[doris]

this was a fun project, and my only intention was to learn how carving with a mallet goes. . that is besides hacking big chunks of wood easily away ... therefore, design is poor, i just started without much planning, the spider actually was an afterthought. but since i was so happy about this new experience i want share this work, nevertheless .....

so, this witch is half of lifesize, and carved about 90 percent with using mallets, in particular the small spider is carved with mallet, only for rounding the legs, and cutting the narrow spaces between her legs, i put mallet aside... this was quite an interesting experience :-) i was very amazed when i carved the spider, how fine control one can have with mallet, just making very tiny tap, taps guiding the chisel carefully through the wood ... :-)

i love carving with mallet, i now can do several things i still cant without mallet, like stabbing circular cuts (i did on the irises, a pity it is hardly visible), carving with a gouge upside down, or making proper stop cuts, and precisely meeting removal cuts :-)

i was also trying to cut a decoration i have seen a lot in riemenschneiders work. he used it on clothes mainly, small borders like seams who are made (i think) to put emphasis on certain lines in the carving... i tried to do such on the "shirt", it is hardly visible after finishing. i just stabbed deeply with a gouge, but this is obviously not correct...how is this done ? (an example what i mean is st barbara of riemenschneider, a picture is in book "limewood sculptures of renaissance germany", plate 33, in the book it says its an easy and effectiv way of cutting these decorations, i cannot find how to do this at all, let alone effective)

long saying, but now please enjoy ..

[Thor]

St Barbara is one of my favorites! I think your edging is effective, even though you must want it to show up more. Hopefully, Mark will jump in with some suggestions on that part for us to learn from.
The witch is great. I like the spider in her hair as an added bit. Your eyes and brow have once again made the sculpture come alive. Thanks for showing this to us.
Mallets really are terrific tools.
Thor

[susieq]

Doris, your witch is wonderful, so much attitude and personality in that face. Wonderful job!
susieq

[tnartist05]

I was married to her for years!! LOL What another great job you did carving all the details in her face. Love that nose~ Very good work- Doris

[Tom H]

I think they had your carvings in mind when they said, "a picture is worth 1000 words" Tom H

[doris]

forrest, you made me laugh ... poor man you ;-) ... i am enjoying you all seem to like her :-) i sure had lots of fun carving her

[Bartster]

DORIS,

nice looking peice, i really like the facial expression, good work


bart

[Mottles]

Hey Doris, this must be the fun surprise piece you were talking about.
Oh she is really nice deez your good girl. I love the addition of the spider and such character you have carved into her (the eyes are great). I have a feeling that whether you use a power carver or mallet tools it's going to be good. Just be sure and develope the muscles on your non-mallet arm. LOL All kidding aside 'witch' is fantastic.
Kathy

[gene messer]

Great job Doris ... Looks just like a witch .. Great facial work ..

Are you going to leave natural ?

Great job ..

Gene

[Blinky Bill]

Doris,
I am a great admirer of your work, and enjoyed your witch a lot, just think I would have trouble sleeping in the room she is displayed in.... LOL
John