224. Cottonwood bark. Rustic Cabin
I still like carving bark. This piece was finished early 2018. The richness of the coloring, the rugged feel of the uncut bark, the flow of stairs and arches, and the quaint cottage crowning the piece all add up to a pleasing presentation.
Pictures five and six, closeups, are included to give a better view of the cracked and creviced surface of bark. At times one has to glue chunks back on in order to maintain some of the work completed or the flow of a piece. At other times pieces fall off and one is forced to rethink design to the improvement of the final piece.
Shalom.
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” Prov 22:29
222. Carving in the round. Old World Father Christmas.
This is a really old piece. I like the reminders of the story of Saint Nicholas. There was a real Nicholas. He was a 4th Century Bishop of the church, a wealthy man who lived in Turkey. He became well known for his acts of kindness and gifts to the poor and needy.
His reputation was passed on to 16th Century Europe. In England “gift givers” were referred to as ‘Father Christmas,’ France ‘Père Nöel,’ Germany ‘Christkind,’ the Netherlands ‘SinterKlaas’ (notice the tie back to Saint Nicholas). And in America, Sinter Klaas became ‘Santa Claus.’ No matter what the name, this figure reminds me of the original love motivating the gift giver, a tradition worth continuing.
The piece is basswood. The colors are Old World – ivory, winter green, ruby red, white, and gold. The face is medium flesh with a rose wash. All the colors except for white, are a ratio of 1/15 paint to water. It was finished by being dipped in boiled linseed oil.
Merry Christmas, Frohe Weinachten, Joyeux Noël, Vrolijk Kerstfeest.
Shalom.
“Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.” Prov 20:28
220. Carving in the round. Sparrows, Rocks, and Matthew 10.
Birds and rocks and wisdom. That is what these pieces are about. I love the curves of the birds against the less smothered curvy lines of the rocks and the straight lines of the sing and lettering. The contrast is pleasing.
I also like the dark branch lines running through in pictures 2 and 3. Basswood can have these lines at times. It makes for interesting coloration if you can work it into the piece.
Shalom.
“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” Prov 17:1
219. Collections and ideas. Old World Father Christmas, Saint Nicolas, Santa Claus, Sinter Klaas.
Where do your carvings or hobby projects go? Some sit on shelves at home because we can’t part with them. Some sit in boxes because there isn’t any more room on the shelves. Some sit on work benches or tables for years, “nearly” finished.
And some go to family and friends. Here is part of a collection held in Michigan. It is a joy to see others find pleasure in the things one creates. Perhaps this is the year for you to let go of more of yours. Gift them, donate them, sell them, but let the world enjoy them.
Merry Christmas
Shalom.
“What a person desires is unfailing love…” Prov 19:22a
214. Carving in the Round. Another Rustic Cabin.
Several versions of this cabin are around. Even one posted by an online scam. Must be interesting to people. No watermark here to protect my pictures. Better wood carver than computer technician.
Three unique features here. First is the porch structure. It came about because of a miscalculation. After the piece was blocked in it became apparent that the second story of the house looked odd. That made the hole above the horizontal beam necessary. Then the porch looked odd so the porch roof was carved away and the upper triangle was cleared to let light all the way through. You can see it in the fifth picture.
The other two features are in the roof. There the roof top is angled at the outside corners as seen best in pictures one and three. And, obviously one hopes, the thatched roof effect of the entire roof is the third feature to notice.
What are you working on these days? Anything to share?
Shalom.
190 Carving in the Round. Big Red
This project is seen here in photos of photos, thus the weak picture quality. It is one of the larger pieces I have done and is part of a private collection in Michigan.
It is a solid block of basswood approximately 15 x 12x 10. I give the dimensions because so much of the work was measuring, cross checking and re-measuring to get a close replica of Big Red. While I did enjoy creating this piece, the measuring and careful rechecking rank right there with sanding near the bottom of my carving tasks list of things to do.
Big Red? Yes, the Holland, Michigan lighthouse at the entrance where Lake Macatawa empties into Lake Michigan at Holland. The carving was done in a red wash while the real lighthouse is a deeper red. Compare the two photos of the l lighthouse in different weather and lighting.
Hope your projects are going well.
Shalom.
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” Prov 14:5
182 White pine project. Snow, ants, and memories of “Frosty”
The carving shown here is a work in progress. It is made out of aged white pine. One of the neat features is the insect trails left in the wood, most likely made by carpenter ants. One goal for the piece was to save as much of the insect “carved” wood while creating the carving.
A challenge with pine is to carve across the grain without splintering or tearing while trying for a smooth cut surface. That gets more difficult as the detail gets smaller. This snowman will eventually be finished with a little paint to the hat, scarf, gloves, nose and facial features. Natural pine coloration will be the “snow”. Any suggested colors?
