First real dog

[Howie]

Hi folks,

I finished my first real dog last night. I carved him with a coping saw for a block (I didn't do a blank), a roughing knife, a detail knife and a piece of sand paper. I wanted to try for more facial detail, but the wood wasn't cooperating. It's about 1.25 inches high, 2.25 inches long. Once I find a local store that sells a micro detail (like flexcut's 3/4") I'll feel more confident in detailing to that level.

I picked up a staining pen from Michael's and gave it a shot - it's effective, though the colour was more brown and less red than I'd hoped. Lesson learned! The only real problem I had was with one ear - it snapped clean off (as I said, the wood wasn't cooperating). Some woodglue got it back on nicely, and sanded nicely. Unfortunately, the stain didn't stick to it.

Any feedback or advice is welcome and appreciated!

-Howie

PS: Here's a link to one I attempted about two weeks ago... epic fail!

[Hohenems]

Hey Howie,

As a fellow newbie I feel your pain and frustration (from the "epic fail" posting)!! It seems as though all the pieces of wood I have found/purchased don't cooperate either...maybe we get them from the same supplier?
Despite all the suggestions and tips and techniques that I read, I seem bound to learn by the trial and error method. Your newest dog looks great, and I'm sure they'll only get better as you keep givin'er!

[Claude]

Looks good, Howie!

As you've learned, stain doesn't work well over glue. This is because the glue seals the wood and the stain can't penetrate. Acrylic paints can be thinned with water and applied over top of glue once the wood is sealed. I seal the wood after I clean it by using a satin water-based varnish thinned 50-50 with water. After that dries, I paint with thin washes of color. If the first wash coat isn't enough, once it dries (10 minutes or so), I can go back with another coat, until it gets to the look I want.

Claude

[Smoke` J]

Thankx Howie!! Smoke` J

[SLJ]

He looks real good. I have found people love the complicated AND the more basic. I think "folk" carvings really are some folks delight. It hits them somewhere down deep. I consider myself a folk carver even if my carvings have evolved as they go.
all in all good job
Steve

[sappy]

I really like your little dog! He has a lot of character, and I like the color as well.