Post #207163 by ManImOriginal on Thu, Jan 12, 2006 2:49 PM

Hello tiki friends. My Name is Brian and i have recently finished my first tiki project, a 3 foot tall totem. I've been interested in tiki for a long time but never got the chance to begin experimenting with the hobby. Recent events in New Orleans (Hurricanes Katrina and Rita), however have given me a chance to begin that i couldn't pass up. There are fallen trees everywhere! I picked up a couple of cypress logs about two weeks after the hurricanes and i've been carving ever since. I also picked up a 6 foot palm tree trunk that i plan on making a large totem out of. I figured i'd practice on the smaller, more common cypress since palm trees are hard to find around here. For a first attempt im pretty proud of myself. The cypress was pretty difficult to work with as it seemed to want to crack off in many places. Also, it wasnt exactly the greatest shaped log, but i think the awkward shape gives it character. The only tools i used were various sized chisels and a hammer. I only used a hand sander and dremel tool to smooth out the places i messed up. Here is a link to my pics for everyone to enjoy. Please comment and give tips that will help me out. I'm addicted to tiki and i want to do my best! http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/b_moldaner/album?.dir=1967&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/b_moldaner/my_photos

If you would like more detailed pics just let me know.