Welcome to the Tiki Central 2.0 Beta. Read the announcement
Tiki Central logo
Celebrating classic and modern Polynesian Pop

Tiki Central / Tiki Carving

Tikisbytyler - Carvings From Neptune - Lono and pals

Pages: 1 2 3 4 187 replies

T
tikisbytyler posted on 09/23/2008

Hey, I'm new to the tikiroom and forum format. forgive me if I break some rules & point me in the right direction please!!! I have a new website up & would like some feedback. sorry the sight is so crude, but no money yet & this is what I could get for free. I'd love any suggestions for both carvings and the website - http://tikisbytyler.com . Also looking for friends that enjoy tiki life :tiki:
Here's a little sample of my style:

This guy's in a live tree that hang's over the intracoastal waterway in Pablo Creek, FL

[ Edited by: tikisbytyler 2012-04-26 13:45 ]

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/06/2008

Trying to get back to the basics & diversify my carving skills. First easter Island style piece made immediate friends with my youngest:

Spending a lot less time with my chainsaw and a lot more with my chisels. To view my full site go to http://tikisbytyler.com

B
Benzart posted on 10/07/2008

Hey Tyler, the Moai looks good. It's good that you are getting into more chisel work as that produces more finer detail and is the next progression from the chainsaw and grinder. Just keep practicing, every tiki is just practice for the next one.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/07/2008

Another variation from my old style. Still haven't let go of the big toothy grin altogether, but he's got more personality i think.

S
surfintiki posted on 10/07/2008

COOL! The first one's a LIVING tiki!!
Thanks fer postin'

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/08/2008

Worked on my first body this afternoon, WAY different line structure than i'm used to. I think he's shaping up though.

This piece of sable palm was just begging for this shape!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/14/2008

If it ever stops raining here I'll put in some work on this guy. That is, if I also stop working 13 hour days in the restaurant. Can someone suggest some good chisels and where to get a better mallet? I'm carving with an old rubber mallet i found in my pop's garage and some chisels that won't seem to hold an edge for *#@%!!! Actually, does anyone have any advice on carving a mallet? I have a nice chunk of ash wood that is about the right size.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/17/2008

Gave the Moai some sedona red and urethane:

think it suits him well

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/18/2008

Progress on the Hawaiian. I'm not sure where to go with his eyes? Or how to go about shaping the hands. Anyways, he's been a great learning experience so far.

Any feedback out there???

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/21/2008

Here's a bust I was asked to decorate for a local charity event benifitting the elementary school's art program. Not thrilled with the way it turned out, but limited time. This is the first relief on a flat surface for me.

Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/48fdd252.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=09787e1123df3c8702c39391502ee269

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/28/2008

New guy should be shipping off to Canada soon!
That is if he's not too heavy.
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/490744e4.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=aefe68910ffb0d9ed8ae9ed412d63bb5

T
tikisbytyler posted on 10/28/2008

Been working on the traditional guy today. One of my neighbors says he's Kuka 'Ilimoku, one says Kanaloa. What do you guys think???
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49076615.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=a2b0fb2717a98175ab09b77148552c6cImage Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49076621.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=39184aef2cd813d4f831c2985d2b7e85

Whatever, he's still got a long way to go. I really need to get some real chisels & gouges. These old rusty straight edges SUCK!!!!

B
Benzart posted on 10/30/2008

It's Hard to say WHO he is but you Really captured the Traditional Hawaiian tiki look, Excellent stuff!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/04/2008

Anybody out there sell me some good chisels cheap??? I'm working with 3 crappy straight edges & a light weight rubber mallet here.

Progress on Traditional Hawaiian:

Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4910594f.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=df93658b0c6ee0baa7dc120bfaf9d51cImage Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49105946.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=319708e465ad14abef521fca3be036eb
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4910593d.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=b430bf902c81c6b96fef8bb38773040fImage Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49105933.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=6b72a2a053e052cb6e37043010ae58d1

Still got some work to do on his head. Any suggestions on stain? Light? Dark? Waddya think?

