So I've Taken Up Wood Carving....

That's very good advice. Thank you for sharing that.

I have 3 old carving chisels, (I think number 7 sweep) which I bought from a boot sale for 50p each. I also use an axe on the the silver birch figures to rough out the shape by hand rather than a bandsaw. I also use a dremel, with burr attachments and sanding discs to pick out details and shape the tails of the robins I make. Also I use knives to whittle shapes out, which is great for doing in the garden. Also lots of sandpaper. There's not much to it really. I'm still on the lookout for an old bandsaw though as Mr Jane doesn't want me using his anymore.

Mr Jane built me my carving vice from scratch, (he's into his woodworking / metalwork too) he cut the thread etc himself. Cost him less than a ton to make and they retail brand new for about double that as people don't really make them anymore. He drilled a hole in my trestle so I can carve outside now rather than in his workshop on a nice sunny day. I'm sure he has the WIP photo os the carving vice he made if you are interested.

Thank you, that means a lot

Thanks for the advice shiney. I'm not ruling craft markets out. In theory the more outlets I sell my wears in the more I will sell. But at this moment in time I'm still finding my feet with my craft.

I have a great deal of trouble sitting still too atm and the idea of sitting at a table full of my creations for hours and hours while they are being judged by strangers fills me with horror.

 

You could take a couple of pieces you're working on and do those while people are browsing,that will distract you,plus by looking at those Robins you'll need to keep at it to keep up with the demand,don't they look great in that window...

 

I guess that all makes sense. I don't really think I have the time this year to make enough items to sell at a craft fair this year. It's certainly something I want to aim for now though.

Here's a few pictures of a chicken I carved for lolimac as a thank you for her help in contributing some chicken wire to my log store. It was carved out of some silver birch again I had in my log store and did most of the work out in the garden with my new vice. Mr Jane took some pictures as I did it.

 

He's cute Jane, or should I say she.

 

A lovely little red Rooster.
Smashin' JJ,
Jenny

 

My first stab at relief carving. It's a practice piece for a more elaborate carving that I want to do for my cousins wedding day.

I'm not sure what to do with this one now once I've finished with using it as a reference piece.

Also the green wood bird I carved back in january I painted and Mr Jane dovetailed me a bookend to mount it to. Came out quite well I thought.

 

I've spent nearly 24 hours on this wedding present for my cousin.



The brass rings were machined by Mr Jane. Had to pyrography the names which haven't come out as well as I had hoped. Oh well...

 

It's gorgeous JJ. What a gift - they will treasure that one,
Jenny

 

It's lovely Jane! Your expertise in carving is growing and growing.

 

Cor !!!!

 

Fabulous JJ...what a special gift

 

Love it!
Beautiful carving, you are very talented.