Chickadee W.I.P.

[Blackjaxe]

I've been mucking about for the past while working on research for several projects. This Chickadee being one of them. I figured I should maybe do a posting, don't want anyone to think that I've stopped carving.

I'm getting faster with my carving, I did this little guy in 4 evenings. Complete with handmade legs, however the habitat was a different story. It has taken me about 2 weeks of false starts and head scatching to come up with something that I think is satisfactory. The base is 1/2" MDF painted Flat Black and the stone is Brazilian Soapstone. If you look at the photos in 1 and 2 you can see the typical fall leaves I made. So far I have 10 of them, with no 2 being the same size or texture. I did around 2 a nite and figured ten would be good enough, however if needed I can make a couple more.

I'm texturing the branch tonite and will have it finished this week, the bird needs to get a coat of sealer then gessoed and painted which will also get done this week or next.

I also started another Smoothie, and for the first time since I started carving I cut myself......actually I ran my thumb across the corner of my chisel...more of nick than a cut. But I still drew blood and its a first.....LOL

Ken

[jimmy joe]

looking good , anxious to see him finished !

[opakitas]

Now see Ken that is what I want to do and hope to one day have something that I can be very proud of like this. WOW I just love this. Wow did you make your own leaves if you don't mind me asking? feet well I wont even thing about tackling that yet. I will buy mine for now How do you get them to balance though. Just lovely bravo and just love looking at birds like this. can't wait to see it finished.
Oh now I have seen this mentioned a couple of times and dont think I have seen in it in my book or I missed it but the sealing of it. Do you guys seal after carving/before burning? and what do you use to seal after its been painted.
Does anyone have a video that they sell doing realistic birds? I would love to buy one. Books are nice but still you miss out on things and have had to do my own thing as I wasn't quit sure still

thanks for sharing.

Tammy

[Dicky]

Thats just plain old great Ken. I am in awe of your abilities.

[Merle Rice]

Beautiful job Ken, looking forward in seeing it finished. Merle

[markken5889]

Hi Ken,

as usual your work is stunning. Great job carving and burning the chicodee, and the sense of proportion and balance in the habitat is just great. it really draws your eyes to the bird and balances it out very nicely.

outstanding!!! can't wait to see it painted.

Mark

[Blackjaxe]

My Thanks to everyone, especially you MARK...LOL.

I know this may come across as cheesy but if you look at my structure it's two C's entertwined......C for Chickadee...hahahahahaha. Still can't believe I cut myself with a chisel.

This is my second attempt at a detailed Songbird, and I am getting faster. And before you ask Mark ......No- I was not in the Flow State when I ran my thumb into the chisel....I was brushing away a wood curl. Grrrrrrrr.

Tammy, yes I made the leaves. All 10 of them from Brass wire for the stems and the leaves are made from 40lb Bond Paper. I found Brass Sheet was to heavy. Legs are made from .025 Brass wire soldered together. Habitat is various sizes of brass tubing also soldered. If this piece turns out the way I envision it I'll enter this carving in a upcoming show. I'm in the open class so everything has to be made.

Thank You Merle, Dicky and Jimmy Joe for your kind remarks. I spent around 5 hours on Saturday watching and photographing Chickadees till my eyes burnt, I'm not happy with my feet on this bird, although they are smaller than the storebought cast feet they still look to big, maybe after I get them painted they might look better....if not then I will chop them off make a smaller set and solder them onto the existing stems.

I'd like to make a statement about texturing. I feel that woodburning for texture is much like airbrushing...its over emphasized. If you look at my bird most of the texture on the breast and side and flank feathers are stoned and the head as well. I practiced for hours on scrap wood trying various techniques and different stones to see what effect I was getting. Only then was a ready to make a mess out of my carving, after all if I messed it up all that I lost was a few dollars in wood and some of my spare time....but I'm sure I'd come away with a bit more experience in texturing wood. Wood burning is OK for the hard feather such as the wings and tail but to easy to over-do it when you doing other areas.

Ken

Ignore the smilie at the top....I cannot get rid of it?

[RMitchell]

It looks real nice Ken .
Mitch

[Blackjaxe]

Thanks Mitch, by the way how are you projects coming along. Waiting to see how the Trout turns out, I didn't know you also carved fish. Also want to see your paint job on the Conure.

I need your opinion on my habitat, do you think its sufficient. I'd hate to overdo it and take away from the bird. I have 10 leaves to attach, most will be on the bottom branch. They will be expoxied in place so if I have to remove them it should present any problems.

Ken

[RMitchell]

Ken,
The branch frames the bird nice I suggest you need more interest either add a dusting of snow or some insect to the piece to add that extra umph.
Mitch