New Carver with a few questions.

Hey, I've just gotten into this whole carving thing, and have a practice log or two kinda carved out, but started browsing these boards the past few days and came up with a couple questions to ask.

1. Ive seen some tikis carved in the full 360 degree spectrum, and some in the front only. Is there any difference, besides time put in of coarse, to the two carving styles?

2. What kind of wood is best, ive been working with Eucalyptus wood to start with cause thats what was available to me. Is there a better quality wood, if I really started to get into the carvin, and how easy would it be available to me if i live in northern california?

3. I see alot of neat designs, are those all original or inspired by something, and if you are inspired from stuff available on the internet where do you go to find it?

And that about does it for me. Mahalo.

Welcome to the club.The hunt for wood hmm it never ends. Redwood, ceder and pine in your location. Pine is a good soft wood to work with. Tools have to be razor-sharp otherwise the soft fibers will tear out and leave rough splinters on the surface. I use palm trees here in Florida. Find a carving club in your area and they will give you the low down. Call a tree surgeon in your area or check with a gardener. I find Plenty of wood on the road on Sunday befor pick up by trash men, just look. Carry a saw, ax and chain saw with you and be ready. Then carving green wood or drying it yourself. Are there any fruit trees in your area and they would be a hard wood with deeper grains. Start with pine and be safe air mask when sanding. Gloves and safty glasses and keep tools sharp. coco lou