213. Egghead. Sleeping Santa.
A fun afternoon project. The design began with a hesitation to attempt another set of eyes. Easy fix, cover the eyes with the hat. Many iterations later you have this piece.
What I like about it most is the hat. The brim and tassel were first outlined with a veiner. Then the green upper part is cut with large, flat strokes. The tassel results as the upper green is completed. The brim is rough cut as a wavy line. It is then textured with a small U-gouge. He looks happy and rested, ready for cookies and milk to come.
Shalom.
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Prov 16:32
204 Cottonwood bark. Sailor/Sea Captain.
Trying to add pictures to this blog in a new way. Not sure if it will work.
The piece is a sailor/sea captain in cottonwood bark. I really like the size of this carving. Also, the overall look and “feel” is right. I imagine him on the Grand Banks, ala Rudyard Kipling’s “Captains Courageous” story. Have you seen Spencer Tracey in the movie?(Movie okay, book far better)
The color of the bark gives the figure a sun-bronzed look. Perfect for a weathered sailor. The white beard and hair catch some of the white flecks in untouched bark. An enjoyable piece to carve.
Shalom.
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Prov 15:23
192 Carving in the Round. Not just Vegetables
Some of you will recognize the faces. Some of you will know these are eggplants. Many of you might know they are made out of basswood. Most of you will not know that these carvings were once considered scrap wood, salvaged out of a junk box.
In a way they make a strong statement to me about life, about the lives of many people. They are seen as scrap, the world sets them aside, considers them unimportant, value,es. And yet, in each is something beautiful. Can you imagine what our world would be like if we all found the beauty, the value, the spark in each person we meet. Imagine that as you work on your next project.
(In case you missed it, this is a tip of the hat to Veggie Tales and their creativity.)
Shalom.
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Prov 13:10
191 Note to visitors. Greetings
I have always been intrigued by the location of all you who visit this blog. It would be an added pleasure to chat with some of you. It is a wonder of our world that we have the privilege of sharing with each other even over such great distances.
I have many questions for you all. What draws you to this blog? Are you wood carvers? Do you have other creative hobbies? Were you looking for something in particular in this blog? What in these posts benefits you? What else would you like to see, read, know? What do you know that you could share with me? And many more such questions.
A special greeting to visitors from Hong Kong. Nice to have you on board.
Shalom.
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” Prov 14:15
Carving in cottonwood.
A different slant on things 1a
A different slant on things 1b
Another carving. Three photos to go with our article. Amazing what one can learn. Of course, we aren’t saying how long it took.
A DIFFERENT SLANT ON THINGS.
Cottonwood is one of my favorite materials to use. As you can see, the bark of the cottonwood can be very thick. The exterior layer is usually gray and dark. The fun begins when the exterior is open and the grain of the bark is displayed.
A different slant on things 1c
Rich, deep reds, browns and yellows interplay in pleasing and exciting patterns. Before finish coats are added the exposed bark is a soft brown, often unremarkable. When a coat of sealer or wax is added cottonwood bark really stands out.
Cottonwood is a pleasing wood to carve. It is softer than most carving material. It holds detail nicely. One drawback is its fragility. When carving, you always need to be aware of the pressure being put on the various parts of the carving. Flexibility in design is a must when carving with cottonwood.
This piece is for sale today at a 10% discount on the Gift shop price. Contact me if you are interested.
John Klompmaker Carving 