[Micky]

I am back into the woodcarving spirit with the new year, and have two new projects going.

The 1st project is another one of my candle holders. This one will have a relief carving of a hummingbird and flower. Have removed all of the background wood, but not sure if it is enough or if I need to go deeper. I am also having trouble deciding what needs to be higher/lower. This pattern was an old stained glass pattern I had lying around.

The 2nd project is a Sassafras Turtle. The pattern is from a WCI from 2004 I believe. Still have alot of wood to remove--yikes. I am getting better at taking off slightly larges chips instead of my little baby chips.
During the winter we stay mostly at an apartment in the city so I carve right in the living/dining area and the chips are starting to get tracked all over the place every time I carve--Jim's been a good sport so far. )

Thanks for taking a look. Any comments, hints, suggestions would be appreciated.

New Year
michele

[Eddy Smiles]

Michele...

Be careful when you get to the feet. I recently worked on a gator, very similiar patern with the feet sticking out. I got all the way down to the shaping of the feet, the weakest point in the link and ended up amputating my carving. I got so frustrated that I trashed it. I plan to try again but take more of those baby chips you were talking about.

[Micky]

Thanks Eddy--Maybe I will switch to the Dremmel for the delicate work.

michele

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Micky...your turtle is similar at that stage to one I did of a green sea turtle...

[Mottles]

Hi michele, I see your dilemma as regards which needs to be higher/lower the hummer or the flower. As the beak inserts between the flower pedals leaving them both almost on the same plane. I would be inclined to place the hummer the highest. Just my thought.
Your Turtle looks like it coming along nicely.
Look forward to more updates.
Kathy

Dave, beautiful green sea turtle heavy too!