CarrieonCarving

Hi Russ A good first attempt. One of the things that helps me is to mentally simplifying the shape of what I'm trying to carve and go for that shape. An otter, for example is an elongated peanut. When I'm doing owls I think of a tilted rugby ball at 45 degrees. One end of the 'ball' (the head) is rounded the other end (the tail) is is pointedand elongated. The tip of the saw is great for marking in the face either side of the beak at right angles. Hope this helps. Carrie http://www.carrieoncarving.co.uk

Thanks Woodcrafter for the info. Carrie

Thanks Richard you're a star! Ive ordered two. I would never have figured out that it was the same part that is found in a leaf blower. Carrie

I think I need to change the fuel filters on both my MS192 chainsaws but internet searches just come up with US companies. Does anyone know of a supplier here or is it something I can only get done through a Sthil dealer? Thanks in advance for any help. Carrie

Thanks Kevin. They were a pain to get smooth! Carrie

Thanks. It is coloured with dark brown acrylic so it won't fade. The distance shot doesn't really show this. Carrie

This was an interesting commission. More pictures on my website as I'm having trouble loading more than one here. Carrie http://www.carrieoncarving.co.uk

I'm not keen on carving Laylandii personally. I find it gums up the saw. Carrie

Thanks Lazarus. Burning is another approach but you still need those white stripes don't you. I did think about wire wool and vinegar since I was carving oak and that might have been better than the solid black. Ian you've done what Lazarus suggested and it turned out well. Thanks for posting. Carrie

Last picture. Carrie

Sorry about the sideways photos. There doesn't seem to be an edit facility here that I can see. Anyway here's the painted badger:

I'm still pondering the need for colour on carvings. Personally I don't like paint and minimally stain whenever I think it's really needed. So I guess if you carve a zebra and don't colour it then you've carved a horse. Is it the same with a badger: Still interested in your thoughts. Carrie

Very sorry to disappoint you anonymous poster above. Carrie

Thanks guys. The paint triumphed again. I do also burn the eyes of carvings, usually bears where I want to blacken the surrounding facial areas as well. Carrie

Every time I carve an animal I tend to black the eyes and nose with acrylic paint. What is the general consensus of opinion out there. Does it enhance or detract? Carrie