B
Benzart posted on 11/04/2008

You're getting some Darned Excellent looking tikis there. I prefer medium dark, but the light looks like it will work too!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/12/2008

Been playing with some different looks! None of them are sanded or finished yet and the sun wasn't out for the pictures but here they are! Also have two 5 foot plus logs drying for potential traditional styles. Nice & FAT. I want to try my hand at a Lono type & maybe a Marq to broaden my range.
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491a5dd5.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=603d45caea219b3ef0c605aea5e78c20Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491a5dce.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=5d35563d1130040199f4ede44b890e10
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491a5dc6.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=870f5508972eeaf0aa058f076975a50eImage Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491a5dbe.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=ae296066b430f1cdadcd6894750b4d21

The last one is back to the old Florida style for a lady that owns a local shop. She buys containers from Bali & this is what she wants - go figure!

Love some feedback!

SD Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/7d6a37d66aa18df3ca6a7481ef3f3be3?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Savage Daddy posted on 11/12/2008

Your tikis are looking good. You have definitely caught the carving bug. Keep experimenting with different styles and traditional stuff.
You can do a lot with cheap flat chisels. So keep using them until you can afford a set of Flexcuts. Keep those tikis coming! :)

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/13/2008

Hey Savage,
Thanks for the kind words,man. I was checking your thread today - AMAZING! I really dig your stuff.

B
Benzart posted on 11/13/2008

Tyler, you are coming along strong, your tikis are getting better and will continue to get more detailed as long as you keep trying to figure out how to make them better. GREAT WORK, OR, is it PLAY..? You know you can't fool the fool, so NO Slackin' now back to WORK!
:P :D

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/13/2008

progress shots. put some fire & sand to em this mornin.
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491c2729.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=0fca7df178da4668a120b0f1673a4065Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/491c26f0.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=1cd5b7168f0fa996f9ba287551da3c43

little more definition.
don't know what to call the guy with the stepped nose? he just kinda came out of the wood & my head.
Local trading co. wants a description - what do you call this?

Post more pics soon - local art fest on Dec. 6th wants me to do a live carving on site - like in front of people! Wanna do it, but kinda self conscious - any advice out there?

Anyway, headed to work.

S Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/2a1fce3f92bdb21465e1c3d99bec1008?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
seeksurf posted on 11/13/2008

Late Welcome to you. Let me say you have some
Great carves already you are a natural!
A full size Ku (or what ever you want to call him)
already WOW! NICE work.
More more

A Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/d25478b5f2577137ec58ba1b93f05220?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
AlohaStation posted on 11/13/2008

Looking good. Do the art show! If it sucks, don't do another - it could turn out great. Plus, its a great way do drum up business. I would suggest you go into it with the goal of motivating business not to carve. You'll probably spend most of your time talking. Good Luck

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/c8ebe69f8da731e5d0fe60e429186031?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tikilizard posted on 11/13/2008

Great start to a promising tiki carving career! Nice depth, Now lets see that stain. Great job.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/19/2008

Stain on the Ku today & the first coat of finish!!!
I've been learning a lot from doing things differently than I've done in the past.
That said - I would never have chosen a dark stain for this guy, but took Benz' advice & went with special walnut head to toe. Wow, I like that!
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49243c13.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=07fbfad5a370360c44ba6ef3e01d1ff0Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49243c8c.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=ea2d5e8bd9bb095785d7593526e5486f
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49243ccb.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=18e18ce81344b6fa666884b52ea7460a
Got the next victim on the blocks! It kind of bows forward in the center & about 5'6" so I think I'm going for a Lono style carve!
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49243cfe.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=293dce0728016e4c65735ad98e10be73
Also scooped up this arsenal from a lot clearing down the street:
Couple of real nice ones in there. The big one is about 7'8"
There is one more behind the fence that has to weigh about 900# - I can't figure out how to get it thru the gate!
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49243d30.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=a0e9613840a9e8daf9c6862e92a9f611
Anyways, I'm off to cook for the masses - maybe I'll break into the lono tomorrow.

D Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/ce50b90cef3837e01e57d8136e0519c8?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
drgoat456 posted on 11/19/2008

TTyler,
Your Tikis look great. Nice texture & distinctive look. Definite eye catchers.
I must say, I covet your Palm logs. They are hard to find here in Tucson.
Keep on keepin on.
Ciao

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/20/2008

Hi everyone!!!

Thanks, Doc for your kindness. if you ever find yourself way down here for some reason, give me a shout! There's always a log on the choppin' block for ya.

