[Big Dog]

Hi, I hope I have used the correct forum section for my question but I am new to the forum and this is my first question, so treat me gently.

First: I am from N. Ireland and have just returned from holidays in the USA (my wifes home land). While visiting South Dakota I visited the "National Woodcarving Museum", down in Custer. I had a good chat with the in-house carver that day and it inspired me again to re-start carving. I am a novice, but have had good success. I am on the final stages of my third piece, which I started 5 years ago. I know, but life got busy and it took the break in the States to re-kindle the flame. I think I prefer characture carving but I am in the finishing stages of a 9" tall otter, which my wife ask me to do.

My project dilemma: This otter I am carving. The plan I am following states to burn in the hair flow and them paint. It also states to use glass eyes set in epoxy resin. The kind of eyes that look real; chestnut with black centre.

My question to you: If it is OK to say on the forum, could someone tell me where to buy these; remember I am from N. Ireland, saying big Tony's won't mean much. I need a very small quantity, 2 to be correct but will buy more if needed, and they are about 6mm dia (1/4"). I used to know a place where they could be bought but the years have strip my mine of it.

A wee extra: If you have any good tips for finishing I would love to hear it. The man at the museum said he "paints, antiques, varnishes and waxes his pieces. However, an otter if it is to look real or alive will not require varnish, or so I am thinking. But as well as the paint is there anything else I can do?

My final weeeeee point of exitment: One of the things that has really inspired me to get carving again. The guy at the museme, when I told him my current job was the CEO of an "at-risk" teens youth programme and I would love to get kids to carve, but the tools are to dangerous, he talked to me about soap carving.
That has sent my excitment through the roof. I will come back to this point on another thread.

OK I have said enough.
Thank you for your time and I look forwards to hearty replys.

Hugo
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