Bright Blessings....Goodmonrning, I have collected several sticks for wands that already have the bark off of them(found this awesome pole near that waterfall!) and I have two walking sticks (well potential walking sticks...How do I get the bark off, should I be chanting something and could you direct me to some detailed pics of wands.,....Basically, I am clueless how to start and you make OOHH the most Beautiful things!!!!!  I would sincerely appreciate your guidence   Love and Light, Lavendr Ice

Here are some:

1)  goldentreewands.com    ...these are all wood, no stone
2)  eaglespiritministry.com   ...instructions on how to
3)  etsy.com    ...some beautiful wood and stone wands with carvings

Hope this helps!

Hi Lavender-Ice,

Here are the wands that Sundown has made for us that are int he Shopping Emporium

http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=Shopping_Cart&file=category&category_id=87

If you look in most of the threads here in Sundown's place you will find links to the photobiuckets that have some staffs, and wands along with what they look like as they are worked on....

Sundown has a rare gift in working with wood.  His relationship with wood is ...beyond words.   He's a good friend to his fellow man, he cares deeply and passionately about many things, and abouve all else, an estute listener when the wood speaks to him.

Beautifully well said EarthMother.

Thank you all, and Earth Mother, I definately agree!!!!!

Lets see what I can answer with here.
First and foremost: I don't chant when working with wood, however I do clear my mind, my heart, and be at peace with my self and the world. Trust me in my job that is hard to do at times. I suppose I go within a special place in myself and let my eyes see, my hands feel, and my heart hear.
For the wands that already have the bark off, let them sit and be sure they are dry (cured) then clean them if necessary with water and a soft brush if needed, then slowly take your time and look at them. Sometimes they speak clearly very early on, sometimes after you begin to work them towards what you see the wood will wish to be something else. I begin by sanding with about an 80 grit sand paper if the wood is rough, you may want to start with a 120 grit if you only want to smooth it a bit, your choice. Do you know what kind of wood the wands are? Not that it really matters, they have already spoken to you, that in its self is enough.

As far as the walking sticks, they can be as plain or fancy as you like. Do you want the bark off? I do many with the bark on or with some bark on. Getting the bark off will depend on the type of wood, some will come off easy, some are almost impossible to get off. I mostly use my pocket knife. With this method you have to be very very very careful, I have almost seriously injured myself with this. I also use a 5 inch draw knife that really works well.

Mostly it is up to you what you want ( I know that sucks for advice, lol) but thats true. Simple, plain, fancy, complicated. It is your wands, or walking sticks that YOU have made, that is what is important! And what they will mean to you.
Can you get pictures of them and put them here or send them to me then I may be able to help more.
Mostly have fun, dream, imagine, and belive in yourself.

Blessings
Sundown