Shalom.
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Prov 13:3
151 Carving texture. Max’s friend(thanks Dr. Seuss).
There are many things to remember, to think about, to include in a wood carving. One carving skill to work at is texture. The carver’s goal is to create a texture that enhances the piece presented. Texture should help catch the viewer’s eye, move the eye through the carving, and/or cover otherwise bland or blah surfaces with an eye-pleasing pattern or effect.
“Max,” named after a Dr. Seuss character in a story about Yertle the Turtle and a turtle named “Max”. In the story Seuss uses “a type of meter called anapestic tetrameter.” What that meter is exactly is not key for us here, however what is important is Seuss’ use of a kind of “texture” to capture reader’s attention. His “texture” is linguistic. Our Max here is wood and his texture is the small surface marking which give him character.
You easily see the large gouge marks on his shell. Then the smaller micro-gouge marks on his legs. But also note the knife marks on his head having yet another texture. All together they are eye-pleasing.
Shalom.
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Prov 19:11
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104 Woodcarving An Eagle Head
Jim Redhawk demonstrates how to carve an eagle head from a cottonwood blank. My version posted here as soon as I get photos to share. Enjoy Redhawk’s lesson until then. Shalom.
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
101 So much wood, so little time: Sequoia National Park
I just have to share a few photos of the Sequoias of California. It was a privilege and a blessing to walk among these great trees, grateful for their preservation and their beauty. I am only half joking about carving them. It would be grand to get some of this wood. I do carve cotton wood bark, so I had gone to the park hoping to be able to find a piece of Sequoia bark. After being there and touching one of the tree, I know better. The bark of these giants is spongy, made up of many small scales or flakes. I suspect it would not make a good base for a carving.
It is difficult to imagine trees this large, and then to imagine how much wood is in one. Not that I am in favor of cutting any of this beauties down, but, wow. I must say that, while the pictures are stunning, being in their presences is even better.
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- Sequoia National Park -first glimpses
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- Sequoia National Park – giants
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- Sequoia National Park – amazing color, texture, visual
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- Sequoia National Park – hide ‘n seek
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- Sequoia National Park burn survivor
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- Sequoia National Park burn survivor 2
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- Sequoia National Park – dizzying
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- Sequoia National Park – cool hang out
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- Sequoia National Park – find the car
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- Sequoia National Park – stunning
Shalom.
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
100 Carvings ideas: China
The pieces shown here are not done in wood. They are all clay. Home to them is a beautiful new museum in Tianjin, China. So what are these photos doing in a wood blog? Ideas, ideas, ideas. I love looking at how artists take the real world and make it in….you name it…clay, glass, plastic, fruit, yarn, paint, pencil, steel, junk, wire, string, paper, cloth. The variety is amazing, the talent, the creativity, stunning. The main character here has so many great details. Notice the tilt of his hat and the curl of the bill. No American teen could do it better. The shoes, both the one being repaired and his own, also have neat detail – thick soles, the kink of the leather, the stitching on his own, no laces. A wood carver could learn much from the angles of the limbs, head, and body. The fine details in the clothing – marks to indicate shadow or create shadow. And, we haven’t even begun to look at the two characters in the background. Enjoy. Would you share what details you find interesting in the others?
Shalom.
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
99 A place to put a roof.
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- Mountain home, this door lets the fresh air in.
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- Side porch, thatch roof
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- Mountain home, the other door lets the air out.
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- The back window has to be small to keep the varmits out.
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- Mountain home.
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- Mountain home, come set a spell.
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- Standin’ on solid rock.
In a previous post, 96, I shared two pictures from my Uncle’s house, pictures of old fashioned roof lines on old fashioned houses. Here is one of the houses I have worked on. The thatched roof has a mountain home feel. The doors work well, even though they aren’t t he same. After it was completed I thought perhaps I should have put bigger windows on the back side. What do you think? I really like the shadows the deep cuts make in the base. The next carving has more details on the porch. Each carving brings ideas for the next. I would value seeing some of your carvings. Care to share?
Shalom.
Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summerand gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6: 6,7,8
98 Whale ho!
Stylized blue whaleDo any of you remember a childhood book entitled, “Burt Dow, Deep Water Man”? Author Robert McCloskey (http://www.robertmccloskeymemoir.com/) wrote about an east coast deep sea fisherman named Burt who ends up inside a whale in a gale. The story begins with Burt hooking a whooper, a whale. His tiny boat can’t hold the whale, so Burt removes his hook and patches the whales tail with colorful bandage. The story ends with Burt placing a colorful band-aid on the tails an entire pod of whales. You will have to read it to find out about the gale and the whale.
ref=”https://johnklompmaker.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/image7.jpg”> Acrylic wash over cedar finished with boiled linseed oil.[/ca
“https://johnklompmaker.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/image8.jpg”> Cedar wood grain comes through in interesting ways.[/captio
p://johnklompmaker.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/image9.jpg”> Smile
[/caption]I think the smile on this guy comes across really well. Of course, whales don’t smile, but if they did, this is what they would look like.
