[blue_cat1992]

Hello,

I am currently living in Romania, and while at an Environment camp in a small village my friends and I went out hiking a lot. On one hike, I came across a great stick, and decided I would like to try woodcarving...and now I'm here on this website I don't really have any specific designs in my head right now other than random butterflies and leaves...but, I'm excited to try something new. Just wanted to introduce myself and say hi!

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome. Your idea for a walking stick sounds great, and hope you will share an image of it when you are finished. Or, if you need help just ask! There is a forum on this site dedicated to 'Walking Sticks and Canes', have you seen it yet? If you need help just pose your question to them. This is a great group of folks on this site and always willing to help out. Here is a helpful link on uploading images to this site Posting Photos
Kathy

[Keoma]

Hello and welcome! Your stick already sounds lovely! Looking forward to visiting you and seeing what you come up with!

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Blue.

I'm a stick carver so if you need any help, just let me know. I'm more than willing to help you if I can.

My first suggestion is to gather some leaves. Try to find sizes to fit the stick. Trace the outline on paper or right onto the stick, then carve the outline (use a stop cut around the edge) and do relief carvings. Add the veins and either paint or stain them. With butterflies, you'll probably have to find pictures. I usually size the image on my printer, print and cutout the image, paste it on the stick and carve.

The trick with these designs is to undercut the edges so the relief jumps out of the stick. As you become more experienced, you can add other elements you like.

Good luck.