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Here are some photos I took of the process of making a stylized dove brooch. First, I make a few sketches. You can see the last two in the photo below. Then I get a piece of basswood about the right size. The piece is thicker than required, so I quickly thin it down with a gouge. After thinning it down, I sketch the pattern directly on the wood and cut around the outline with a coping saw. With the rough outline cut, I put it on some non-slip netting to help hold it in place while carving. I use gouges to shape the carving. Now the rough gouge work is complete. You can now see the form of the head and body. The wings have a slightly concave shape with a raised edge. Since I want a smooth finish, I am working though progressively finer grits of  Abranet sand paper . I end with 600 grit. With the sanding completed, it is ready for finishing. I add my initials to the back with a wood burner. A pin will be added on the back, just above the initials,...

Ricky Smith carved the walnut wall plates for a pair of sconces. Here is a picture of one along with close ups of  the top and bottom.

Author and woodcarver Dale Arden put together this video documenting his journey creating an award winning carving. It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to provide some guidance along the way. Here are a couple of photos of the finished piece.

It's taken a couple of weeks for me to post this, but here are some photos from the 2018 North Texas Wood Carver's Guild "Rhapsody in Wood Show". We had a great time seeing the work of wood carvers, scroll saw artists, wood turners, guard carvers, and more. I had the opportunity to demonstrate carving techniques, sharpening methods, design ideas, and learning to draw with a wide variety of people. Thank you to everyone who came! Here is a shot from the show floor. This was my table with some carvings on display and my carving demonstration station. Jody Webb smiling with his first place and merit award winning carving. Following is a sampling of first place winners from various categories.

This Saturday and Sunday (March 3rd & 4th) is the North Texas Wood Carver's Guild 2018 show and sales titled " Rhapsody in Wood ." Please visit the official show page for details. Here are a couple of photos from last year's show.

Jody Webb finishing up his latest rose carving commission. This will make a one of a kind Valentine surprise for the recipient!

Here is a small wood spirit carving I made from a piece of cottonwood bark. The carving is approximately 5 inches tall.