn't strike me as a noble persuit and I have no intention of going there thank you very much. Pricing is a big question mark. Depends on so many factors. As a hobby I'd leave a show on a Sunday night with 2-3 grand in my pocket thinking that I made some good money,,in a way it was,,,but not really not if it was to be a living.There are better routes to follow.

What is the selection of tools you have handy or can easily get to. How big is your shop,,that'll determine to some extent the work you can go after.Some or none of these might interest you or you may not have the skills or even interest in persuing them...but they all have good potential and are possible sources.
And this is just a start. Once you zero in,,then its' getting the work and getting in front of people and getting the right doors to open. It's a challenge,,but a lot of fun. At least I think so.