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!
Monday, June 25, 2018
Shoal Creek June 2018
The start of a new season at Shoal Creek Living History Museum. This is my third year, and it gets better every year. The day started with a view of turkeys on the drive in and a look at the bison on the way home. In between was full of answering questions of visitors, catching up with old friends, laughter, and a few shoot-outs. All in all, a great day.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Black Cherry
I came across some fresh cut black cherry. I removed the bark with a draw knife and sealed the ends with Anchor Seal. Hopefully that will let the moisture out the sides of the logs and keep the ends from splitting. To completely air dry takes a year per inch of diameter. I will probably try carving some of this green. Stay tuned.
Green Man
He is an original one of kind piece, hand carved from a piece of North Dakota cottonwood bark. He measures 10" in length and 4" at the widest point. This piece of bark was over 2" thick before carving.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Cherry Pie Rolling Pin
A commissioned piece I just finished, a maple rolling pin. This originally belonged to the customers mother. They wanted a tribute to her, and said she loved making cherry pies. I also carved her name on the other side.
There was a brand name on one end of the roller, Munising. With a little research on the internet, I discovered Munising Wood Products existed from 1917 - 1955 and was located in Munising, Michigan. They created kitchen wooden ware and advertised their products would last a lifetime.. The rolling pins were made from 'Selected Northern Rock Hard Maple'. Believe me when I say this was not an overstatement!
I started with a quick sketch and transferred that to the rolling pin. I used my Automach and Ryobi power carvers to rough in the design and finished with hand tools. Added color with thinned acrylic paints. The painted areas were sealed with a water based polyurethane, I fine sanded the other areas and applied a coat of Howard's Feed-N-Wax.
There was a brand name on one end of the roller, Munising. With a little research on the internet, I discovered Munising Wood Products existed from 1917 - 1955 and was located in Munising, Michigan. They created kitchen wooden ware and advertised their products would last a lifetime.. The rolling pins were made from 'Selected Northern Rock Hard Maple'. Believe me when I say this was not an overstatement!
I started with a quick sketch and transferred that to the rolling pin. I used my Automach and Ryobi power carvers to rough in the design and finished with hand tools. Added color with thinned acrylic paints. The painted areas were sealed with a water based polyurethane, I fine sanded the other areas and applied a coat of Howard's Feed-N-Wax.
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