Thanks to everyone for your input. I would never have attempted any of the things I've learned from you guys in the last couple of months. I'm really glad this site is here!

Just wanted to post a couple progress shots. Got a start on the 5'6" this morning. Started ouot with the goal of stripping the log today before i went to work. Next thing ya know:
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4925aa41.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=7f9cdd71028c53ef26ce244bba6fb2e6Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4925aa3a.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=8c24b84e12685a9d89eb168d94a5eaf0

Well, I'm off to work again!
Thanks for your time!

B
Benzart posted on 11/21/2008

Tyler that last Ku looking tiki is your Best yet I believe, but I also think that title may be short-lived by the looks of your upcoming Lono. Just take your time and concentrate on your nice precise lines. go for more sanding/grinding and less burning and step up production to about 4 of these a day and you will be doing great!

Well I Do exaggerate a bit don't I? Excellent stuff.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/21/2008

Yeah, Benz! 4 of these a day should be a breeze, huh? if had one of those Doc Octopus backpack thingies!
Wow now I really want one of those.

But thanks for the encouragement!

Here's a little update:
Not a lot of work, but some progress this morning.
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49270e25.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=cc355e35786b47021f850bdf5312dae8

Thanks fer stoppin by!!!

S Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/2a1fce3f92bdb21465e1c3d99bec1008?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
seeksurf posted on 11/21/2008

Wow love your work! You are coming on strong!

C Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/2bace9dc0ed0c365e3734639187d1fed?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
congatiki posted on 11/22/2008

Keep going Tyler...big steps in a short time! Like where you are
going with your carving...and I see by your website that you've sold
a few too. That's more than I can say...Keep up the good work.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/25/2008

A little more progress this morning:
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/492c2fcc.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=a1fc10ec17e6d6f6791def7facd0f4e4
Camera phone photo, sorry about quality.
Body shape is starting to come together, mouth taking definition, made some decisions about the back of the head dress. Never seen what others do about the back of these guys. Any photos or links?

Thanks, Conga! It feels like baby steps when I look at what some of the carvers here are doing.

Seeks, I appreciate the kindness! I'm learning from you guys. before I found this site and started looking around on the internet, I had only seen tikis here in florida, and most of them poor examples. Very thankful to all here for helping me broaden my view of what tiki really is.

By the way, I was just given a 4.5" angle grinder & have no idea what kind of attachment to use, how to use it, or where to start. Any help out there???

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/3f558cc38c81b4f6533b7bfc4028aa4c?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
tikifreak1 posted on 11/25/2008

Hey T.B.T.!!! I was in the same situation as you when I first started and still am. Get the Norton sanding discs for your angle grinder, if you look at the earlier pages of my thread I think I posted some pictures of them. You can get them at Home Depot.

Looking good!

A Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/d25478b5f2577137ec58ba1b93f05220?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
AlohaStation posted on 11/25/2008

Looking good Tyler. The angle grinder will become one of your most used tools. In fact you will probably burn the first one out pretty quickly. The sanding discs tikifreak mentioned are your best bet - cheap and easy to find. Be sure to wear a mask unless you like sawdust in your lungs. Good luck

T
tikisbytyler posted on 11/27/2008

Hey, everyone!

Hope I'm not posting too much, but I try to take a pic now every time I carve. Hectic schedule @ work lately, being a chef during the holiday season so I don't get long sessions right now. Just an hour here and there to carve. Anyways, here's one more step:
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/492ecee1.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=f865f3458d71e9e418f63714f87bce9e

Happy thanksgiving to all!!!! I for one am very thankful to have found a group of friends here that are willing to share thier carving experiences and love for all things tiki. Much love and many thanks to all of you out there! Wishing you all the best on this holiday, good times with family, close friends and hopefully some good turkey!

Mahalo'
Tyler

T
tikisbytyler posted on 12/03/2008

Aloha, all!

Alright, broke out the grinder today & played with a few character studies so here they are:

Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4936d8a1.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=4c9f7377d45ef2ce1037c0f265765593Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4936d869.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=047a166a43fdef7f1a37196a1376fb2a
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4936d840.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=44efcdbe3aa29fcad6dfbc2c83288585

Obviously not perfection, just learning to use some of my newer tools.
Now I'm off to spend a few hours of quality time with Lono & see if we can't make some progress

All feedback is welcome, that's how I see things I might have missed!
Thanks fer stoppin by!!!

