[windsong]

Hi Everyone
The first photos if of a practice stick it is approx. 6" long and its popular wood.I had not ever carved a woodspirit and before i tryed a walking stick i wanted to see if i could carve one before i tryed on a good stick .The second photo is of a 5'10" sumack stick with the face carved in it.It is not great but a fair start.Don,t get excited i,m not quiting the little people there to much fun and with Gene new lession i'm rearing to go!!!.I just wanted a hiking stick.Thanks for looking.
Vic.

[Eddy Smiles]

Vic... Nothing wrong with those woodspirits. Love the noses. Just for kicks and giggles did you plan those noses or is that just the way they came out. I'm not trying to be funny... nose are my biggest challenge. I have to start them big to get them looking anything like a nose by the time that I'm done.

[windsong]

Eddy i just stand in front of the mirror and make the chips flyHa.Ha.Eddy i never carving with any ideal about how it will finish out.Shoot!! i never even have a ideal of how to start i just make it look something like a nose then i get started on the eyes.I,m not to hard on my self I just carve for the fun and relaxing part or it.Have you found a new pup yet?WE just got a new pup its a Jack Russell and its full of energy our old Jack Russell has to find a place to hide when the pup finds her but she is loveing ever min. of it.
Vic

[Eddy Smiles]

Vic... Great philosophy! I need to start being more spontaneous. I try to incorporate my A-personality and when things don't turn out as I envision I get all frustrated.... beat myself to death!

No, we haven't started looking yet. We just picked up our baby's ashes from the Vet's today and the old feelings are still kind of raw. In a little over a month we head back up to TN for a spell and we'll take her ashes up and bury her under an old oak tree where our other dog lays. They both loved the mountains. Perhaps after this deed is done we'll feel more like looking for a pouch. Perhaps we'll bring one back from TN or perhaps we'll wait until we get back to Florida. Most deffinitely our next companion will be a lot smaller than Jackie was. While she was going down I had to lift and carry her up every stair and landing. I'm getting too darn old to be lifting and hauling around a squirming 50+ pound dog. We'll deffinitely have to downsize. Something like your Jack Russell sounds about the right size. Mama will make the final call on that one.

[knothole]

Looking good Vic you have what it takes, now get out and find that nice piece of wood and go for it. I like`em both...Bruce

[windsong]

Jack Russell are fine little dog and very smart.We use to keep Border collies and the down size was a welcome change.Yes Eddy i think all your carvings are great. But when you get stressed out just sit down with a block of wood and get the chips to going you maybe pleases with what you make most people are to hard on them self.JUST HAVE FUN its a hobby not a job.Just my thought for what thay worth!!

[windsong]

Thanks Bruce i want a Diamond Willow or a Aspen to make one out of but thay don't grow in KY.Thanks again for the nice words.
Vic.

[Eddy Smiles]

Vic... Check out this Smoky Mountain Carver's link. They sell all kinds sticks and blanks including Diamond willow.

http://www.woodcarvers.com/PRODUCTS.htm

Look under sticks staffs and canes!

[windsong]

thanks eddy big help.
Vic.

[Banjo]

Vic, you did a wonderful job on the hiking stick! Great detailing on the face especially with the eyes. Wish I could do that.