UNCLE JIMMY is a caricature of someone everyone knows, either as a family member or a character of our acquaintance. “Jimmy” is a nickname that is given to a short “crow bar”, to a “truck” or in some locales “Jimmy” refers to a “Stranger.” Often used in the phrase “jimmy a lock” a Jimmy is ingenious for getting into and out of tight places. A Jimmy may be short and stocky and is still as strong as a truck. A Jimmy may be a stranger but not for long because most a-fella called “Jimmy” is a fun loving and lovable character.
This carving of caricature Jimmy is carved out of a four and half inch tall by an inch and half square block of basswood. This particular block of basswood is not the best quality due to its dark streaks and flaws and yet like people there are no worthless pieces of wood. The key in both is to find their good qualities and make something of them. A stranger is a friend who has not yet been discovered and a scrappy piece of wood is a work of art yet to be created. So whether the “Jimmy” is a person or a wooden caricature discover the hidden treasure in each.
Caricature Jimmy was carved using a HELVIE Signature Series # 3-1 and a # 6-2 Mini. Jimmy was finished with the monochrome finish of artist oil paint Raw Sienna thinned with boiled linseed oil. The monochrome finish was chosen to show off the flaws in the wood that gives character to the caricature. Read the rest of this entry »
HELVIE KNIVES introduces two more in the Signature Series Knives. The DRONE BEE ~ # 11 has the traditional straight cutting edge blade. The CUCKOO BEE ~ # 12 has a variation of the WOOD BEE CARVER designed blade with a curved cutting edge with an extended tang. Both knife blades are made from specialty steel that has its own unique “feel of cut”. Read the rest of this entry »
Carving on the Edge is to imply that the cutting edge of the carving knife blade is what separates the wood fibers while removing a chip. The cutting edge, when magnified will reveal minute cutting teeth much like a hand saw. It is these cutting teeth that create the cutting action when the knife is used in a slicing action. The slicing cut is to follow the path of the cutting edge through the wood so that as many of the cutting teeth are utilized. In conjunction with the cutting edge teeth, the bevel on the side of the blade be it skinny or fat, provides the angle at which the cutting edge enters the wood. So it is both the slicing action and the angle of the cutting edge that work together to create a clean cut. Read the rest of this entry »
THIS-N-THAT is a collection of carvings done randomly and are showcased here as a photographic diary of a variety of carvings.
Ornaments were carved from drawings by Don Stephenson. The LOVE plaque was carved out of butternut and was a wedding gift to dear friends. The two scoop spoon was carved for Norb Hartman on his BIG birthday. Read the rest of this entry »
The WOOD BEE CARVER often says, “The more you carve the better you carve,” and in that vein suggests that once a carving project is completed there is great value in carving it again and again. The reason being that since each carving is a learning journey; each carving subject repeated will allow the carver’s creative sub conscious to improve on the previous carving. Read the rest of this entry »
The WOOD BEE CARVER often says, “The more you carve the better you carve,” and in that vein suggests that once a carving project is completed there is great value in carving it again and again. The reason being that since each carving is a learning journey; each carving subject repeated will allow the carver’s creative sub conscious to improve on the previous carving. Read the rest of this entry »
Janet Denton Cordell, master carver of Arkansas, has had her personal Hitty doll stolen while she was at the Dayton Woodcarving Show November 9, 2013. This wooden doll is hand carved of ash with a wooden heart on her chest. She is approximately 6” tall and has painted hair and face. Her face is distinctive because of the growth rings only on one side of her face. Here is the link to Janet’s website showing pictures of the doll: http://www.janetcordell.com/sequoia.html
Any help in finding this doll and returning her to Janet is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to spread the word to other woodcarving clubs and friends. The doll can be returned/mailed to Janet at her address on her website with no questions asked.
