Angel for the Nativity

If you follow my blog, you might remember I starting carving the Nativity a couple of years ago. I still have not carved any animals. But, I did carve the angel this year. I mentioned in a earlier post that I paint most Christmas carvings. Most, not this one. The angel is carved from butternut and finished with several light coats of lacquer. I prefer lacquer instead of polyurethane. Lacquer actually builds up one layer, whereas poly creates multiple layers with each coat. Poly also yellows over time.

Christmas Ornaments for 2015

I carved these Christmas ornaments from basswood. I don't paint most carvings. I make an exception for most Christmas carvings. I carved fourteen of the Santa light bulbs and ten Santa and snowman lapel pins.

Carver's Quilt

Our carving group presented this quilt for our friends at Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary at our Club's Christmas dinner.We set up at the nature center every month to display our carvings and demonstrate our techniques. We have gained a few new members, and have brought in new visitors to the center. A win win for both of us.

Everyone started with a predrilled 4" x 4" x 1/2" basswood square. They then carved, burned or painted whatever they chose. One rule, it had to pertain to nature. All the squares were then laced together with leather to create a great wall hanging.

Everyone done a great job, and our friends loved it!

Christmas 2015

I have all my Christmas ornaments carved, and most of the large carvings. It's time to head to the paint table.

Northland Woodcarvers Made the News

Northland Woodcarvers members, Kerby Vincent and Randy George, made the local paper. Liberty Tribune reported on the upcoming Fairy Tale Forest at Martha Lafite Nature Center. Six members helped carve pumpkins for the annual trail of jack-o-lanterns.

Halloween 2015

If you follow along, you know I carve something for my nieces and nephews for Halloween. Had two extra to do, twin baby girls born this year. I carve something different each year. These were from 2" x 2" basswood. Painted with acrylics and sealed with a matte varnish.

Black Walnut Wood Spirit

Found this guy hiding in a walnut log. Log measures 16" long and 4" diameter. Sealed with lacquer.

Knife Handle Carving Contest

Just finished my entry for the Helvie Knife Contest. My first time entering the contest and my first attempt at carving a copperhead snake.

Pugilist Final Update

Well, the Pugilist is finally completed. He is carved from basswood and mounted on a walnut base. He measures 7" tall and the base is 6 1/2" wide and 8" long. The only finish is Howard Feed N Wax. I see a few things that I would do differently next time. But that is how we learn, always strive to make the next one better. Thanks for following along!

Pugilist #5

I decided to woodburn the mustache and eyebrows. I also finished carving the hands. If you follow my blog, you know I don't like to paint my carvings, except for Christmas projects. So I applied a coat of Howard Feed N Wax to all the pieces. The first photo was taken before applying the wax. All that is left is to make a base from walnut and mount the carving.