[Linda L]

Just spent an hour trying to find an example of a carving pattern style I wanted to discuss, but no luck! Maybe someone can help me out.

The one author that shows the technique I've seen, is Cyndi Joslyn and I believe her books are published by Fox Chapel. I have her "Northwoods Nativity" book.

The reason I bring this up, is that as a beginner one of the most difficult roadblocks I have hit is trying to "see" in 3D. Most tutorials show step-by-step, but go from having the wood on the blank to the next picture with it removed---sounds easy! Not for me . Don't know if other beginners have this problem, but then I can be as dense as a stick of maple!

What I REALLY like about Cyndi's approach is the way she uses "cross-hatching" lines in her photos to show where wood will be removed. I get the center line and transferring patterns, etc, but that's where I get "lost."

For example, let's say I'm going to carve a duck. Transfer the pattern, cut top and side views. Draw center line and other critical marks on the wood. So, now I have a duck with a bill the width of the body!!! In Cyndi's style, she would cross hatch the areas on the bill that need to be removed. Hope that makes sense!

Just wanted to share one of my major frustrations as a beginner and maybe plant the seed in any authors planning tutorials that for beginners, this method, at least for me, seems to work best. Once I've done a few with this guidance, I can begin to "see" instinctively where cuts should be made, but for now, I see a duck's bill 4 inches wide !

Just my rambling for the day!

Linda

[jillsy]

Hi Linda,
I understand your frustration as a beginner because I've been there myself many times. I made one of my first Santas from Cyndi's book too and know exactly what you're talking about. She makes it very easy to "see" what you need to cut (and why).

I now apply alot of what she taught into the carvings I do now. At this point, I don't have the patience to carve that way - it's very precise and technical, which isn't very fun for me. I prefer to free hand it all and try and figure it out on my own. I'm sure my Santas would come out better and more correct if I kept carving that way, but I'd rather learn from my mistakes and do it my own way (which is taking bits and pieces from what I'm learning from everyone and applying it all, not just one carving style.)

Don't worry. You'll get there too - just like everyone else! We're all on different levels and at every level there are new challenges to master - at least, I hope so, otherwise, it'd get pretty boring!

Jillsy

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

You may be getting too hung up in exactly following directions. Try taking a small piece of wood, maybe an inch and a half square and maybe three or four inches tall, it really isn't important, and carve something, anything, using just a knife (no pattern or picture, that's cheating, only your minds eye). Maybe you'll surprise yourself.

[Linda L]

I am getting there, bit by bit. Biggest problem for me is finding time to go from point A to Z without having to stop for something/someone. Jillsy wasn't it you who posted about that problem? Can't imagine being back with two little ones!

Actually, I haven't figured out why, but believe it or not I seemed to have MORE time when my kids were little. Now I have grandkids and a retired husband! NO time for anything it seems! Enjoy it while you can, sorry to report it only gets worse .

As far as carving, I think it's more a case of building confidence than anything. The few things I have carved have mostly been without patterns. The few I tried with =disaster!

The reason I wish I had started with Cyndi's tutorials (and should go back and try one) is that in my case, once I get the technique and "feel" for where things should go I'm off and running. Just that first "real" successful carving is the toughest!

OK, quick story about the learning curve (May have shared this before, if so you can skip this ) Years ago I was learning to do taxidermy type work for my Environmental Education programs. I had about every road kill animal/bird you could imagine in my freezer. All the neighborhood kids would come knocking on my door to lead me to them---and of course the scream---STOP! that drove my hubby nuts when I would see something unusual on the road! Side note: Everyone says it's MY fault my adult sons have warped senses of humor---no one got into MY freezer without asking first!

Off track. Anyway, I had this very small little bunny that I decided to try to "live mount" rather than just make a study skin. OMG! I really thought I knew what I was doing and didn't use any reference photos. Everyone knows what a baby bunny looks like---right??? Well, this one is a new species. Head only about an inch diameter, but body 6" long! and Big Pointy Teeth!

It happened to be almost Halloween, and I had it pinned to cardboard to dry. Walked by and one of my "warped" sons had put a sign on it..."FRANKENBUNNY".... that silly rabbit is still here 15 years later. They won't let me toss it!

Gather references FIRST! Lesson learned!

Anyway, I just thought that a beginner trying to "get their head around" a 3D carving could benefit greatly from this type of tutorial. After getting your feet wet, your imagination is the only limit!

Thank Ed and Jillsy, your input is appreciated. And Ed, if I try a freehand bunny and he turns on me, I'm sending him to YOU!!!

Linda

[ppinkston]

Hi Linda,

I'm a beginning carver of about 5 weeks now. I know exactly what you are talking about.

Cyndi Joslyn has been a life saver for me.

We are presently doing a Santa in Cyndi's internet class.

The BEST $50.00 I have ever spent.

Cyndi is Wonderful. Nothing like having an Expert right there to answer any and all questions.

Linda, check out Cyndi's web site. She is planning on doing a second internet class in September.

If it hadn't been for Cyndi I would still be hitting my head against a brick wall.

Cyndi knows what it takes to help us beginners. I can not thank her enough.

I wish more carvers would consider teaching carving by way of the internet. That would help us beginners greatly.

Good Luck Linda,

Paul

[Bob_in_TN]

Linda, I will suggest you carve an egg. You probably have a "go by" if needed, and you also should be able to visualize what an egg looks like. Sounds simple, but I would give it a try. Next, try a "ball in a box", you now have to visualize the ball in the box, might help to get the brain, eyes, and hands talking to each other. Don't know your experience, but almost sounds as tough you may be moving too fast. It's good to push yourself, but start slow. Just my 2 cents. Bob

[Linda L]

Thanks Bob, I've been seriously thinking of the ball in the box, or a chain as a "carry along" to practice. Sounds like the "exagerated 3D" might get through this thick grey matter!

For what it's worth, with inflation your 2 cents is quite valuable---at least to me!

Linda

[Greyhair]

There is a santa carving (World Santas) book that does an excellant job of teaching to carve in 3D. It has a pattern for all four sides as well as the top and bottom. It starts at the top and works its way down the little 2x2 inch santas. The other technique it uses is that the nose is on one of the edges rather than in the middle of a side. This really helps with the process of seeing it in 3D. The pictures are clear and instructions precise. If you do one or two of these small santas it becomes natural and you can get the idea from there. I have taught three new carvers using this book and they all got the 3D idea down quickly.

[Linda L]

Greyhair, is the book you are talking about "Carving Santas From Around the World: 15 Quick and Easy Projects to Make and Give?" I did a search, and that was the one that kept coming up.

If it is, we've come full circle! It is written by Cyndi Joslyn, the same author who wrote the "Northwoods Nativity" and uses the unique techniques I was talking about when I started this thread. I must admit though, I was only aware of the way she marked the wood to be cut away. This book sounds like she truly does write for the beginner.

Not been a big fan of Santa carving (well, except for Teri Embry, my favorite), I've not really considered carving them. This book might be worth picking up to make a few gifts for the Santa collectors in my life while learning along the way. Hey, more bang for the book!

Please let me know if this is the same book, or if you're taling about a different one!

Thanks, now I have to add ANOTHER bookshelf. Such sacrifice !

Linda

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Look up the "5 minute owl" on the internet...good beginner carving.