Whittle Dwarfs came into existence in 2011 by artist Don Stephenson who drew a few examples as carving ideas for the Wood Bee Carver. The first dwarfs were based upon these original drawings by Don Stephenson.
3
Feb
FOX ~ RABBIT ~ SKUNK
The FOX and RABBIT are recent carving journeys into new territory for this old carver. During show-n-tell at the Dayton Carvers meeting, my good friend Gary Walker said I should say that the fox carving represented me when the girls referred to me as a “Fox” in my younger years. I said they referred to me as a “skunk” by being a “little stinker” then and still being a “big stinker” now. That prompted another artist friend, Don Stephenson to draw a likeness of me as a “Skunk,” as in the photo above. The Rabbit was carved during this same time period as the fox.
8
Jan
BOBBLE HEAD SANTA
A Bobble Head Santa is a novelty carving project that is similar to the humorous bobble head doll figures.
30
Dec
THE HELVIE CONNECTION
The four photographs above represent the most recent carvings done for Helvie Knives to add to their collection and their generous charity project.
24
Dec
HOLIDAY GREETING ~ 2019
Ornaments carved at Christmas time are to bring Love, Joy, Peace, Hope with the celebration of Noel and of course Santa. The ornament gallery that follows are those carved for 2019.
Don Worley carves in a delightful and whimsical style that is not only eye catching but is also instructive in an inspirational manner. Years ago, he introduced his “No-See-Ums” that became a favorite carving project among carvers ~ Recently he introduced his “Biker Dudes” that had the same appeal to carvers both in classes he taught and those who followed his self-published book.
The photographs in this gallery are of carvings on display and for sale at Peter Engler Designs, 201 S. Commercial St. Branson, MO. When Peter was alive, he purchased several of my carvings in 2005 and periodically my Hog Heaven Pig seeds. Recently owner Mary Bowman honored me again with the purchase of several carvings to have available at the new location of the store in old downtown Branson.
20
Nov
CHALLENGE
The two antique pocket knives in the photo above represent the important role the common pocket knife has played in the journey of wood carving for the Wood Bee Carver. Both knives were made by the Challenge Cutlery Company over one hundred years ago. The top knife is called an “Office Knife” and the second knife is called a “Jack Knife.” It is this Jack Knife that became a “challenge” to begin the serious endeavor of carving. Almost every boy and many girls growing up in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s carried a pocket knife which was occasionally used for whittling activities.