[Larry A.]

Hi
Just thought I'd introduce myself, since I hope to be an active participant in the message boards. I just started carving, although I've whittled little things for years with my trusty Buck pocket knives. Recently, I've done a little rabbit from a stick, and a Buddha head and a cat from blocks of basswood. Here's the link: bunny - Wood Carving Illustrated Photo Gallery
I've gone in and fixed the eyes on the Buddha since posting, but it's essentially the same. I don't really know what I'm doing. I just dove in and tried to get somewhere. Right now I'm using a flexcut Carvin Jack, a Buck pocket knife, and a set of Excel hobby blades (which I hope to replace with real tools). The Jack, which I like a lot, does most of the work. Anyway, I'm having fun and hope to meet you all and learn a thing or two.

[Wink Dinkerson]

Hey Larry,
I just joined myself. You have more experience than I have so I can't offer anything there.
The bunny, & the buddha head look great though. I'm hoping to turn out similar pieces myself.

[Mottles]

Hi Larry, and welcome. Thank you, for supplying a link to your bunny, which by the way is really nice. Looks, like you have done well with your current knives, maybe add a few gouges. Lot's can be done with just a good carving knife. Think about using a carving glove and thumb guard if you don't already.
Kathy

[Larry A.]

Hi Kathy and
Hello, and thanks for your advice and encouragement. After nicking myself several times and having half a box of bandaids on my fingers, I finally put on a work glove -- for a thumb guard I took a thumb off another glove. But thanks, I will get a real carving glove and thumbguard.
Dink, I'm sure you'll do well, especially if you ask some of the knowlegeable people on the message boards. I was terrified posting my first carvings.
For me, right now, I go go google images and look at sculptures, photos, etc. to get ideas and to study the shapes of things I want to carve. Then I draw a rough shape on the wood and start. I have a lot to learn technically, but I figure the important thing is just to jump in and do it-- and enjoy it!

[Robert Cahill]

welcome Larry,
Your bunny looks really nice you did a good job. I was at the state fair there once and they seem to have a pretty nice woodcarving club in Albuquerque

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Larry A.

Hi Kathy and
Hello, and thanks for your advice and encouragement. After nicking myself several times and having half a box of bandaids on my fingers, I finally put on a work glove -- for a thumb guard I took a thumb off another glove. But thanks, I will get a real carving glove and thumbguard.
Dink, I'm sure you'll do well, especially if you ask some of the knowlegeable people on the message boards. I was terrified posting my first carvings.
For me, right now, I go go google images and look at sculptures, photos, etc. to get ideas and to study the shapes of things I want to carve. Then I draw a rough shape on the wood and start. I have a lot to learn technically, but I figure the important thing is just to jump in and do it-- and enjoy it!

Hey again Larry, a lot of carvers including myself make our own thumb guards using Vet tape--you can get it at Petsmart or most any pet store. Just cut about a 2" x 3" piece (adjust measurment for your thumb size) from the roll, fold it from thumb tip to thumb knockle (where it meets the hand) just form the wrap to your thumb. I usally use about three thickness. It works great and when it starts to wear or get to dirty just make another one. The wrap keeps the shape of your thumb and can be slipped off and on easily.
I also relief carve and use it on my other fingers helps save my fingers from scraping against the wood. Hope this helps...
Kathy

[Larry A.]

Thanks Kathy and Robert:
Kathy, I'll be sure to check out the vet tape the next time I'm at Pet Smart getting treats for my dog, Peggy.
Robert, I'm presently trying to track down a carving club in Albuquerque. The names I have look more like they might be professional associations, but I'll give them a try. If push comes to shove, I'll hand around Woodcraft some day and ask anyone I see. I'm sure it would help to know some experienced carvers.
And thanks all for your kind words about the bunny. The person I carved it for likes it too. I keep thinking about trying an elephant for a friend with a special fondness for that animal, but don't think I'm ready yet. Still, it wouldn't be the first time I bit off more than I could chew. Sometimes you surprise yourself.