Garden Gnome WIP

[idrockies]

I am carving this guy from a piece of walnut cut last year, still very green,about 3 feet tall. I was liking the unusual striations of dark and light wood until I hit a bark inclusion running down the front and center of his face! I thoght about scrapping the project after his lower lip fell off, I fear the end of his nose will too,there is a line of bark spanning the bridge of his nose. I could paint it, but I really don't want to...Thanks for looking Mark

[Donsexton]

Looks good to me I enjoy carving them once in a while they are fun.

[Tom Ellis]

I think when you get some finish on him, he is going to look great Mark. You might put a little super glue on the nose to stabalize it. Don't scrap that neat little guy.

Tom

[Josef]

He looks great. I'm with Tom, don't scrap him whatever you do. Joe.

[idigjars]

Mark, very nice job. Thanks for sharing with us. Paul

[kdispoto]

Lookin' good!

[idrockies]

Thankyou Don, Ken and idigjars! Tom and Josef, I recarved the lower lip and the nose is still hanging on. I have too many hours in it now so I,ll keep plugging away. Not sure what finish to use, BLO, tung oil, which I have, or wax which I have never tried? Thanks, Mark

[tcgrumpy]

I love it. Did you have a pattern? And what did you carve him with, I have a piece of oak that I'm having a hard time with.

[idrockies]

Thanks Grumpy, no I didn't use a pattern. I did the rough in with a chainsaw and angle grinder, then chisels and foredom rotary tool. I have never carved oak but I have made some coffee tables with it, hard wood, finishes nice, and details well. Good luck! Mark

[Claude]

Nice carving, Mark! If it's going to be outside, I'd suggest a golden oak stain, followed by several coats of satin polyurethane with UV inhibitors in it.

Claude