NM Locust Tree WIP

[Mottles]

Untitled WIP
Medium: New Mexico Locust Tree
Size: 4' 8" inches Tall x 22" inches round x 7" Across

Hi Gang: Day 1

Has anyone ever carved New Mexico Locust? If so can you please tell me about your experience with it.


My hubby cut one down in the front yard that was to close to the house and really messy...sure got pretty lavender flowers spring all winding up in the garage.


He took the chainsaw to it yesterday and all that is left standing is 4 ft 8 inches.
So I thought before he removes it I wanted to try carving a woodspirit into it.

This morning I took my mallet and chisel and roughed out the area where I want the face and beard. I couldn't believe how easy the bark came off and down to carving wood.
So that is where I'm at now.


As always comments are very welcome,
Kathy

[Sharon of the Dell]

It's going to be great Kathy! looks like it will be a fun project too!

[Mottles]

Thank you, Sharon
Will start fresh on it Sunday, today I had carving club always fun lot's of laughs and good friendship.
I've never carved Locust before so it will be a new experience. One thing about it I don't have to lock it down or brace it. tee hee
Kathy

[Sharon of the Dell]

I'll be watching Kathy!

[Mottles]

Hi Sharon & the Gang:

Sunday, Day 2 got a late start on my woodspirit today, but got quite a bit of roughing-in done. I think my arms are going to be sore until I finish with the mallet work. I do have a Weecher power chisel unit that I probably should be using. I just feel at this stage I have better control with my mallet.

Funny thing on the left eye what looks like I may have drawn an eyeball---I didn't it's a natural stain in the wood. You just never know...it's all but perfect.

Sorry about the shadows on the carving I'll get some more pictures tomorrow morning.

As always I value your comments,
Kathy

[Mottles]

Hi All: Carving Day Three

Tried using my Weecher chisel carver on this carving with little success. Just not powerful enough to run the chisels though the wood. So will stick with the good old tried and true Mallet tools and Rubber Mallet.

Made for progress today and starting feel like this woodfellow may just have a place in our front yard. I've had neighbors stopping by to see what the heck I was doing. Some said I'd love one in their yard......I didn't give them much encouragement. tee hee

As always I value your comments,
Kathy

[Josef]

He's coming along nicely Kathy. I have not been game enough to date to attempt a spirit. One of these days....

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Josef

He's coming along nicely Kathy. I have not been game enough to date to attempt a spirit. One of these days....

Hi Josef:
Thank you, this is my first attempt at carving a woodspirit in a tree. I have seen your carvings and I don't think you would have any trouble carving a woodspirit.

They are such characters and no two ever seem to come out the same--even though I begin with the same technique. Check-out Mark Gargac on this site he does wonderful woodspirits.

I thank you, very much for taking the time to look at my WIP woodspirit and for taking the time to give me your comment.
Kathy

[Bob K.]

Looks like it's coming along great, Kathy...can't wait to see the finished project!

[Merle Rice]

Hi Kathy, you sure picked out a good project. Take your time and you will have a Winner. Looking forward in seeing it finished. Merle