Many years ago I carved a heart-shaped necklace pendant as a Mother’s day gift. I always intended to do more carvings, but never took the time. Now, I may be hooked.
I have always been interested in small animal carvings. There is a true joy that comes from taking a block of wood and molding it down into a lifelike form. Wood is such an amazing medium to work with. This is my first attempt at creating such an object. Perhaps I’ll attempt a few more birds. I have a bear in mind also, but first I’ll need to source a better wood.
This bird was carved from a spare chunk of Jatoba I had laying about. It wasn’t my first choice, but I had a plan and an idea, and I know myself well enough that had I waited for a better wood, it is unlikely this bird ever gets carved. I quickly found that Jatoba is not a carving wood; at least not for your first attempt. I understand Butternut is a good wood to work with, but sourcing blanks has proven difficult.
In the meantime, I plan on gifting this bird to my son for his upcoming birthday. I really hope he likes it as much as I do.
