Tips on carving Bark?

[Pracuss]

Haven't seen much on the technique of carving bark. Have you any Doo's or Don'ts in this media? I've read a few books on this subject but am intrested in your experiences in carving bark. I had a recent opportunity to 'pop' some off a live tree that was scheduled for removal. Any thoughts on carving it green?
The piece I'm currently working on requires a lot of depth and extreme datail. Due to size limitations, I have to carve a couple components aside and attatch later. What are your thoughts on 'add-ons' to a carving? This forum is oozes with experience and i"d like to learn a little more finesse.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I carve it alot... alot, hmmm a tip I can give you is to brush the rough bark with a stiff bristle brush to get all the loose dust, dirt, bugs and whatever else off. If you plan on sanding or power carving make sure you wear a respirator, if you think about it that stuff is really old and could have all kinds of stuff in it. I have never worked it while green so no idea there, the stuff I buy or gather comes from long dead trees. Also be sure to strop your tools often while working it, sometimes you get lucky and no dirt or iron ect in the bark othertimes I have had to throw away pieces because it wrecked a tool.
Carl

[Kenny_S]

On making a stop cut, you have to knod of sneak up on it a little at a time.

Beautiful stuff to carve in.