[photodog]

Found the site a couple of weeks ago and never properly intorduced myself.
I guess it is about time I should introduce myself. I have been carving for a couple of years. Or let me rephrase that. I have been trying to make enough time to learn how to carve for the last several years. Between working with the Boy Scouts, Scoutmaster and Jamboree last year, new living quarters, lots of honey doo’s, ,(moved after being out of work for almost a year),having a son at UGA and Work. There hasn’t been much time to make chips. I work on Celtic designs and primitive figures. I really Like Shawn Chipa’s work. I have his Folk figures book and completed the nativity set in that book. Starting to dabble with walking sticks. Wife if about to divorce me if I bring another “stick� home from camping with the scouts. Sometimes, they just cry out to be taken home and later let you know what type of green man or wood spirit is hiding inside. Garage sounds like a convention of spirits trying to get out. (sigh) just takes so long to help them get out.
Photography is my longest love and I’ve been able to keep in my son’s life by photographing his high school soccer and lacrosse games and scouting activities. Brag! Brag! He is an Eagle Scout
Now I am semi-unofficial photographer for the UGA college lacrosse team. I am also trying to work out some caricature sketches of the boys playing that game. Big helmets, skinny legs, long sticks, that I can carve. I am currently attempting to learn how to make larger carvings and get better at decorating walking sticks.
I have purchased a few Swiss Made tools from Woodcrafters after tearing up one of my Flexcut palm tools. Buying a set on a don't get it if you don't need it basis. Dang! But I want one of everything.
Have a couple of knives, Flexicut, couple of hand made and a chip carving set.. Mostly work with basswood or anything in the woods that catches my fancy or wants to go home with me..
Painting is my weakest skill. I am now learning why there are so many styles of brushes, types of paint and so many colors. A lot different than cutting in around door and window facings. Perhaps I need the wife to stand behind me and give directions???
I have found that in the carving community, you will find the greatest bunch of folks, ever. They are always willing to share with you that little secret that they stumbled upon to make your carving life easier. Or, just to offer some encouragement or a band-aid when you need it the most.
I am looking forward to learning and sharing what little I know with you in the months to come.

[whitecree]

Hi there, welcome home!

You sound like me (and quite few of the others here) - busy busy busy. Wouldn't it be so nice if the world would just sss llll oooo wwww ddd ooo www nnnn a little?

Primitive figurines - how primitive? Love to see some examples of your work.

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard. Great folks here, lots of ideas, opinions and encouragement.

Enjoy,

Bob

[jillsy]

Hey 'dog! Would love to see some of your work! Welcome!

[Thor]

Hi there,

Welcome. I look forward to seeing your work posted on a thread or in the carvers galleries. I like Celtic designs as well.
It sounds like you have a reason to be proud of your son with the eagle scout accomplishment under his belt.
I have one daughter who graduated from UGA and my son will go there next year as a junior. Great school with lots of opportunities. I'm glad to hear of someone who has an appreciation for something other than the football team.

I also have Pheil tools (the Swiss ones that you may have) and love them.
Thor

[Mottles]

Hi and welcome--we have a really good group of talented carvers and burners and they are always welling to help their fellow carvers. Your right the carving community are the greatest!
Kathy

[Ron Davidson]

Welcome aboard. This is the only place to be if you are a carver. Great little family we have here. Hope to see some of your work soon.
Ron

[whittlewomen]

Welcome to the carving group!! It's fun to see what others are doing with their time....be it so little, as you say!

I have been carving for 22 years, but stil don't have enough time to do what I want!!

Good luck in your endeavors.
Sharon

[Irishman]

Hello Photodog,
I'm a new carver and have found the people on this site very helpful and encouraging. I was involved in the Scout movement myself while the oldest was in it - great program. Hope to see some of your walking sticks.
Patrick

[wchips]

Welcome abord. You sound a lot like myself busy all the time. even though i am supposed to be retired.don't know how i did it all when i worked full time. I need to learn how to paint better myself.
Have a nice day Lee