[Kauaicarver]

Aloha Everbody,
Well I got hooked on power carving song birds on a trip to Wisconsin visiting friends. My wife and I went to their parents lake house on Morgan Lake when all his carvings were on display. WOW if only I could be half that good!!!
Now I spend as much time as possible carving.
I bought some basswood and a carving book and read it on the plane ride home. Nuthatch, Waxwing and a Mountain Bluebird were my first attempts. My Painting needs much work.
I do have a question... To mount my first Hawaiian bird I found this old cedar post. Should I Seal this old rotted post with something? What?
Any s?
Ralph Ziegler

[BobT]

My painting suffers too. But I am getting expert instruction. I think every carver explores (buys) a lot of books. I have a bunch on bird carving and painting. I found the very best on carving and painting was;
Carving Award-Winning Songbirds: <span class="subtitle">Three Step-by-step Demonstrations to build your carving and painting skills</span>
Lori hangs out here too and seems very willing to help out.
You will never find a better resource for carving and painting birds.

[LCorbett]

Thank you so much, Bob, for the kudos!
Ralph...I can't really answer your question on the old cedar post, except maybe make sure you get any bugs out of it. I tend to like to leave my natural wood mounts natural, except for some clean up....but that's just me.

If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask...if I can't answer, I can make up a good lie....lol....welcome to the forum and to the addiction of bird carving!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

If you want to carve birds.....get Lori's book......and check out her site......terrific information! errrrr you have to put up with Lori though!

[A Willburger]

Welcome Ralph,
I,m not a bird carver but I love Hawaii. My wife and I have a time share at Poipu Point. Love the island and laugh about the drive to Polihale with the kids in the back bouncing around in the back seat and I'm worrying about the rental car breaking down on the sugar cane road. I never new there could be that many pot holes on a road but that is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen.

Andy

[Kauaicarver]

Thank you all for the help! I did get Lori's book and read it cover to cover on the plane ride back to Kauai. I was never an artist so with the help from all of you I feel in no time my birds will be worth showing in the carver galleries here on this website.
Lori...I feel that book is FANTASTIC!!

Andy...next time your on Kauai look me up! Kauai is a very special place!!!

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome.
Kathy

[Mark N. Akers]

Welcome to the site Ralph,hope you enjoy it here.

[Hugh P.]

Hello Ralph, welcome to the site, enjoy your enthusiasm. The fence post for a mount sounds good, it certainly should be sealed, Mini Wax wood hardener is good, or Saturate with super glue if its not too large an area. or Soak it in Tung Oil, light coats and let them dry completely. I should have mentioned, the first step is to dry the piece of wood, and then apply the hardening oil or what ever. Hope this helps. Good luck with your carving.