Mini Decoy Carved

I added an 1/8th inch to the bottom of the mallard decoy so it would look a little more rounded at the bottom. I was able to improve the curl at the tail. For the eyes I drilled an 1/8 inch hole while the bird was in the squared form. After carving the head I used a dowel for the eyes. I rounded the end of the dowel on a drill motor with sand paper and made sure it fit the hole. I burned in the nostril, every thing else is carved. I kept it simple and any detail wanted can be painted on. It is now ready to paint.

Mini Duck Decoy

This is my first carving of a mini duck decoy. It is a male Mallard and is about 5 inches long. From this I will be able to see what changes I will need to do in the design, carving and in painting. In a future blog I will tell what I changed. This time of the season the ducks, geese and swans migrate north. They stop at the shallow ends of the lake to feed. It is an enjoyable time to bird watch as there are so many birds.

Chickadee

I carved two Chickadee's, one in basswood and one in white pine. The one in pine I used the stone on the upper back and head. I was also a little more aggressive with my stoning. I like the softer look a little better on the Basswood. I use a knife and gouges to cave birds,  and power for stoning. These birds are intended to be hung as a Christmas ornament or I hang mine in the motor home from one of the ceiling vents.

Elektra

This is the 5th Hitty doll I have carved. I created a list of names and number five was to be named Elektra. My daughter liked the name so she claims this doll. I am carving the faces the same but they all look a little different. She is a little over 6 inches tall. The arms and legs are pegged with a dowel.

A Good Day For Fishing

This carving is from a caricature pattern shared by Marv Kaisersatt in a carving magazine. He is 9 1/2 inches tall. I like ice fishing so I was able to relate to this fisherman. It's wise to dress in layers of clothes because the temperature can change throughout the day. It's also nice to add that detail to the carving. I decided not to paint this caving and leave it with a lacquer finish.

Coffee Scoop

This coffee scoop is carved from cherry wood. I carved the bowl deeper to hold more coffee. For the star I used kolrosing and I used espresso grounds rubbed in the lines. This scoop will go in our motor home. When we go camping I like a latte in the afternoon. I use an espresso maker for two shots of coffee, one shot of black cherry syrup, and one cup of milk heated in a microwave to 160 degree's. It's not being spoiled but enjoying what the day brings us.

Heart Family

My friend Jack shared a pattern of these hearts with our group of carvers. He had done one in cottonwood bark. I had a piece of butternut big enough to carve this. It is 6 1/4 by 5 inches. The hearts represents a mother, father and child.