Day in the park with grandma & pop

Blinky Bill · #1 05-02-2007, 10:39 PM

G'day,
I was impressed with postings about carving while waiting for "She who must be obeyed" at shoping malls, doctors, etc. Then read Lightning Bolts' post on carving "Blockheads.........altogether is how this project started, not exactly artistic, and I know there's some fine tunig to be done, but I'm having great fun putting this little scene together.
I'm using 1"x1" sticks of Brown Tulip Oak (Argyrodendron actinophyllum ssp)from a small amount rescued when some very old machinery was dismantled at the local flour mill. Work is being done with the carving blade of my Carving Jack, and occasionally a half round needle file. Criticism is welcome, and I will try to post snaps as things progress. Largest of the figures is 4¼" high.
Best wishes to all
John

gene messer · #2 05-02-2007, 11:02 PM

John .. For 1'' by 1'' sticks .. you did a good job on the features ...
These type of carvings are interesting because they remind me of the old timey way of whittling ... A simple way that shows just enough detail .. But have the features of being hand carved ...

When I saw them ... It reminded me of the movie .. "To Kill A Mockingbird " when the Boy Jim found two soap carvings in a tree given to him by his neighbor Boo Radley ... They were carved very similar to this style .. Wonderful memorial pieces ..
Thanks for showing
Gene

feb · #3 05-02-2007, 11:31 PM

John, very nice what's next mabye a few trees? feb

Thomp · #4 05-03-2007, 06:36 AM

john,

I cant get over the wood grain, thats beautiful, humm tulip oak... going to have to keep an eye out for some of that..

not to take anything away from the carvings though,
they look as gene says, old timey,1930's the theme is good and you can go far with the scene. fountians, srubbery, lamp posts, bricked sidewalks, birds and small critters, ballons, and baby carrages....all day suckers, ice cream, and other vendors...the problem is not what else to carve, its when to stop.....

squbrigg · #5 05-03-2007, 08:35 AM

Great way to pass the time in a relaxing way, rather than sitting simmering and thinking "Where is she!!!" "What's taking her so long!"

Nice piece of carving, interesting wood. No end to the possibilities! You will find they draw attention from all kinds of nice folks too, kids and adult. Great way to strike up conversations, if you are inclined, of just keep your head down and ignore them, depending on you. I carry a small cloth table napkin to catch the chips.

Enjoy!

Bob

tnartist05 · #6 05-03-2007, 08:49 AM

NICE Job!! John, I like the flatter style that you have carved them in! Like the back drop{the board behind them} You could paint some park items on it.Like Trees and bushes,etc. They are coming along just FINE!!
Tenn

Joy · #7 05-03-2007, 09:06 AM

A great fun project. You can keep adding till your fingers get sore. I like the style and your technique.

Claude · #8 05-03-2007, 03:21 PM

Excellent work, John! Are you planning on a small dog to keep the boy company? <hint>

Claude

Kenny_S · #9 05-03-2007, 04:07 PM

Nice work John.

Is that Tulip Oak a local tree in Australia? Guess the next trip To Brisbane, I will have to see If I can find some.

Blinky Bill · #10 05-06-2007, 08:21 AM

Thanks to everyone for viewing my post and for taking the time to comment. It means a lot to me, having never met another woodcarver or been able to take lessons......However, just recently I've found a woodturning group that hold meetings about 30 miles from me, and they list 2 or 3 woodcarvers and several "wannabees" in their group, so I may finally be able to mix with carvers at last.....
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Excellent work, John! Are you planning on a small dog to keep the boy company? <hint>

Claude Thanks Claude, yes there is a small dog for Timmy, along with his older sister, a picnic basket, and 3 birds to feed with crumbs

Nice work John.

Is that Tulip Oak a local tree in Australia? Guess the next trip To Brisbane, I will have to see If I can find some.
__________________
Ken
Caney, Ks Well Ken, you would be in the right end of the country as this tree grows in the southern rainforests of Queensland. However, having said that, I feel that the tree is possibly protected....you could probably check that on Google....still, IO'm sure that asking around may source some for you...Good Luck
John
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Thomp.......as usual, I appreciate your interest, and yes I know exactly what you mean....tthis scene may never be finished LOL