Green Man in North Dakota Bark

Found this Green Man hiding in a large piece of cottonwood bark from North Dakota. This is a nice solid piece of bark 5" wide and 3" thick. I start all bark carvings the same way, removing loose material where I plan to carve. I leave a natural area on both ends. Most of my carvings develop as I carve. I start with an idea and follow the wood where it takes me. I paint the eyes on a few of my bark carvings, mostly green men. It really makes the carving come to life. This carving was finished with water based polyurethane and it really shows off the beautiful grain. Thanks for following along!

Holly Wood

A carving buddy gave me a piece of holly. Never tried it before but, I heard it's pretty hard. I stripped the bark using a draw knife. Then I trimmed the ends for fresh cuts, and sealed with Anchorseal 2. Might try to carve this one green. Anybody have any experience carving holly?

Cedar Chief

If you went out to Shoal Creek living history museum in June or July, you might have seen me carving on this piece of cedar. Just finished it up at home. I applied a hand rubbed satin poly finish and a coat of Howard Feed N Wax.

After applying satin poly finish

Made the News

A local news reporter came out to Shoal Creek Living History Museum on Saturday. Interviewed one of the board members and our  town sheriff .  Roamed  the town  filming reenactors , it was good advertisement  for Shoal Creek . Caught
me working and talking to some visitors, but if you blinked you missed me on the news that night.

Shoal Creek July 1876

July 6th 1876 in the town of Shoal Creek. It was a hot and humid day but that didn't keep the crowds away. The women folk were trying to get the vote, deputies locked 'em up. But, let 'em out in time to cook supper. We elected a new sheriff, but he sold his seat to the corrupt Marshall Roe. Gunfight ensued and Sheriff Roe was shot down in the streets moments after he took office. After the gun smoke cleared, I made it back to the shop and got some work done on a cedar log. Love the smell of cedar and it sure finishes nice! I managed to get a few photos of the day's work. It seems I have a new roommate in the cabin, he left his old skin, but at least I didn't see any mice. If you didn't make it out this month you have a couple more chances this summer.

Shoal Creek July 2019 Event

If you're in the area, come on out! Saturday July 6th is a FREE Family Event. The Shoal Creek re-enactors will bring the village to life with shoot-outs and skits concerning the election of the new town Sheriff. The year will be 1876 with the celebration of the Centennial. Enjoy Family fun activities and historical demonstrations of life in Missouri during the 19th century. RAIN or SHINE