A Request Fullfilled..... Finally!

In 1973 my brother gave me a set of Buck carving gouges. He asked that I make a carving for him with the set. I never did get into carving with gouges. I made a couple of relief carvings but used my Swiss Army knife and an Exacto knife and that was it. Then, in 2005 I retired and Pat and I downsized and had a huge yard sale. The Buck carving gouges found a good home that summer. Fast forward to present time and I'm into carving in a big way. As you know, in 2009 a Dremel replaced the Exacto knife and just last week, I stepped up to a Mastercarver Flex-Shaft carving system.

Above is my carving bench, vacuum system and new Mastercarver. The object of this post is standing on the center of the vacuum opening in the carving bench. That's "Chesty" the USMC Mascot Bulldog. "Chesty" (I hope) is to be added to my brother's "War Room." And after all this time, "Chesty" is going to be the surprise piece long in waiting since 1973 to be carved just for my brother, Bob.

Bob is a retired military Vet. His years in the service include the Marines, Air Force and Army Reserve. He was deployed to "Desert Storm." However, it is his Marine service that he is most proud of. As they say, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."

And so "Chesty" is the piece that I believe will have a place of honor in his "War Room."

"Chesty" started out as a 12"X3"X3" piece of basswood.

"Chesty" stands 5 1/4" tall.

"Chesty's" pose is from a picture of a lawn ornament I found on the web.

First, he's cut out on the band saw.

With some practice, I've learned to cut out the sides, front and rear by holding all of the cut pieces in place. Of course, that means I've got to be careful how I hold all the loose pieces in place... or else keep the band-aids handy!

But, when successful you can save an enormous amount of time.

Much of "Chesty" was carved with the Dremel. Work on "Chesty" was put on the shelve due to our trip north this summer.

In short order "Chesty" was beginning to look "mean."

"Chesty's" ears were not fit to represent a Marine Mascot. Time for some "surgery."

After a "painless" surgery, "Chesty" is proud of his "new" ears!

I received the Mastercarver soon after we returned from our trip north. I worked all of "Chesty's" details with the Mastercarver. It took me an hour or two to get used to the feel of the Mastercarver handpiece and foot pedal. I'm still waiting on the Detail Pro handpiece (back ordered) but the system was well worth the expense.

Now it's time for "Chesty" to "get into" his dress blues...

Sargent "Chesty" ten-hut! Inspection......

Rrrrrright face!

Rrrrrrright face!

Rrrrrrright face!

Rrrrrrrright face!

AT EASE MARINE!

"Tinker Bell"

"Tinker Bell" is Ashley's favorite Disney Character. Ashley is a very special young lady to Pat and I. Ashley is our Great Niece. She has been and is a huge part of our lives (especially Pat's)  from the day she was born. Recently, Ashley graduated from college and is now out on her own and is working feverishly to experience all life has to offer. Her exuberance and zest for life is boundless. With great pride, I carved and painted "Tink" especially for Ashley. In so many ways "Tink" represents the wonder, goodness and tenacity that abounds within this extraordinary young woman.

Before I begin my carvings I get to know the recipient. Each carving includes a Power Point Program of the carving from photo selection through to the finished piece set to a fitting song that "tells the story."

Pat and I literally watched Ashley grow up. While Ashley's Mom worked, Pat took care of Ashley for nearly the first two years of this very special little "Peanut's" life (the nickname Pat gave Ashley).

As with all my carvings, I select a photo that "fits" the person receiving it.

I found this "Tink" in the Dollar Store Ashley frequented while attending Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. (Aside: Pat and I flew out to Azusa for Ashley's graduation. Seeing as Pat and I do NOT fly, you have an idea of just how much Ashley means to us.)

Then, the carving is sketched out...

This time, I cut out the photos to make the silhouette on all sides of the basswood.

Carving "Tink" will require more patience and time given that she has thin wings and her seated position will make the carving... shall I say, somewhat uniquely tricky working with a Dremel.

Next, the big time-saver, coping "Tink" out!

I decided to cut the front and back off first. Then, I held the cut pieces back in place to enable me to cut off the sides.

The above "exploded" view lets you see the soon to be "Tink" remaining in the center.

Now, "Tink" can be "outlined" and "cutout" taking care to leave enough wood for features.

I'll leave the face "full" until I render more of the body and extremities. Wings will be last so that I can physically handle the piece without any (gulp) breakage.

If at all possible, I try to carve all my pieces out of a single piece of wood. However, in some cases (i.e. mistakes) I may need to perform "surgery." In "Tink's" case, I really took my time, she worked up from a single 3"x 3"x 4 1/5" block of basswood.

Once the figure begins to take shape the fun part of the piece begins.... the detail!

Next, closing in on the finish...

The piece is sealed first.

Now we add some "Pixie Dust" and color....

.

.

.

.

.

From base to the tip of the wing, "Tink" stands 4" tall. Ashley too is petite in size but just like "Tink," Ashley spreads her own very special "Pixie Dust" by her example, concern for others, enthusiasm and love to everyone she meets!

"Max" (Goofy's son)

After a few weeks off here's the next piece ready to go home.

"Max" is Goofy's son.

I settled on the animated "Max" in lieu of the live "Max." I started out with the hair style of the live "Max" but, as you'll see, that just didn't work.

First, a little time on the band saw.

Now we can get down to business.

"Max'" pose made for good access for his extremities and features.

But, the hair just doesn't do it for me.

Like many carvers out there, I'm sure that as you work a piece you're open to making changes to the piece. Sometimes it becomes a necessity.

Well, that "chunk" of wood on "Max'" hair did it for me.

Off with his hair!

I need a way to "imbed" his new hair...

Above you see the "surgery" and his "replacement" hair.

What kid wouldn't want this "Mohawk?"

 and voila....

Much better!

Now for some color.

OK "Max," time to go to your new home!

"Strong Bad"

Hey, if you don't know him, neither did I! One of my friends at work found out I was carving characters for some of the people at work. He asked if I'd carve him this Internet character he likes called, "Strong Bad."
After a brief lesson on this guy, I kind of liked this little "irreverent" guy and so my next project commenced.
"Strong Bad" it turns out is extremely popular. http://www.homestarrunner.com/yearbooksb.html
It turns out, the simplistic position I selected for the project allowed me to basically "cope" him out quite a bit before I had to take the Dremel to him.

First, we "cut" him down to size.

Cut off the extra length of the block and cope him.

Here he is, pretty well trimmed.

Time for the Dremel.

He really lacks many features that would take time. However, getting a piece of wood round is tricky... and this guy has four round features!

I'm cautious to "leave" wood for the features on his face that need to be raised.

Now you see what's left is to refine his features and add paint.

... and, here you are...

Would you believe this guy's got brothers?