[squbrigg]

Snoozer,... there is a great article in Richard Butz's book "How To Carve Wood" that might help you. He shows the process of doing the wings for an Osprey with out spread wings. The book is available here through Fox Chapel, and is very reasonable.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Its the projects we start that we feel we are in over our heads on that we learn the most from and usually that turn out the best! You have it started, if you don't know what to do now, sit it on the bench, and one of the times you walk by it, you will see just what needs to be done, proceed until you reach another block and do the same, I had one project that took me a looong time, that one I knew what I needed to do, but didn't know exactly in what order to do things and if you get out of order, sometimes causes all kinds of problems lol

[Snoozer]

Well that's what I thought...bite off a bit more and learn more. I'm doing a chickadee landing with wings spread and tail spread...I'm a birder and you NEVER actually see them this way but I wanted to do a spread wing. I'm looking for the best material to fill the slight gap between the wing and body. I've used a two part epoxy putty to turn a head once and was very disappointed in how it burns and paints.

Not sure we have a carving group in the Indy area. It seems there is a split between the power carvers and hand tool carvers here. They don't seem overly friendly at the one local show there is.

This site may be just what I need. I'll be looking for info on set-ups also. I saw one person who was complaining that she did too much with her set ups but different visions have different requirements.

[carver6]

I go along with Hi-Ho's answer about letting it sit until you decide how you want to do something. I frequently have a project in process and run into a problem. I'll usually set it on the kitchen counter where I'll see it every time I go in. (Knowing me that's a lot.) I'll finally decide on what needs to be done and go frome there.
Garon

[Snoozer]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll stay in touch here. I'm glad I took the time and found the site....think I'm going to order this magazine too. I'd like to get a little variety in my carving. The spirits are interesting...I'd like to put my mom's face in a spirit.

[mdallensr]

There's a critical point on some carvings when you can "see" the rest of the way, but until you get there, you may as well be wandering in a blizzard. It always seems to be that way for me on realistic animals. I'm kind of tentative, then sneak up on it a bit, stop for awhile, worry, then push forward. Bingo! My instructor always tells us, as he helps us get past that point, "it'll carve itself from now on". He's right.

[GILLY]

Hey snoozer, welcome, The folks already have given good advice, so I need not add more. pics of your work in progress, we'd love to see them.

[Snoozer]

I'm so new here I'm not sure how to post a picture....lol. Gotta get my act together. I do appreciate the advice and am plugging away.