New to Carving

[Stevie Mac]

This mushroom was my first attempt at bit of carving, I used a lump of Lime that I got from a local estate. Once I finished it I thought it looked alright until it started splitting after a couple of days. The wood was still a bit green so thought that's why it split.

 

My second mushroom (sorry no picture) was done using a bit of Pine that had been gathering dust in the wood shed. This one turned out a lot better and my friend let me put it in her shop to try and sell. Babalu Hand Made Gifts from Around the World and Moray - 65 High Street, Forres, Moray, IV36 IPB

I priced it at £55 and someone has just bought it.

 

I want to start doing some more carvings as I have a good outlet to sell them but need some advice. So any advice would be appreciated.

 

Whats the best wood to use?

Wheres the best place to buy wood for carving?

Whats the best method for sanding the wood and getting good detail?

Whats best for treating the wood?

 

Anything else anyone can think of would be great.

 

Cheers All

[Bart]

Ive used Oak, Beech, Larch and Sycamore all seem nice in their own way but its all readily available to me, try contacting some local tree surgeons and estates. For sanding i just use a grinder with sanding disc, and then treat them with Danish or teak oil.