[Lightningbolt]

A few weeks ago I got a Father's Day order from someone at work. The recipient was a U.S. Marine (retired) and his son requested a walking stick with a Marine theme. The only thing he requested was the Marine logo but quickly said that it would be ok if I couldn't do something so detailed. I told him not to count on it but that I'd study the possibilities.

As the attached picture's show, I went with a bald-headed woodspirit on top which I referred to as one tough drill sargeant. When I was a counselor working with troubled youth back in the 1980's one of my favorite trips was to take my group on a three day live-in at Paris Island Marine training camp in South Carolina. We lived in the barrack's surrounded by the "recruits", ate in their mess halls, and didn't leave the base for a three day period. Some of those drill sargeant's strongly reminded me of this bald-headed woodspirit so that's what I went with.

On the front I did manage to lightly woodburn the Marine logo into the stick, then added some very thinned down acrylic's. It was a bit nerve wracking burning something so small but I must say that I was quite pleased with the results. I then carved the Marine slogan "Semper Fi" on the front too.

Since it was someone at work and that the recepient was a U.S. Marine I gave him the lowest price possible. According to the report it was very well received on Father's Day and it was another opportunity to say "Thank's" to one soldier.

Enjoy!

[GaryMc]

Really nice job on the sitck Dave, really like the beard
GaryMc

[windsong]

Lightingbolt
That is a very nice carving and your did a great job on the logo.Anyone would be proud to own!!!
Vic.

[Mottles]

Hey, nice walking stick and I bet it brought a big smile to 'one soldier.' I have two aspen sticks cleaned, but haven't done any more to them. I keep thinking about different kinds of designs. Thanks for sharing.
Kathy

[Eddy Smiles]

Outstanding work Dave! Nothing puts a smile on an old Marine's face faster than someone wishing them a hearty "Semper Fi!" And if you really want to get their attention start whistling the "Marine Corps Hymn!"

[wood-whittler]

dave,

really nice work on the walking stick, i am sure your freinds father was very pleased.


bart

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's everyone! I forgot to mention that I used a piece of sourwood for the stick which is very plentiful here in western North Carolina and it's one of my favorite woods to use.

GaryMc: It took me year's and year's and year's to finally teach myself how to get that dark/light contrast into my woodspirit beard's. I assume most carver's figured out the simple process on day one, but I was another case! I alway's paint my beard first with a solid coat of yellow ochre, dry, spray seal, paint with burnt umber, spray seal, litely sand with 220 grit allowing the natural color of the wood to show and contrast with the darker beard, then apply the final polyurethane coat. The burnt umber blends in with the yellow ochre to produce my favorite hair color for woodspirit's.

By the way, the bald-headed woodspirit's on top of my walking stick's have become my best seller so if you're in the business then I'd highly reccomend adding this popular little character to your own stock!

[Joy]

I like your stick. And thanks for the painting tip.