[Lightningbolt]

As mentioned in a previous post I wanted my next chainsaw project challenge to be a standing bear holding a sign all outa' one piece of wood, rather than attaching a sign to the bear.

I usually like to carve a miniature first as a guide before tackling a larger project when I'm entering into unchartered territory so I selected a piece of poplar 9" tall X 3 1/2" wide X 2 3/4" deep. It carved very nicely, not too hard and not too soft.

It went quicker than expected after the fine detail I dabbed on some thinned black paint to the eyes, nose, and mouth then went over it lightly with steel wool for that "worn" look. Next I torched the entire bear to bring out the detail and put my favorite Teddy Roosevelt quote on the sign.

Unfortunately, I left my Sikken's stain and finish at work so I'll just have to "bear" it out until tomorrow for that. That final finish really brings the contrast of color home so I look forward to that part!

Next, I'll have to find me a nice stump or piece of wood for a stand to mount the bear. Maybe I can carve a club "big stick" to go with the sign!

[Mottles]

Dave I can 'Bearly' contain myself I love your bear and thank you for sharing the progress images. Putting him on a tree stump would like great, but he looks nice the way he is too.
Kathy

[wood-whittler]

dave,

great looking bear, cant wait to see him when you put the sikkens on it. please post a finished pic.


bart

[Mark N. Akers]

Dave:
Thats a great bear,was it done with a chainsaw?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Thats the way! Grin and Bear it!

[squbrigg]

Great job, it bear's watching the process! Can't wait to see the full size one!!! Now you'll have to bear with the bear jokes!

Bob

[Lightningbolt]

So, do any of you posting Teddy Bear's out there feel like you're "stuffed" up to here with it?!?

And I thought that all the fun was in carving!!!

[Kenny_S]

neat bear LB. Thanks man for sharing him!

[Colin_Partridge]

Mark I dont think it was done with a chainsaw if it was that is an awful big pair of scissors lol
Colin

[Lightningbolt]

Yeah, this one was most definitely done with "little-bitty" carving tools but for the difference in pricing between a big chainsawed bear and one of the smaller ones... my opinion is begining to believe that the big bears would be more profitable if you have a good source for logs. For some reason I think that people will part with their money with less reluctance for the big ones when compared to the price of a small one. Hey, there's just as much detail to put on either one. Here's a few more picture's from today:

1. Here's a picture showing the front view just after I applied the second coating of Sikken's cetol 2-3 finish so it's still quite wet. Note that I cleared out some air space between the two rear legs which I've never done before which seems to add a new dimension, perspective, or at least a new challenge for me.
2. Just a front/side view. Just gotta love the way that Sikkens brings out the color!!
3. A rear/side view for what it's worth. Note the little tail between his legs. I didn't carve the rear side of the latest chainsawed bear that I posted last week because it had a bad side so it was fun going full 3-D this time!
4. I posted this one for a very close-up view of the leg area because the larger pictures just don't show how beautiful the finish is as well. Even this camera shot just don't pay due justice to such a beautiful contrasting of colors.
5. I found a perfect little hidden spot under the inside of the sign to place my signature and date.

Well, that's it for now but I'd still like to find something good to mount it on because it's so "tipsy" as-is. I wish now that I'd left on a chunk of the original wood to serve as a base, but it didn't happen.

I'll post a picture when it is completely finished which might be sometime this week but I'll be gone next week taking care of family obligations.

Thanks for looking and I hope it helps somebody. I know that it sure is good for my own mental health!!
Yee-Hawwww!!!