Wood Carving

[Gabby]

I just bought a slightly upgraded wood carvers hand tool set.
It has some gouges and a straight knife.

I'm tired of whittling around the camp site and not being able to carve what my mind wants into a piece of wood.
We'll see if the kit makes my masterpieces any better (doubt it).

I have always wanted to get a (name) camp sign for our camp and family but have never bought one.
I have always wanted to make one on my own this way (at least to me) it will have a personal touch.

I'm thinking of carving one.
Any suggestions on the type of wood I should use and how to coat it?

I'm thinking something around 10" X 16" or so.

[ForestCreature]

Basswood is a soft wood and easy to relief carve. you can find it with the bark on or cut into slabs sans bark.

Another nice wood but slightly harder is butternut, nicely grained and has a warm tone when finished.

Then there's always pine too.

For either, exposed to the outside elements I'm a big fan of spar varnish.

[Yak]

Basswood is a soft wood and easy to relief carve. you can find it with the bark on or cut into slabs sans bark.

Another nice wood but slightly harder is butternut, nicely grained and has a warm tone when finished.

Then there's always pine too.

For either, exposed to the outside elements I'm a big fan of spar varnish.

Butternut info

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1016/is_n7-8_v99/ai_14378233/

[ForestCreature]

Interesting info on the Butternut Thanks for the link.

[ForestCreature]

Well, I just finished my first cane topper. It has been given to a local cane project for veterans.
Being a relatively new woodcarver I,m pleased with the results. Can't wait to start the new season and leave the shaving where they belong. In the woods!

[Big Air T]

Have fun with that new kit!  Be sure & keep us posted on your masterpieces.

[DT Sante Fe]

Well, I just finished my first cane topper. It has been given to a local cane project for veterans.
Being a relatively new woodcarver I,m pleased with the results. Can't wait to start the new season and leave the shaving where they belong. In the woods!

Very cool !, Nice job.

[WaunaCamp]

beautiful job Forest Creature!

[ForestCreature]

Thanks! I'm starting on eagle #2. I'm trying this one without the advice of fellow carvers.
I have a few 6 different projects going so it may take another 6 weeks to finish.

[ForestCreature]

Well, it appears I'm the only carver wannabe here?  I took a workshop on Cypress knees this past June, I finished up my first knee about 2 weeks ago. also a walking stick a month before that (I need to take a pic of that one) I still have an eagle head topper, another knee, 2 walking sticks and another wood burning in the works.  A couple of those are close to completion.

Here's my first Cypress knee wood spirit

[luvourjayco]

Hubby started carving a couple of years ago.  He has done a wolf head walking stick,  a soaring eagle, and a dog clock.  Nice stuff.  I bought him a kit for christmas and he is starting to carve some when we are camping.  I really hope he continues.  Right now though everyone wants cutting boards that he makes and it is keeping him too busy.

[TimK]

What a wonderful thing: to pick up a piece of wood and "see" an object, and then to carve it out! Wow! More power to you.

[ForestCreature]

Well I've finished a couple more projects. This is my favorite of them..