Boy, I just gotta say this: I had no idea what wonders carving cottonwood bark would hold. It took some time for me to really understand the bark - its differences, working with its layers, etc. - but I'm so glad I kept looking and working at it. I've found a sort of creative 'link' with nature itself in this stuff - it forgives, it guides, it inspires...and in the end it becomes an integral part of the work itself.

Try it...and then try it a second time...and a third. If you're feeling 'stumped' about what to do, where to go with your work or ideas....cottonwood bark will give you an ease and freedom to get there. I'll never stop carving my 'regular' guys - the basswood and pine - but there's nothing more pleasurable for simple creative play than this bark.

I know there are probably a variety of places to get bark - I get mine from Art Olver (the 'Bark' guy) - artolver@comcast.net. Others might have other suggestions for where to find it. All *I* wanted to say to you all is just GET SOME.

I put a pic of one of my latest bark guys on our PT site - http://www.picturetrail.com/carvers-r-us in the Holiday Album.

Do it. Get some. Cottonwood bark - it's a beautiful thing :-)

Teri

Teri it is good to see such a happy posting. I like the term creative play. You have reminded me what carving is supposed to be all about. I feel priveleged to have been able to watch you work. Your creativity is absolutely inspiring.
carving,
Barb

[Colin_Partridge]

Teri,
I couldnt agree more I love cottonwood bark it really allows you to get lost in the carving if you know what I mean. Each layer holds something different as you say. I love it because there is no grain no rules just honest to goodness fun stuff to carve. Unfortunatly it doesnt grow in this part of the country I do order it now and again but it costs an arm and a leg to buy it here at wood shows. Just a small piece maybe a foot high can cost as much as $20.00. I am going to make a road trip one day to the West Coast and visit Art I have talked to him via email and he and I sound like we share a lot in common. I like going to find wood as much as I like to carve it I think.
take care my friend we will talk later
Colin

[squbrigg]

We have a suspision that you enjoy this new medium for carving Teri? Love your enthusiasm! Love your carving and style of finishing them even more! Well done Teri, well done.

Bob

Even though I use local cottonwood bark and it is not as thick or wide as the 'Good Stuff' from out west I still love it. I do find that there is a grain to it though. If I cut one direction it will split easier and leave a rougher surface than if I cut the other direction.

For those, like me, who cannot afford to buy bark try looking for cottonwoods, willows (trees not bushes), or black poplars growing in your area and look for loose bark.

To paraphrase Terri 'You GOTTA try it!!!

[owlhause]

Hi Teri!
This is the first chance I've had in awhile to look at the boards. It looks like you are back in the swing of things!

Congratulations on the BH & G article! I think that is a goal most santa carvers have on their list. (I know I do!)
You think you fall behind on your orders NOW! just wait till this hits the news stands!!

Your new bark piece is great...I always thought of a bark carving as one big deep relief carving...I never considered doing a low relief carving on it.

I'll look twice now at some of the thinner bark I don't bother to pick up!

Greg

Well, cool - I'm glad I might have 'sparked' some of you. There's SO much bark and so LITTLE time :-)

Teri

[AlArchie]

Teri, it looks like no matter what medium you are working, it comes out beautifully! Exceptional, is all I can say!

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Teri...just make sure you are barking up the right tree!

Teri, I got some bark from ARt this winter and am getting ready to get at it myself. I was waiting for a new bark carving book from Rick Jensen. The illustrated guide to carving treebark. It's relatively new -- has santa and whimsical houses. Nice book and informative. I know Rick so I a predjudiced. Check it out, it is through Fox Chapel. Pam