[xsailer]

Hello Rick and happy to see you join this great group of carvers. I'm a new member and have been busy reading a lot of the past threads/posts. A bunch to learn. Just today I started carving some bark after cleaning it per your books instructions. The crust is sure hard. I'm entered in your class in June and looking very much forward to it. Till then I will be reading the answers to a great many questions I'm sure you'll be getting.

[Mryooper]

Hi Ho,
I was visiting in Illinois, and I found a good source for cottonwood bark. I am hoping I can get back down that way this summer or have some of my rellys to ship me some. The stuff I have now is like carving concrete.

[Mryooper]

Originally Posted by R-OLDS

I was told and read that Cottonwood Bark in South East Michigan wasn't much good for carving and not very thick. Then last year at the Rally on the RIO in Mercedes, TX I spoke with several people who claimed that some of the cottonwood bark in Michigan is very carvable but not as thick some of the bark out west and in Canada. I have carved bark from out west Montana, Nebraska some of which was thicker but none any better and some not near as good as the Cottonwood Bark I have found in South East Michigan. I have found the thickest bark near rivers, and creeks. What I have found has been in the 2" range some slightly over some alot less if the tree was not near water.
I have carved some bark only 1/2 inch thick which turns out nice flat plane carvings.
I have not procured any bark from Fresh cut live trees, this was done by a yooper who I met at the carving show in Dayton Ohio a few months ago he had some quite interesting carvings in bark.
I've been told good bark is in Illinois and Indiana as well..

Randal

Seen alot of loose bark on a tree that was about 3 or 4 ft in size. Very large and the bark was falling off in sheets. I didn't have the time to stop due to I was in a hurry to get home.

[dandy]

Rick,
I saw your work in "Carving Found Wood" and really thought that I would like to do that type of carving. Then iI bought your "Carving Whimisical Houses" and I am hooked! I have only carved a few pieces but find it to be the most creative carving that I have done. I am understand that you will be giving a class at Silver Dollar City this summer. Could you send me info on that or any other classes that you will be giving.

[feb]

Rick, don't have your book but have seen it in the cat. I'm just starting to carve bark I want to try an indian' and where would I get the best info on whimsical houses. Mabye you won't even see this post as this was when you first joined the forum. Any help would be great. Thanks feb

[snickerbocker]

Hey Bark Boy, greetings from Oklahoma. I would go by Bark Man if I were you. Glad to see you on the board, I joined a couple of weeks ago.

[whittlewomen]

Hi,
I have several pieces of bark but haven't carved any yet....waiting for the inspiration I guess. I do have a facination for gnomes and I do realize they need a home, so I'd better get busy!!
Sharon

[ElWoodTroll]

Master!!!!....
I have your book too thanks to Art