Football, anyone?!

[Callynne]

I mentioned on another post that I'm carving football players right now, so I thought I'd share them with you. The story behind these guys is pretty neat. They are two brothers who played football for West Virginia University back in the late sixties, early seventies.

One of the brothers has passed away, the other has a 'brothers' theme in his basement bar room. It's all decorated with WVU things, with lots of pictures of him and his brother.

He's going to be married next month and his new bride-to-be commissioned me, secretly, to carve the two brothers (again from a photo!) as a wedding gift to her new husband. Okay, even you guys have to admit, that is one very sweet, touching, terrific gift for her to think of! Now if I just don't mess it up!

Along with sharing this work in progress, I could use some help, being the total football dunce that I am! The picture is in black and white, the colors are easy for WVU, blue and gold, the question I have is how the uniform is around the waist. It looks like there are belt loops, but I know they wouldn't have worn a belt. In between the loops it's a different color, I don't know if that's just a band or what. Hubby says not to worry about it but I don't want to make just a plain waistband if there are loops and some kind of band or something there. Any of you football guys out there have any ideas, I appreciate any advice and if you'd point out anything that doesn't look right.

These contorted poses sure are different from any Santas I've carved! Callynne

[Anthony Filetti]

Deb,

Yes they would have worn a belt, the belt loops are very wide as well.
Check out this image and you will see what i mean....


members.aol.com/ RAgnir2/TerpsEers.jpg

...also if you perform an image search on google for "wvu football" you will see more images where you will also notice that the belts are mostly covered by the jersey.

...I'd wish you luck, but know that you don't need it!!!

[Nancy-G]

WOW !!
I'm starting to think you're cheating. How did you get so far on this spectacular pair while working on the spectacular little girl and her dog?
Is Ben helping you?
Deborah -- Your work is just MAGIC. I'll bet that sometime YOU sit back and wonder how it happened.

[wade clark]

Callynne,
Wonderful story!
Wonderful gift!
Wonderful carving!
Wade

[Ashbys]

Callynne ,

Here is a site showing the belt and the pants with most of the pads. Also jerseys ect.

http://www.footballvendor.com/footballpacific.htm


Might help you. Been a long time , but I think our belts were just for show don't remember them being able to be removed. Seems like they were stiched in place and the front just a slip buckle. Lace up the front , snap opening at top , and slip the belt together.

Ash

[kaiserb]

I am not a football fan but the carvings are great.

[Kenny_S]

What I can tell is you have it down great for sure.

Nancy, Glad to see you posting again. Best to you!

[Lightningbolt]

As hard as it is for a guy to say the word, ahhhh--ah, ah, ah-hum...."sweet" I'll have to admit that the idea by the bride-to-be is very thoughtful and even tugs at my own heart strings! Thanks for creating such a cherished memory in wood and once again for sharing it here first with us! You go Callynne!

[jamesfa]

Callynne-if memory serves me correctly there is a belt-i remeber a canvas like heavy cloth belt with two metal D rings for use to tighten the belt.

It look likes your will be coming up with another fine carving,i still have not found the right adjective to describe the little girl with her dog.

just let me say La petite fille est vraiment magnifique.

Frank

[Callynne]

Thanks everyone, that was just the information I needed! I understand exactly how it should look, the links are great helps also to visualize how the shoulder pads look under the shirt.

I'm glad they don't have helmets on, hopefully I'll get the hair and face shape close enough that they can be recognized!

Nope, Nancy, Ben's help is limited to advising and critiquing, he still hasn't ever picked up his knife! Oh, and he also tells me I need to 'manage my time better'....hmmmmmm.....I notice there aren't any teeth gritting smilie faces that would be perfect to insert here!!

Lightningbolt, I just knew you were the sensitive type!

Thanks for the great compliment on my little girl, Frank and all the nice compliments (in advance) from all of you, on the brothers (hope I don't mess them up!)! Callynne

P.S. Nancy, not just sometimes, it's every single day!