[Marvin65005]

Hi
I am new to this forum and have read thru most of the posts. This looks like a great site where someone can learn a lot of new things.
I have been carving mainly birds and was wondering, is it kosher to carve some birds 3/4 size? I mainly carve birds life-size, but was wondering if some of the larger birds, like herons, eagles, etc. was o.k. to do them 3/4 size instead of 1/2 size, or full size?
I do not plan to enter anything in contest due to some of the rules and regulations. I am self taught and don't have the training to compete with the pro's at the shows.
I guess I am still unsure of my work, but have sold quite a few in the past year, so I guess they aren't as bad as I see them. Also, is there a time when one looks at his or her work and is satisified, or do you all feel that you can make the next one better?

Marv,
I am not a bird carver by any means, but I have friends who are. It is very common to reduce the scale of a bird to a reasonable size.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

they have all sizes including miniature, as for your carvings, I would think if people are buying , they are more than acceptable! Enter one you really like in a carving show and see what happens....with no concern whether you win or don't, you will reap an abundance of information, techniques, style etc.....and if you can go to the show instead of mailing in, it will be the best time you have had!! have fun! PS do you have pictures posted anywhere?

[Colin_Partridge]

Marvin,
The trouble with us carvers are that we are our own worst critics. I dont think I am ever satisfied with the end result after I finish I usually think i could have done this or that. Having said that I guess I am the only one that isnt totally satisfied with what I do I have never had a complaint from any commission I have ever done. Likewise I am not a bird carver but I love to see the work that they do. Dont sell yourself short enter one in a local carving show in the Novice catagory and see how it does the most it costs at any of these shows is approx $5.00 per entry and you may just suprise yourself. I would also like to see some photo's of your work we have a photo album on this message board if you have a digital camera.
Colin

[Marvin65005]

Thank you for your quick responses to my question about the size of the carvings. It is sorta of nice to ask a question, go to bed, and have some replys when I get up. I could get hooked on this internet after all.
I have tried to find a carving club or other carvers in the area we are living, but so far no luck. It would sure be nice to have someone where I could learn from. So far, everything I have learned, I have taken from books or from the internet. Someday, I hope to attend a seminar on carving. Only trouble is, this area we live in isn't big on carving.
I do have a digital camera and will post some pictures to the album as soon as I figure out where the album is and how it works. If anyone can guide me in the right direction for the album, I would appreciate it. I would appreciate honest comments on the work I am doing. That is only the way a person can learn.
Right now I am working on the Jay birds of the United States. I thought I would carve a couple of each. Seems like whenever I carve something, the wife wants to keep it, so I got in the habit of making 2 of everything.

[jamesfa]

well i would say that if you are not planning to enter any competitions that have rules for various categories,then i would carve what ever size makes you happy.i am never completly happy with my carvings,but i can see areas where i can improve,and those are the areas that i will concentrate on.some of my early caricatures the hands were just round lumps at the end of the arms now they are getting a little better.so the more you carve the better you'll get.

[Colin_Partridge]

Marvin,
I am sorry I forgot you were new here. The link to the photo album is http://www.picturetrail.com once you are to the main page the 'Log in' is carvers-r-us and the password is 'carve'. There is a tutorial once you get there on how to down load pictures. Look forward to seeing your carvings.
Colin

imho if you are not entering in any competion you can make you own rules ... as long as you like it and your customers like it, who cares? Be original and do it your way, don't worry about some arbritrary set of rules, and above all have fun.