After finishing up the Christmas Ornaments I was faced with the dilema …what to carve next? During our weekly carving get togethers one of the gals was carving a daisy. I asked her if she would like to teach a few of us the technique…she said “Sure.” She is a very talented woodcarver…she graduated from high school with Far Guy.
She took the time to make study pieces….step by step carvings that help you to carve a piece along with very detailed instructions. Far Guy cut out a few round pieces of basswood. Bit by bit we learned how. In my case it is a good thing that no two daisies are alike! I struggle with transposing the position of the petal on top and what parts are over or under to the bottom of the petal…it must be a right brain left brain thing so I usually end up guessing!
The one on the right is pretty much done and the one on the left is in progress.
I woodburned a design on the underside of the daisy…a stem will be attached…and these five will someday be a bouquet. SOMEDAY.
I would like to carve one more project before Christmas ( a gift) and I would like to do the prototype of next years ornament before we are forced to carve inside because it will get cold on the patio!
My carving skills are improving. I began carving in the winter of 2004 at my Uncle Otto and Aunt Marie’s dining room table. Uncle Otto took Far Guy, Cousin Kathy and I under his wing and taught us the basics. Uncle Otto died on September 13 2004 his 68th birthday. After he died we didn’t carve for a long time…but eventually we all began to carve again. I think he would be pleased with how far his students have come.
Oh yes, Uncle Otto would be very proud. The daisies are very cute. I love your header collage.
ReplyDeleteThat will be a fabulous bouguet!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful header! Love it!
ReplyDeleteShirley H.
i think your Uncle Otto would be very pleased with your progress. The daisies will make a lovely bouquet.
ReplyDeleteI also like your fall header. I didn't realize it was so recent that you started carving. Somehow I thought you had been doing it forever. And the daisies are really wonderful. Thank you, Uncle Otto. :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are a very talented wood carver. How could the Daisies look anymore real. Those are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a woodcarver, self taught. I have many wonderful things he carved from beach wood, his favorite medium. I wish he would have taught me but I never thought to ask.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Learning new skills and techniques keeps the mind sharp. Your uncle would be very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteI admire people that do wood carving. It looks very difficult.
ReplyDeleteTalented carvers like you produce great carvings and in the process keep active. You've learned many techniques along the way.
ReplyDeleteOh I do like those daisies! Uncle Otto would be proud :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely carvings!
ReplyDeleteYour daisies are cute. A bouquet of five will look even cuter. I can just imagine how often I'd hurt myself if I tried carving. I wonder if you had any accidents when you first started.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am missing part of the end of my finger:)
DeleteThose are marvelous!
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks like you are getting the hang of it, judging from the looks of the daisy on the right. Can't wait to see a photo of the end project!
ReplyDeleteI just assumed from seeing some of your work that you have been carving for many years! Sweet story about Uncle Otto. Another reminder to "seize the day", while you can.
ReplyDeleteUncle Otto would be proud of your daisy - I think it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing much better than I could ever do! Those are lovely! Yes, Uncle Otto would be very pleased to see all the beautiful things you and Fr Guy have carved. My SIL's Dad is a carver (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Jim Sanders. He used to go to all the shows and I bet you probably rubbed elbows at some time without even knowing it. He's done some beautiful pieces and sells them at high prices. He's got cancer right now in his 70's but doing okay. I can't believe you're all done with your Christmas carvings but then I understand how you want to get them done outside. I'm not carving but I need to get outside and do some painting and maintenance before it gets too cold. I think I have time as I am still running the ac occasionally. Have a great day! I'm catching up with you as usual.
ReplyDeleteI love the daisies, and I too love your header--great photos arranged so well. Which reminds me...a couple of years ago you sent me some of your hand-made cards (I think as a prize for guessing snowfall or snow melt). I carefully saved one featuring a country road in fall, so I'd have it for a special occasion. On Sept. 4 I gave it as a 105th birthday card to a friend I've known for 65 years! The occasion was important and the card was perfect.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDelete