my 2nd bird carving"blue Jay"

[jimmy joe]

I think you did a great job , especially for a second attempt . Keep at it !

[Merle Rice]

Your doing great Tammy. Your future carvings are something to look forward to. Keep it up. Merle

[markken5889]

Beautiful work, Tammy!

Mark

[opakitas]

Wow love that second piece. Does that come like that? Also until I get better I will probably stick with not doing everything in a carving or made. I don't know if I could do it and know I don't know how to solder. I really want the right setting for this one.
thanks guys!

Tammy

PS how do you enter carving show? I do have a friend that lives close by and he might know. He does chain saw carvings as well.

[Tom Park]

Tammy, Ken has offered you some excellent advice on painting both here and in your other post ("getting that realistic look"). I would like to make a suggestion in another area - the base and habitat. If you are going to enter competitions (and I agree that you would have a good chance of winning a ribbon) then you should consider making your own habitat (branches leaves, logs, or whatever). Most shows allow you to use purchased or found materials for a base or mount but they want you to make your own habitat. Even if you are not entering shows , making your own habitat will kick your carving up a notch. If you create the habitat yourself you can design it to fit your carving rather than having to try fitting your carving to something already made. You may be surprised how easy some aspects of habitat construction are. And it doesn't have to be elaborate or complicated. In fact, many otherwise good carvings have been made ordinary by inappropriate or overdone habitat. You are (and should be) proud of your bird and that's what you want people to look at. The habitat should complement but not overpower the bird (or mammal or fish). Sometimes less is more.

I have a 10 page document on habitat design and construction that I prepared for use in my habitat workshops. If you think it would be of any value I could forward it to you by email. If you are interested please send me a private message.

Tom Park - Wildlife Art

[opakitas]

Hi tom

Yes I would very much be interested. I will send you a private messaged if I can to give you my email address if not and I can post it that is fine as well. I just don't know where to start to do my own. I guess that is why I am kind of in a standstill. Where can I find more information on entering in carving compititions?
There are some things i need to learn as I know about that Ken said about a flat surface on the birds breast just didn't really know how to take care of that. What is funny is I had the bird all ready to be carved the first time and didn't like the lay out of my feathers so redid it which I am ok with the way I did it but know its not what I quite want. I have another chickadee to carve and know it will be better then my first as I really wasn't sure what I was doing for the first one but not saying I know alot more as I know there is so much more to know. I wish I knew some of the litter tricks to make things easier. Instead of trial and error..... how about one of you pros having an online course... I would love to pay to be taught hint hint.
I am working on a horse head that will be a pin. its ok but I guess I need different tools to help make the muscles and stuff on the face. I will post that hopefully tonight

send that on to me if you don't mind.
Tammy

[bishop1965]

I have just started carving,my first project was a loon,I would like to try a bluejay next. If my bluejay looks half as good as yours I will be very pleased,as far as changing the paint or mount I would not change a thing.
It would more fun to watch your skill evolve with each project and be very happy with the work you have done thus far. Great Work!!!