[Tom H]

You could say I am cheap, and don't want to waste wood. But for the past 2 years at the Dayton show I have been mesmerized by the tiny carvings of Donald Mertz (the Wood Bee Carver). So having some time on my hands while waiting for wife to finish shopping I tried my hand at the tiny stuff. All I had was my pocket knife, but this stuff is fun. At my age, I don't think I'll approach the level of excellance of Donald Mertz, but its still fun. Several questions remain: sanding???Painting???

Tom H

[BobT]

Wow! I am impressed. Looks like good work.

[Robert Cahill]

Those are some great looking carvings. I have never had the privilege of seeing any of the carvings first hand but after seeing Gene's and Donald's carving on this site I started with smaller ones in the Jack Price style mostly .I doubt if I will get as good as you are doing on something that small but it is something to attempt anyway great job and thanks for sharing

[wood-whittler]

tom,



those are some neat little peices, good work on them all.


bart

[JimSawyer]

Wow, great detail! Especially in such a small space.

[Ashbys]

Tom ,

You have a good start. Don's work is amazing ,,, I can hardly beleive what he does .

Well done.

Ash

[tucker1931]

Hey Tom, GREAT STUFF, after receiving your little package it looks like I'm also heading in that direction, I love those little folks, critters and all. I was just gonna post some small xmas ornaments that I've been foolin around with.
Cliff

[JimSawyer]

When I make my roughouts, I see thie wood in the waste and I've allways thought, "there must be something there", and you've shown me what's waiting to appear. I think I must use this wood for something. Now I know. thank you.

[snickerbocker]

Tom,
These are great. I love miniatures.

[Donald K. Mertz]

Tom H, my compliments to you as you have captured the spirit of carving small and with a knife. They are super carvings. In my experience, small carvings like yours do not need any sanding as that would take away from the crispness of the detail and detail is what makes small carvings stand out. For a quick natural finish, use an artist brush to apply Deft, semi gloss. Or brush on boiled linseed oil and when dry apply a coat of deft. Either finish would both protect and bring out the detail. If interested in painting, visit my Blog and look up "Painting Softly" for one way to paint carvings in my style. Keep up the fun carving. Don