[Joy]

Yes, my mind knows that.....but there seems to be a disconnect between my mind and hand. I just can't seem to take off enough wood before I start putting in details. One of my problems is that the first faces I did were relief...now I need switch that mental picture from 180 to 90 degrees.

[Joy]

Xsailer, that Jerry Rig is only two days old and I absolutely love it. Yes, it is expensive but works so smoothly and is so easy to change positions. If you are in the market for a work holder....you can't go wrong with this one, in my opinion.

[sludgeguy]

Hello Joy,

I am very impressed with your carving.
I can add nothing not already covered here...but
I am also very impressed with the honest and helpful critiques.
Good job message board members.
Keep up the great work,
Doug

[Banjo]

Joy, I think you did a wonderful job! I really like the way you undercut the mustache. I need to learn how to do that. And the eyes...they are terrific! I'm still too chicken to even try carving an eyeball!! Good work! You inspire me to try harder!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

what vise is that?

[BobD]

It's the new Jerry Rig; the one that Chris Pye reviewed for us. Chris had very complimentary things to say about it!

Bob

[Jim OH]

Joy,
If you have been carving for only a year, you have done an excellent job on this Santa. I could give you several ideas for changing your carving but you may not like the look of any of them. My advice is to let your style evolve. Remember there are no flat places on a face. I would suggest studying some facial carving books so you have a good understanding of the shape of the face and some anatomy books to give you an understanding of the underlying structure of the face and how muscles control our expressions. The key to carving for me is not so much the executuion of the cuts, but the understanding of what to remove from where to result in the look that I am trying to achieve.
Jim OH

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

It looks very similar to the trailer ball vise I made...can't remember whose plan it was now, but its a good vise and not much cost to build it.

[Joy]

Sludgeguy, you are absolutely right!!! The forum members are terrific to take the time to help me improve.

Thank you Banjo Joy. Your Santa's are terrific. When you are ready to carve eyeballs I'm sure you will do fine.

Yes, Bob, it was that Chris Pye review that tipped me over the edge. I had been considering the first Jerry Rig and just hated to spend the money. But I am glad I waited for the Ball Jerry rig.

Jim, I bought the Phares books on eyes and mouth in the scratch and dent sale. I am going to study them and practice his methods. And I keep a mirrow beside me when carving faces so I can check on a feature. But you are right in that I need more study and more practice. Hey! It is July now so I have been carving a year and a half now.....I'm a seasoned pro........ hahahaha

Thank you all again and again.