Post #288886 by AlohaStation on Thu, Mar 1, 2007 6:53 AM

Thanks for all the comps everyone. My carving techniques are getting better, but in many ways I still feel like a newby. The carving and creating have always been the easy part - what really kicks my ass is the FINISHING. I hate sanding and painting and sealing. Making a cut in the wood is so definitive, while the process of finishing takes a bit of patience and luck. Shellac, lacquer, polyurethane, epoxy, acrylics, stains... There are so many variables in woodworking that its mind-boggling. I can knock ouut a carving in no time, but to finish it - holy crap! I'll keep posting my results here to hopefully help other people.

LLT - Thanks. I have always been a good illustrator and I feel that has helped alot with getting my carving to have a little life. You can't imagine how happy I am not to have a reaction with this wood! Carving really brought me back after suffering from creative burnout a few years ago.

flynny - I have something a little old school planned for the swap.

mieko - The wood was abot 2" thick at the top and 1" at the bottom - more like a wedge/scrap. I used a spray lacquer for the finish - great stuff because you have alot of control on how shiny you get it. More coats makes it shinier. I love working with the dark woods not only for the color but the feel. However, I suggest that anyone just starting should buy a hunk of Basswood and practice with that - It helped me alot!

fBalls - Anytime, my friend. June is getting closer!!