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/4e3b340e36ae48a441d08fa8eb6e4e53?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
TIKIVILLE posted on 12/03/2008

so , You know ....now so should the world!
just recieved one of TYLERs TIKIS and it is AWSOME!
the first palm TIKI to hit this city in a long time i'm sure!
and the trip to Canada was a long and lonely one thanks to UPS,however it was worth the wait and for the next while he will guard the TIKI FARM mugs in the shop window.
Thanks again Tyler!
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9763/4936e4f6.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=ea347ddcc07aa68cd597b6f65f7f9987

B Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/d1850327058fd82e49fbed6b8c0eb6bf?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
benella posted on 12/03/2008

Hey Tyler, this lono looks pretty nice. Can't fait for thé headress.

Benjamin.

T
tikisbytyler posted on 12/03/2008

Here's an update on Lono
All in all a productive day, I think
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/4936fbfa.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=c034cee9c780b99868b841aa8febabe4

TIKIVILLE, Thanks, brother. It really means a lot to me!
Now don't let that guy get too cold!
He's used to a slightly different climate!!!

TD Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/366adf4c3b665463da36c9e8e98bfee9?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tiki Duddy posted on 12/03/2008

Looks Goooood

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/4e3b340e36ae48a441d08fa8eb6e4e53?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
TIKIVILLE posted on 12/04/2008

man , that is something of AWE!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 12/04/2008

any votes on the stain?
I can't decide if I want to go as dark as the Ku figure, light pecan or even a dark red tone.

Hoping to finish him up before the show Saturday!!!

G Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/b99920264ac33c9bf893d67ec5b3b72e?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Grapa-RuHa posted on 12/04/2008

Great work on the Lono, nice sharp details. I would not stain him to dark but thats my personal taste. Can't wait to see this guy finished.

B
Benzart posted on 12/04/2008

Hey Tyler, Excellent lookng Lono and my vote is for the darker stain. You are turning out some Sweet tikis, Keep it up!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 12/04/2008

Here he is all stained up but no finish yet.
Mixed up a custom shade for him.
Now trying to decide between poly & oil
Will I be able to take him to the show saturday if I use Boiled Linseed Oil???

Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49380de1.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=b54d2f3f4af4b6d4c61d7afe6e7bae72Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49380e13.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=1d5cc8bd0285492a9d0efa6eb865af6c
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49380e30.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=42f2e34f3ec94008e558b12788204c6aImage Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/49380e57.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=4f57c6c9c59fe9c235b5b7470a8a1cbd

Tfreak1 & Aloha - Thx fer the grinder advice! Glad I got the right discs & a little practice before I set it loose on this guy.

TDuddy, Grapa, TVILLE, Benz & Benella Thx & Merci for the encouraging words & advice.

Now back to WORK!!!

T
tikisbytyler posted on 12/04/2008

So I couldn't wait! Went with the oil finish hand rubbed.
Brought out the little bit of red I put in the stain:
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/493831c2.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=04948343f40b697f65f76b0fbb7cd11b

Also gave him a tattoo with my initials:
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/9736/493831da.jpg?w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=1f9d924e4c79ac2da3ac108041671614

I think this might be going on more of them!
Thanks for looking!!!

Wish me luck @ the festival Saturday. I'll try to get someone to take pics of the live carving demo if I can.

What is the Hawaiian word to express the level of gratitude I have to all of you for teaching me something I love so much?


http://tikisbytyler.com

[ Edited by: tikisbytyler 2008-12-05 09:40 ]

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/4e3b340e36ae48a441d08fa8eb6e4e53?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
TIKIVILLE posted on 12/05/2008

Back at ya for creating more TIKI for this world!
now .....a tiki on every TV set ,thats the next goal !lol

G Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/b99920264ac33c9bf893d67ec5b3b72e?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Grapa-RuHa posted on 12/05/2008

Thats a great color stain you mixed up.
Good luck on the show. I think you'll do fine there.

B Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/d1850327058fd82e49fbed6b8c0eb6bf?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
benella posted on 12/06/2008

Hey tyler, this Lono is really good. Nice work on this one. The headress looks perfect.
And by the way, thanks for the words :wink:

Benjamin.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 187 replies