So, another whale. This one came out beautifully. While cedar is not the easiest wood to work with, an acrylic wash has allowed the cedar wood grain to pour through adding another dimension of texture to the piece. The whale is a stylized blue whale. The piece about 12 x x 4 without the base.
The base is a piece of lake drift wood. Some color has been added to give the feel of ocean floor. The colors seem a bit intense in these photos, but when the piece is sitting on a counter or mantel the colors come through more subtly. The mounting, at angle, gives the piece a little more movement. I really like the last picture. The shadow and light make for a happy face.
This whale is now part of the collection of Mr. Rick Buteyn.
Shalom.
“It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.” Proverbs 18:5
96 Gifts to friends part one
“The Retired Golfer” in the collection of Mr. Ron Holwerda
One of the great joys of wood carving is the opportunity to share carvings with others. Last June two of my good friends and colleagues retired from teaching. Ron was my principal and Milt was the teacher in the room next door to me. I worked with them for 21 years. We had a great working relationship. And we got to know each other.
Golf is one of Ron’s passions. I am sure he can find time for a few rounds now. So it seemed appropriate to carve a golfer. The design is not my own, the workmanship is. I included a bunch of thumbnail views so you would get the full effect. I am curious to know how well they show up for you. It is the first time I have used the thumbnail feature.
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- Golfer 11 2013
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- Golfer 27 2013
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- Golfer 12 2013
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- Golfer 13 2013
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- Golfer 14 2013
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- Golfer 15 2013
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- Golfer 16 2013
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- Golfer 17 2013
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- Golfer 18 2013
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- Golfer 19 2013
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- Golfer 20 2013
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- Golfer 21 2013
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- Golfer 22 2013
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- Golfer 23 2013
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- Golfer 24 2013
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- Golfer 26 2013
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- Golfer 25 2013
The figure is bass wood. The base is a cutoff from a black walnut branch. Acrylic paint and boiled linseed oil are the main part of the finish. I learned from Tom Wolfe to use felt tip markers to add lines to the shirt and socks. I am pleased with how those turned out.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Shalom.
95 more carvings coming.
I had to relearn the WordPress process. It has been such a long time that I posted that WordPress has changed its process. The last post had only one picture because I kept adding pictures, paying no attention to the fact that I was merely replacing each previous picture with the new one. So, I have included in this post three more photos of the blue whale and a few others that were completed this summer. 
No, the whale is not dead. I took several pictures with my iPad with natural light streaming over my shoulder. I wanted to see what the light would do for the carving shadows. You tell me if there is a difference between the photo in post 94 and the one above.
A small bird carved from a piece of scrap wood. Texture created by running a small u-gouge over entire bird giving a feather effect.
Another view. I like looking at pictures of completed carvings. They remind me of the decisions made while in the carving process. Notice the tail. Its location and thickness was an important part of what gives chunk of wood its bird-ness.
While there is much about this bird that I like, the beak on the next ones, three waiting to be painted, will be stronger. Shalom. Need a great verse from the Bible today? Try Genesis 3:15. The first great promise of the Word.
84 Wood carving: Table in Changsha, Hunan, China
I begin this post with an apology to my good friend Alan(wdm) In a conversation with Alan this morning on QQ I invited him to look on the blog for a few pictures of a table in the Post Office of the school campus where we shared a few summers. This afternoon I come to my Dashboard and, horror of horrors, I find that I have only begun to set up the next post, haven’t finished it, let alone posted it.
Alan, sorry, here is the table I mentioned. Do you remember seeing it. Alina is the young lady in one of the pictures. Perhaps you saw her when we were walking through the classrooms.
There, enough. Let’s move on. Can’t you imagine having a formal dinner around such a wonderful piece? Or even an informal gathering with the table filled with munchies and drinks. But of course you will have to to Central South University of Forestry & Technology in order to enjoy it.
One of the great things about travel, for wood carvers, is the opportunity to see new wood carvings. One can only imagine the effort it took to trim and prepare this piece, to work it, and then to get it into place. The pictures rarely do a piece justice, at least my pictures, but this was an enjoyable find. Have you any interesting carving photos from any travels you have done? Would love to see them.
A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant. —Stephen Charnock
John Klompmaker Carving 
