Bears! Bears! Please "bear" with me!

Eddy Smiles · #1 07-02-2007, 10:26 PM

For those that remember I posted a picture of a similar bear that I had carved back in April. While up at our cabin TN my wife suggested that I carve a second one and give it one of our daughter's for Christmas. Both bears have been carved from Chinese Empress Wood (8-1/2" x 2-14" x 2-1/4") but I finished this one in cinnamon brown vice the burnt umber of the first one. I rather like this one better because he came out with a slight attitude! And since I like bears and as I have one more piece of the glued up Empress wood on hand I'll probably carve another before the summer is over. Besides, I love this pattern. The entire project with the exception of the hair (and I'll figure out how to do that also) can be carved with a pocket knife or any such handy implement. This past Sunday I ran across a sale on 2"x2"x12' basswood at Woodcraft , $0.90 off their regular price, and I picked up three sticks for future miniature bears! Just the right size for killing time while the wife shops or visits the doctor or dentist.

justanick · #2 07-02-2007, 11:08 PM

well Eddy let me be the first to say nice carving. How tall is he?

Joy · #3 07-03-2007, 07:13 AM

Good job Eddy. I agree...I like this color better. Now the next one needs a little bit of a smile.

AlArchie · #4 07-03-2007, 08:00 AM

Neat bear, Eddy, and I love the "attitude"!

Al

Eddy Smiles · #5 07-03-2007, 04:46 PM

Justanick... 8-1/2" high!

Joy... Grin and bear it?

Kenny_S · #6 07-03-2007, 05:45 PM

Neat Teddy, Eddy!

Tom H · #7 07-03-2007, 06:31 PM

Eddy, Had to hide this one. If my grandkids see it I'll have to try and carve one. If that happens, the result would not be a neat as yours. Well done. Tom H

gene messer · #8 07-03-2007, 08:16 PM

Eddy .. Your Bears are really unique and cute .. I know your daughter will love it .. if you can hide it till christmas ..

Wonderful whittling project while waiting for the wife ..

Thanks for sharing

Gene

Banjo · #9 07-04-2007, 05:59 AM

He's great! I love that mischievious expression on his face!

Eddy Smiles · #10 07-05-2007, 08:55 PM

Thank you one and all! Someone asked me the other day why I carve so many bears and/or multiples of the same project and I answered with a quote that I've used here on the forum a couple of times. It's popular with the automobile industry nowadays but I learned it a long time ago when I started studying the martial arts. It's not about the destination, it's all about the journey. For me I get a tremendous sense of peace and well being sitting where ever my butt will fit and whittling. It doesn't matter what I'm whittling on just as long as I get my weekly ration of making chips in. Unfortunately it doesn't always happen weekly so whenever it does I'm really,really happy and appreciative....just to make chips!