Well I have finally worked my way through all the other orders that were ahead of the St. Jude Auction Piece.  Haven't even started yet, but just printed the pics I will be using.



I know Pete is down visiting Les right now for a couple weeks of hunting hogs, so it will be interesting to see how far along I get before they notice this post.

I am doing something a little different o this piece.  I am making it bigger.  The actual burn area will be about 11 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall.  Why am I doing this?  Number one, just because I want to.  Number two, Les made a very generous donation to a great cause.  And number three, Both Les and Pete are like family even though I have yet to have the privilege of meeting them face-to-face.

Still trying to decide who's the ugliest mammal in the photo.  Out of the four in the pic, I am pretty sure it ain't the two hogs, LOL!

Also, just a warning...this could go fairly slow for a while as I will be traveling for work most of this coming week.

This is as far as I got tonight.  

First pic is just the outline of the areas that will be carved.


You might not see a big difference in pic number two.  I took a carving knife and cut as deep as I could on all the lines.  This is called a "stop cut" and helps you from cutting into your figures when you remove all the excess wood.


In this last pic I have power carved out all the excess wood.  In other words, created the different levels.


My next step is sanding each level.  Usually 180, 220, 320, 400, and then 600 grain sand paper.

I'd say they'll notice this pretty quickly. I just got back from down there. The hogs have disapeared. There are so many acorns on the ground that they aren't moving at all during the day.

8-(

Hi, Biggie!  Just heard from Les that there first 5 days were a bust.  He said they saw 6 bucks, some doe, and a group of hogs on the way in, then never saw anything on stand.  I told him it was because they saw them on the way in and knew to stay away from the feeders.

Anyway, they are taking a couple day break and then heading back out for another 5 days.

By the way, seems like an odd time of year for acorns to be dropping!

Just amazed at your work, cant wait to see this one progress.

Some people work with wood, some people can turn it into art. I've worked with wood since my dad started making me as a kid.

You turn it into art.

Yeah...that's the problem! Too many nuts in Florida.

Hurry up and get that one done so you can do my moose 8-)

Can not wait to see this one.  Your work is always amazing!

that is awsome. most i can do with wood is build a live trap and a crestor. u my friend, have talent!


steven

Biggie, you got a ways to go at number 9 on the list.

Steven, but all my work does is look purty on the wall, you traps could keep you fed!

Very cool work you do there sir!  Can't wait to see your finished masterpiece!

You make it look so easy, Hooked. Yet i know it takes a very special talented man with spirit to make them seem so real. Every piece inspires me to get back to making picture quivers again. Walk in Beauty Bro.  

i cant wait to  see the finished art work. that is somthing else Man.  

WOW!That's interesting,can't wait for next

QuoteOriginally posted by Hooked:
Steven, but all my work does is look purty on the wall, you traps could keep you fed!

There isn't much that can beat the life-like memories you provide.

update...ya, finally!

Been a crazy week with blizzards, a flu bug, and a business trip.  But got a little done...

Thanks for the compliments, everyone!  

finished sanding...


and started burning...

Hi Chip,
Looks like another great piece of art in progress. Looking forward to seeing it finished.
Bob

This is above anything I have ever seen.  Sir my hat is off to you, WELL DONE.  Looking forward to seeing more.

Looks amazing so far. Can't wait to see the finished pics!

Wow, you have an amazing talent.