I want to learn to carve birds, but can I?

[santagibbs]

I know nothing about carving birds, but have fed them all my life and love those precious little creatures.. I think the best way for me to start is to get a GOOD DVD.. I have no idea who is the best or where to go to get one.. I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me where to get the DVD and who's is the best.. Doesn't matter about the cost as this is important.. lol I have seen some beautiful birds on here and know I will never be able to make mine look that great, but I would like to try.. I will not be using power tools.. Just hand carve and my burner.. Thank's so very much . Charlotte

[Doug Ridley]

You need the book "Game Bird Carving" by Bruce Burk. It is and was the bible for all the old masters of bird carving. Very detailed. It will help you.

[santagibbs]

Thank you Dough .. I will surely write that down.. Charlotte

[Paul_Guraedy]

Charlotte, I can't give you a recommendation on a DVD. I don't have any. The book Doug mentioned is one that I started with and is certainly good.

But, even if you find a DVD, I think you would be well served to buy Lori Corbett's "Carving Award Winning Songbirds". It covers every aspect of bird carving, is easy to follow and has a hidden advantage that few books offer. Lori has a website www.whisperingeagle.com where you can click on "fun stuff" then "forum" where you can ask Lori specific questions relating to this book. Absolutely incredible!

The book is about $30 from Fox Chapel or you can get one direct from and signed by Lori.

Take a look at her website before making a decision. If only to spend some enjoyable time with an excellent carver, painter and intersting person.

[santagibbs]

Dough, I am thinking of song birds now, as they would be easier for my hands.." I think." Smaller , I mean.. I believe I could learn better by visual , like a DVD. Maybe someone could share were I can buy a dvd.. Thank's though Dough.. Wish I could carve decoys etc. Charlotte

[Paul_Guraedy]

Sorry I missed the last part of your question

..........I truly believe that the only thing required to carve birds is "want to bad enough".

[santagibbs]

Thank's Paul, I will follow up this site with Lori...I didn't realilze she carved birds.. Thank's a lot..Charlotte

[Doug Ridley]

Another real good book on the subject is "Songbird Carving by Rosalyn Daisy". It has patterns and instructions. Pretty well done. The main thing though is just start and do it. If you mess up it is only a small piece of wood, after all. Toss it and start over. Go for it.
Doug

[santagibbs]

Thank's again Doug, Are Daisy's Books.." Song birds one and two" Well, I am a little confused.. Lorie Corbett's books are not Daisy's are they.. ? I know Lorie uses different names sometimes.. Does Fox Chapel carry those books? I better do some digging.. huh? Thank's everyone.. I really appreciate your help in starting me on the right road.. Charlotte

[Just Carving]

Hi Charlotte

How about the WCI Winter/Spring 1998 and WCI Spring/Summer 1998 Issues--2 part article on Carving A Cardinal? It is power carving but I think you can substitute hand tools and ingenuity to accomplish the same thing. The patterns are there and the second article deals with finishing.

Also, for references, I Google for what I want and then click on images and you should get a lot of photos that will help you with realism if that's how far you want to go. But for starters, I would try just doing ornamental birds but just blow up the patterns to life size. I've done a few stylized birds too--not texturing or painting--just the general shape and some polyurethane. I had a lot of fun.

Bob L