[Jim-Iowa]

Is there a rule of thumb in bird carving, to miniature scale?
3/4, 1/2 or 1/4 life size where does one draw the line?
Do you scale at all or wing it?
Curious as to how you determine the size you work with?

[Hugh P.]

Hi JIm, speaking for myself only. When I do something I class as a miniature, I wing it, have never carved a miniature to a particular scale. I have come in contact with others that will carve to exact scale. They will shrink their pattern and carve the bird that way. For me, the most interesting way to work on something is , as you say, "wing it" There are guide lines, postion of the primary feathers in relation to the tail. Overall anatomy. My carving usually starts at the head, bring it to the size I want, and the body size will be in relation to the size of the head etc. Hope this helps.

[markken5889]

Hi Jim,

I agree with Hugh. When I carve a miniature, I usually base a rough drawing around the size of the piece of wood I want to work with, and adjust accordingly. Sometimes I will photocopy a particular picture I like and shrink it on a copier so it fits to size. I also agree with Hugh on the importance of using the head to gauge the size of the rest of the body, becasue if that's out of proportion, the rest of the carving isn't going to look natural.

Good luck!

-Mark

[falconer]

Jim, Normally I consider any bird carving 8 inches or less a miniature. Thats also the size considered to be miniature in competition as well. I prefer to do most of my work lifesize however, in my seminars we carve "miniatures birds" and lifesize fish. It does'nt really matter what size you carve as long as it's comfortable for you.


Welcome to Sierra Creek Studios

[Paul_Guraedy]

I don't carve much in miniature since I consider anything under 10 inches as mini and anything under 6 as micro. Just kidding, but I do not like to carve small. I would encourage using the method that has been mentioned...work on the head and let the rest fall into place as it looks good. A friend of mine, a birdcarver, usually carves life size. Then she decided to do a miniature turkey. She, naturally, followed her normal procedure of reducing everything proportionally. Even though it was accurate, that "pinheaded turkey" was the most ridiculous looking carving I have seen in a long time.

[errol]

When I carve minature songbirds I carve 1/2 scale, I dont really know if any carving less then 8 inches would be considered a minature or not since most songbirds including cardinals are less then 8 inches lifesize. this is a 1/2 scale cardinal I did.....

[Jim-Iowa]

Thanks to all for your comments! You all have some awesome web sites!
You definately set a high mark to aspire to.
Errol: I like your cardinal, it is my favorite songbird. I wake up each morning to a pair singing in my back yard.