Merlin Brings Home the Blue

Merlin won Carving of the Month at last night's Kansas City Woodcarvers meeting.

Snowman Ornament

Here is simple ornament that is fun to carve. I start by drawing a snowman head with a few different hats. I then transfer the pattern to a  1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 4" basswood block. By placing two heads on the block, it is easier to hold on to while carving.

Round off  the heads and rough in the hats.

Continue rounding the carving, there are no corners on a snowman.

 Carve in the details

Looking pretty good.

  I used a scroll saw to separate the two heads. Ready for paint.

First Ornaments for Christmas 2013

And so the Christmas carving season begins.....
I am actually getting a later start than usual, but here is the first batch. A tip to painters, don't throw out those pizza boxes. I recycle them by using them at my paint station. They contain the mess, and come in handy when I want to move the carvings outside to spray on a couple coats of lacquer. I keep a carving knife close by in case I get a little sloppy. It's easier to let the stray paint dry and carve it off, than try and wipe the wet paint away. It usually makes a bigger mess. I also have a piece of scrap basswood if I want to test the shade of paint mix, and a pair of magnifying glasses to help my old tired eyes.

Home Sign

I don't carve a lot of signs because I don't like to do lettering, and most carvings don't last long outside. But, I carved this one, out of pine, for our well. Mom & Dad bought the home place in 1962, Dad named it George's Lil Acre. We were in the country in 1962, but progress has changed that over the last 51 years. When Dad passed away 10 years ago, the wife and I sold our place and moved back home. I carved this as a tribute to Dad, I'm sure he's looking down, smiling.

Here's Merlin!

Here is the completed Merlin. He was hand carved from butternut 7" x 15" and 3" thick. He has a finish of 50/50 mixture boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits, and two light coats of satin lacquer. I love carving butternut, but it is getting harder to find. It holds detail well and has a beautiful grain. I am pretty happy with how Merlin turned out.

Merlin Update 2

More progress ....................

Before and after applying finish, boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits 50/50.

Merlin Update

Today's progress on Merlin.............