Olive Branch

[Fred Zavadil]

Al,
Really nice composition, great carving job. I am glad you figured out how to post pictures - thanks for taking the time and sharing.
Fred

[Irishman]

That's a great carving, and I like the hand and dove concept.
Patrick

[Al_Hillis]

Fred , Patrick, sorry I have been so long thanking you but we have been traveling and are finally set up in arizona for the winter and should be back inthe carving mode soon.
Thank you both and its nice to be back on the forum.

Al

http://picasaweb.google.com/al.hillis/WOODCARVINGSMINE

[tucker1931]

Slather, lovely carving, nice and clean. Tell me, did you get the Diamond willow some where around Owen Sound? Sure am looking for some to make me some walking sticks. Thanks
Cliff

[Al_Hillis]

Thanks Cliff, yes that particular stick came right out of my back yard in a wet damp part . It was a supprise to me to find it because I was'nt expecting to see it there, just happened to see it when I was cutting the grass.It dos'nt seem to have the amount of diamonds that a stick from a colder climate has .
I cut about twenty sticks and right now they are drying In My workshop/garage.
Now that we are wintering in Arizona I usually by ten or fifteen sticks that some carvers bring down from Alaska , that is if they can get them across the border . U.S. customs seem to be coming up with some pretty feeble rules at the present time. I got pulled over so they could inspect the bass wood &dog food I had on board (it might have been made in Canada and contained mad cow disease).
If you can wait till spring and want to take a trip to Owen Sound , I will bring you back a couple of nice sticks that I can pick up here.They usually run from ten to fifteen bucks apiece.
Al
http://picasaweb.google.com/al.hillis/WOODCARVINGSMINE

[bird carver]

Al you did a wonderful job I love the detail in the wings and the hand. excellent job! Bird carver

[tucker1931]

Al, thanks for the offer, I'll pass on the D Willow, I've got a couple dozen aspen sticks drying so I've got lots, I am hoping to get one done for my son in law for Xmas. Enjoy the heat down the all winter while I'm up here shivering.
Cliff