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Monday, September 10, 2018
Big Shoal Country Fair
On Saturday, September 8, Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum hosted the Big Shoal Country Fair. It was a cool, rainy and windy day. But fellow woodcarver Kerby Vincent and I stuck it out along with other local artists and crafters. Pickin' on the porch, was local band Knobtown Skiffle Band. They entertained everyone with "old-timey" music. The trio consisted of an upright bass, washboard, guitar and dueling kazoos. Met some new friends and sold a few carvings. All in all it was a good day!
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Thunder Storm August 2018
Tuesday night's storm left a limb from the tulip poplar tree on my shed. Thanks to my wife, we were able to get it off the roof without any damage. Good news is I have some more carving wood. Stripped the bark and sealed the ends with Anchorseal 2, now to let it dry. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade or carving wood!
Monday, August 6, 2018
Shoal Creek First Saturday August 2018
Another good time at Saturdays event. The year was 1872 the weather was hot, but at least there was a breeze. The re-enactors are great and the skits are a always a 'blast' to watch. I took a few photos in the morning on the walk to the cabin. I get so wrapped up in my carving and talking with visitors that I don't get a chance to take a lot of photos. I'll try to get some good ones next month. September is the last 'free' event this year. I worked on a half log of cedar, cleaning off the sap wood and looking for the spirit inside. Stay tuned to see what I find. You can find more info on the museum here Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Rockwell Jawhorse RK9003
This is the best tool I have bought in a long time. I have had my eyes on one for a long time, just didn't want to spend the $130 - $140. They finally went on sale at Lowe's for $99. Now I wish I had bought it long ago. This vise is amazing, easy to clamp your project down and sturdy. It's rated for a maximum load of 600 lbs. It holds round and irregular items tight. I generally carve from logs, some of which I split or saw in half with a chainsaw. In the past I would smooth the back of cut area with chisels. With the Jawhorse I can clamp the split log and use my hand planer to smooth the back to a clean look. I finished three cedar logs and one mahogany in no time. I will be using this for a lot of different applications. It's light enough, 43 lbs., to take to carving demonstrations. If you're thinking of buying one, I highly recommend it!
Monday, July 30, 2018
Christmas in July 2018 Blue Springs
This was the first year for the Christmas in July event, at the Elk's Lodge, in Blue Springs, MO. Foot traffic was lighter than we would have liked, but overall we had a good day. Met some new friends and got a chance to visit with some old. Thanks to Shannon for her help in setting up and working the booth, and adding the lights and Christmas decor. Who say's you can't sell Christmas ornaments in July?
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Upcoming Events
Knotty Wood Spirits will be at the following events. Carvings will be available for purchase. Contact me for more info.
7/28/18 Christmas in July Craft Sale Blue Springs, MO
8/4/18 Shoal Creek Living History Museum Kansas City, MO
8/11/18 Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary Liberty, MO
9/1/18 Shoal Creek Living History Museum Kansas City, MO
9/8/18 Atkins Johnson Farm Country Fair Kansas City, MO
10/13//18 Harvest Festival Shoal Creek Kansas City, MO
11/3/18 Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary Liberty, MO
11/17/18 Oak Park Craft Fair Kansas City, MO
7/28/18 Christmas in July Craft Sale Blue Springs, MO
8/4/18 Shoal Creek Living History Museum Kansas City, MO
8/11/18 Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary Liberty, MO
9/1/18 Shoal Creek Living History Museum Kansas City, MO
9/8/18 Atkins Johnson Farm Country Fair Kansas City, MO
10/13//18 Harvest Festival Shoal Creek Kansas City, MO
11/3/18 Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary Liberty, MO
11/17/18 Oak Park Craft Fair Kansas City, MO
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Christmas in July 2018
I'll be in Blue Springs on July 28. Come on out and get your Christmas shopping started early!
Applying a Matte Finish to Cottonwood Bark
I use several finishes on cottonwood bark Deft lacquer, Howard Feed-N-Wax and even boot polish. Lately I'm using a water based matte varnish from Americana. I really like this product. It's easy and quick to apply and does not leave a shine on the carving. It's important to remove all the dust before applying any finish. I brush off the dust and then use a dry paper towel to wipe off the fine dust. I apply a light coat and do not allow it to puddle. Use a detail brush to pull the excess out of the detailed areas. I only use one coat and buff, when dry, with a crumpled paper sack if needed. As you see in the photos, when you apply the varnish it really darkens the bark and looks shiny. Fear not, it dries quickly, the bark lightens up and shine subsides. Hope this helps with your bark carvings, and thanks for following along!
Friday, July 6, 2018
Rose Brooch
If you follow along, you might remember a cameo brooch from a couple of years ago. Here's a link in case you missed it Cameo Brooch. I have been asked to come up with another brooch, this one with a rose. Here is the result. Carved from butternut, it measures 2 1/2" x 2". I attached the pin clasp with two part epoxy. Applied three light coats of Deft Satin lacquer and finished with a coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax. I really like the grain in this piece.
Shoal Creek First Saturday
Reminder- I"ll be at Shoal Creek this Saturday July 7, 1876. Come on out, and travel back in time!
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