I've started using a hard paper cut out to trace the image on the block. It was much easier rather than erasing so many sketch lines from the wood.
I've been trying to salvage as much of the block of tupelo wood I can. I managed to get Eeyore and the champagne out of this piece. Which, by the way, was somewhat smaller than the blocks I prefer to buy. As you read on, you'll come to understand how this size block altered the finished piece.
This piece turned out to be quite a different experience for this carver. I started out with the simplest piece to give me a little more motivation. The "Broadway" sign was simple yet somewhat tedious trying to keep from cutting to much away from the letters with a burr.
With the "Broadway" sign prepared I worked on the champagne bottle.
It too was quite easy however, I had to spend a lot of time mulling over in my mind how I would place the bottle on the piece. I decided on having Eeyore hold the bottle to his tummy with his arms. The main block of wood (to be Eeyore) as I said, is smaller. I ended up cutting into his belly and place the bottle under his arms. That meant, I had to position Eeyore in a more upright sitting position. I couldn't find any photos of him sitting in this position so I ended up speculating just how he would look sitting upright. It meant, I had to cut his belly out to fit the bottle.
The shape of the bottle needed to be cut into his body.
Once the bottle was all set, I can begin his final reduction
All that was left was his long floppy ears! I was very concerned about how fragile they would be and break easily. I attempted to leave them thicker for their protection.
The next (and most frustrating) part of this piece was the fur on his head and tail. Working with rotating burrs I just couldn't get the hair to look anywhere near the way I wanted it to look. I ended up cutting the top of his head off, leveling it and adding another piece of wood to start over again. Thanks to all the other progress on the piece and a lot more patience, I ended up with what you see in the photo below.
At least Eeyore's fur on his head appears to be better looking than what was originally planned!
Eeyore's eyes needed to be "cut in."
This is one of the more difficult things to plan in to a caving. Leaving enough wood on the piece so you can "leave" enough for the details.
At this point below, Eeyor's ready for sealing and paint
Lastly, His tail and poster board of "Hello Dolly."
Of late, I've taken my paint setup into the house. The garage has been too hot causing the paints to dry rapidly and not flow well. I didn't mind the A/C either!!
The base is plotted out as to where I will place and secure the three objects of the piece to the base.
I've begun using dowels plus glue to secure the pieces. Given the larger size of Eeyore, I used two screws through the base to his butt with a few dabs of glue.
At the last minute, I planned a grass look for the top of the base. For that I use glue and sprinkle sawdust onto the glue. I have come to like the texture rather than just a flat color. However, this can create another problem you tend to forget about... as in this case! You can see in the photo below what looks like a 1st quarter moon facing downward. That's where Eeyore will sit. It has no "grass" on it. The one thing I forgot was to do the same where his tail contacts the grass. The surface is higher where the grass is, hence, I ended up sanding off some of his tail cord to allow the tail to sit flat on the surface.
With all the pieces painted, Eeyore's ready for his new home.
The other subtle add-on is glow in the dark paint. The "bulbs" of the Broadway sign will glow in the dark!
The Champagne bottle label is cut out and glued onto the bottle.
The latest touch I like to add is a hint of glitter. Just enough tends to catch your eyes. In Eeyore's case I added glitter to the grass.
And that's "Eeyore's Favorite Things!"
_______________As a side note..._____________
"Eeyore's Favorite Things" also marks a milestone in my time at the carving bench. It is the 75th piece since I began carving "One of a Kind Wood Carvings" back in June of 2009.
An idea for a wedding gift for a Disney Manager, Jeremy and his wife, Sarah started it all!
"Bands" will always have a special place in my heart.
And yes, Jeremy & Sarah are doing well!
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