block of birds

[sappy]

Hope I am posting this in the right place! My second carving, ever! Started with a block of Basswood 4" tall by 1-3/4" and used an exacto knife and 6mm straight wood carver. I highlighted it with woodburning and because I didn't have the oil paints recommended I colored it with prismatic watercolor pencils. I still need to add another coat of varathan but wanted comments. All comments welcome, good, bad and ugly. I had a fun time with this and do want to improve, I see where I made some mistakes and I wasn't sure if I should of rounded off the sides of birds more, I can still do that.

[sappy]

And a couple more pics, sorry had to change the rotation!

[Ed Redwine]

Sappy: I'd say you did very well with tools available. These guys look good to me. I wouldn't mind having this one on my mantle. When you expand your tool line a bit, you will find your carving horizons will open up.

[sappy]

Thank you, Ed. I do have more tools just need to get acquainted with them. Nothing expensive or fancy, but usable and I'm about to get ready for another carving that probably will require them. I hope my 'horizons' is all I open up and not my hand! LOL

[pallin]

Sappy - Test the application of Varathane over the present materials before you go too far. I recently used a clear finish over some acrylic colors and they smeared.

[chpster90bu]

Sappy....Nice carving! I enjoyed looking at this one......you'll get better and better as you practice and get experience with other tools, as well. I like the effect on this one. Good job! Bonnie

[sappy]

Thank you chpster. Phil, that is a good warning. I played with the pencils and varathane before using them. For what I was doing I liked the ability to smear around the colors a little. But I sure can see how that would a problem on other projects.

[Thor]

Sappy, that is a very interesting carving. It's very original and obviously your own design. The birds are so well done with realistic poses.
I enjoyed seeing it very much. You've certainly hit the ground running.
Christina

[Merle Rice]

Hi Sappy, Very good carvings and your imagination is great. Keep it up. Merle

[sappy]

Thank you Christina, and by the way did you finish that chair I saw in your gallery? WOW! And Merle, thank you, and a question, is there someplace I can read how you did the soft color on your rose in your gallery? Love that effect!