"Baloo"

"Baloo the Bear" was fun to carve. The "roly-poly" shape of this lovable bear fits his character.

Thanks to "Baloo" I found out just how long a cheep band saw blade's teeth keep an edge. The blade dulled up after a handful of pieces. It's time to cough up the $$$ for a quality blade.

However, with perseverance and easing the piece against the blade I was able to complete all  the coping he needed.

This cuddly fellow never gave me any problems

Even though I realized he needed tufts of fur, for some reason I just pressed on and figured I do something later in the carving.

Well, I just kept on working... until I realized I didn't leave any wood for the "fur features!"

Now what?

He needs something on his head and back and maybe just a little something on his elbows.

Let's see, glue chunks of wood on those areas and reduce them. Naw, that didn't work. Hmmmmm,

slices of shaved wood chips? Maybe! He really needs something.

I know, toothpicks! (At least the fur on his head.)

He needs something on he upper back area. Let's try some wood shavings.

For his elbows, I simply reduced the thickness of his forearms.

I like it!

Now for the finishing touch....... color!

"Tigger"

Here's my latest piece, "Tigger."

This "happy go lucky" fellow started out on the band saw.

I'll let you know right up front, I coped out a little more than I should have. Notice "Tigger's" tail extending from his left arm? Look between his left knee and left paw...no tail!

That came to haunt me right from the start.

Now I've got to make his tail go straight up his back! Grrrrr!

He works up relatively quickly.

I decide on a the shape of his tail and position it (for strength) against his upper back.

He's looking pretty good, but...

His tail just ain't right! There's something about it. I run him by my wife and she politely tells me he looks more like a monkey. That did it! It's gotta go.

It's time for a little "surgery."

"Off with the tail!"

This time I'm going to make the tail as it is intended.

After some gluing and sanding "Tigger" is back on track.

Even "Tigger" looks happier!

Now to "finish" him off, it's time for some paint...

"Tigger" is the favorite Disney character of a friend who has a special place in his heart and home for him.

"Bouncing is what Tiggers do best."