Crayon Santa Ornament

We had our first snow of the season last night. It's a little earlier then the last few years. With Christmas season coming up carvers gear up to the season. The snow is a reminder in the joy of a white Christmas. When I seen the Crayon Santa in the Carving magazine I just had to carve one, ah three. It is carved from a 1 inch square by 6 inches long. I did round off the hair and beard because it gives a softer look.

Country Bears

The next month I will be carving some things to be for sale at a craft sale the first week in December. I want to have a better display of affordable items than  last year. We live in a smaller town where we know a lot of the people here. It is nice to be able to visit with people we don't see to often. Last year I was able to barter for a jar of huckleberry jam which tasted very good. I enjoyed myself and it was worth my time.
The country bears are carved from 2 inch square by 4 inches tall basswood. The profile is cut so you can carve a variety of clothes and arms. The front was cut around the head only.

  

Pumpkin With a Roof

This is a Halloween carving in cottonwood bark. It is 5 inches tall. The back has been relieved to fit a tea candle inside. A flap of mat board was added to reflect the light towards the front. I tinted the pumpkin with orange oil paint. I didn't want it too orange, but I think it could be a bit more to contrast it from the rest of the carving.

 

Indian in Cottonwood Bark

I've been working hard at carving the face in bark. I was thrilled to win a best of division at the Spokane carving show.

Buffalo Shaman

In ancient times shaman was a counselor and healer. The bison provided food, clothes, and shelter for the American Plains Indians. This was a great spiritual significance. A nomadic lifestyle allowed the people to stay close to the herds. Before the hunts the tribal Shaman (religious leader) asked for strength for the hunters and success in the hunt. This is from a Rex Branson roughout. It is 9 1/2 inches tall. 

Santa Ornament

My daughter asked for a carving for a good cause she is working on, but she didn't want a cowboy. It just isn't girly enough. I bet there are some ladies who do like cowboys. They have a fashion show, lunch, and a silent action to raise money for the Women's Center.  They are putting gifts together in baskets. The wine and chocolate should go good with a santa ornament the coming holiday season. The santa is 6 inches tall and relieved in the back.

Trinket Boxes

I wanted to start out small with my chip carving using simple designs. These two boxes are from a craft store. Some of the boxes have open grain and soft wood making it hard to carve sharp edges. I don't know what kind of wood this is but I like the brown stripes. The first trinket box is 2 1/2 inches by 2 inches. I carved a 7 point rosette on the top. The second trinket box I also carved a 7 point rosette on the top. It is 3 1/2 inch by 2 1/4 inch and 2 1/4 inch tall. On all the sides I carved a double border of positive diamond with wedge cuts. It is drawn in with 4 mm squares. A fellow carver gave me this hint on holding your chip knife at the correct angle. He cut a 50 degree angle on a small piece of 3/8 inch wood so you can lay it against the blade of your knife.