Very nice work my friend.  looks great  I especially love the spiral portion of the stick. With all of the briars around here, I'm surprised that I can't find any raw materials like that. Guess I need to look a little deeper in the swamps . Or perhaps I'm looking at it and not seeing it. Next time you find a raw stick like that, could you post a picture of what it looks like before you start removing whatever causes the wood to develop like that? I'd really appreciate it. Retirement is 9 months away and I need to start collecting some materials to work with

Blessings,

Draco

Blessings,
       You do very nice work,and definitely have a talent to carve. The "gentlemen" that come out of the wood for you,I would call Dryads,or Wood Spirits. They are present in every piece of wood,and it takes a special person to understand each one,and to help it emerge from the wood. I have been a woodcarver/Wandmaker/Staffmaker for quite awhile,and I certainly understand,and appreciate your work.You have a natural talent for working with wood,it is in your blood and will probably stay with you for life. Once you have started with it,the work seems to be quite addictive,and keeps drawing you back time after time. Magickal woodworking is in my blood for sure,and I look on it as a calling of sorts;it is what I am supposed to do. The raw talent is a gift,and over time we develop and evolve with it,and in turn it enriches our existence,and touches the lives of others as well. You are truly Blessed.
    Love and Light,
     gb

Thanks DM
I always take before and after pictures, except this time. This stick took so long because it was well cured Oak, it laid around here for about 8 months before I knew what to do with it. The carving went extremely slow since the wood was so hard. The spirals are usually caused by honeysuckle vines in this part of the country. Sometimes some of the larger vines will cause it also. It does get difficult cleaning them out, but well worth it. I got you beat DM, I offically retire in just a bit over 2 months  

And to you also gb many thanks. I had been making plain walking sticks on and off for about 20 years, then about august 2008 (i think, i will have to check, my rememory ain't as good as it used to be). Since I started carving walking sticks, making wands, and runes thats about all I wish to do. You are absolutley right, it is in the blood or gets there. Sticks and wands have done more to help me retain sanity in a high stress crazy job than anything else.


Blessings
Sundown

Truly a beautiful piece of work and even though these are great pictures, they hardly do justice to the real thing.  

I'm letting "Him" choose his own place here.  Still in awe of the beauty.

Thank you again, Sundown.  I'll treasure it for life as I do your friendship.  Every person should be so honored to know such a friend.  Work will never be the same without you there.  You will be missed greatly.    

And listen to these who know wood as you do.  You all share a very special talent.  And always, always keep listening to the wood.  

(hug)

Congrats on the retirement my friend! Couldn't be happier for you And thanks for the honeysuckle tip. now that I know what to look for, I know I'll need to do more scouting in the spring and summer. (might even help to find better hunting spots  ) Another art form I'm starting to dabble in is the art of scrimshaw. Not sure if you're familiar with it. Its very intricate carving (usually on bone, ivory, antler, tusks and teeth) I hope to someday be able to incorporate both art forms in the wands I make. From what I've read so far, bone and antler will be the trickiest to work with as both tend to be more porous.
Amethystone, thank you for your kind words regarding our wood workings. Its means a lot to have someone else appreciate your efforts
GJBeemer, I'd love to view some of your creations. You are so right when you said its in our blood. I started building wood projects (bird houses and such) as early as 5 or 6 years old. Built some rather large dining room furniture when I was in high school (drove my shop teacher nuts at times ) Was out of it (wood working) for a quite a bit of time but got back into it a couple years ago. And you're right: it never really leaves you.

Blessings,

Draco

Good luck hunting spirals DM   . Fencerows, edges of thickets or creekbottoms that get enuff sun for honeysuckle, or any of the other woody vines like them. I am familiar with scrimshaw, I would never have the patience nor a steady enough hand for that! I will be looking forward to see what you come up with.


Blessings all
Sundown

Not sure I have the patience for it yet either    . Hard part for me will be the artwork itself (the images, proper shadowing and shading, etc.)I think if I can master that part of it I should be ok.  Ultimately, I want to be able to apply the artistry to wood and ivory alike. I'll keep you posted on my progress   .

Blessings,

Draco

All's I can say is.......WOW! Awesome piece.

Oh, my goodness!  These are absolutely gorgeous!  How long have you been making your 'gentlemen'?  What a talent you have been blessed with!  

Searlait Aine

thank you Searlait

As above I have made walking sticks on and off for years, but about less than 2 1/2 years ago dedideded to try carving.
I have a new carving "guide" from an experienced carver and hope to improve the nose, beard and hair  

Blessings
Sundown

Ok

The new style from a lady carver. I can't do as well as her, but I sort of made it my own. I had to hurry a bit, the stick started to crack (very strange for sweetgum). So I finished it today, and put a sealing stain on the face to stop cracking. Once it is finished curing I will add more stain and finish the entire stick.

Blessings
Sundown

WOW Wow wow.....You've come a long way my woodmaster friend.  Beautiful!

Wow SD! You've really "raised the bar" on the level of detail in your carving! I really like the enhanced detail in the face and beard. I especially like the "fu man chu" style mustache and the effect of it laying on top of the beard. Very impressive my friend!

Blessings,

Draco

Thanks DM

Trying to improve and looking at different styles and trying to incorporate them into mine. Maybe one day I will get good at this.

Sundown

It appears to me you already ARE damned good at my friend  

Blessings,

Draco