Year End

My last carvings for the year. I needed to cut down a Birch tree because to top was dying. I carved this Santa face from a branch 1 1/2 inch in diameter and 4 inches long. It carved easily because it was green. The top and bottom has some crack marks as it drys, Time will tell if it cracks into the carving. The second carving is a Santa pin that I wore during this Christmas season. It is carved from a 1 1/2 triangle block, 2 1/4 inches long. I wish everyone a prosperous new year.

Cardinal Ornament

The cardinal seems to be a Christmas favorite. I like carving birds for ornaments because they can be hung the year around. That is why I put a lot of detail into them. 

Buffalo Warrior

This carving is from a rough-out that is 8 inches tall. This is what a medicine man might wear. I like the colorful hair wrap and beads. It contrasts all the brown tones.

Chip Carved Egg

I carved a tree design to both sides of this basswood egg. The egg is 2 inches in diameter and almost 3 inches tall. I drilled a hole in the top to hold artificial flowers. 

Santa Ornament

This Santa is carved from a 2 inch block cut at an angle  and is 6 inches long. I carved a layered beard and hair. The back is dished out.The beard and hair are painted with light buttermilk by Americana. Then I highlight with white. I used a bristle brush and dab most of the paint off. Also on the carved ridges of the hat although it doesn't show in the picture.

Happy Halloween

The pumpkins are about 11 inches tall. This is the first time I carved faces in a pumpkin.  I used my regular carving tools. I found out to show the shadow lines you need to make deep cuts. I hope the kids enjoy them when trick or treating.

Pins

I carved these faces so the hat would form a background for the face. The basswood is 2 by 2 3/4 inches and 1/2 inch thick. I draw the hat and the outside of the face. Then I carve the hat to the depth I want. Now I can carve the face and finish the hat. I use these for pins or magnets. I also use the eye end of a fish hook as a hanger and pin them to the cloth between the cabinets in my camper.