"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....

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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!