Project #46 - Ddalo Inspired Santas

While I do not consider myself a real “Santa Carver”, I have gotten into the habit of doing a Christmas themed project each year. This is typically the only project in which I plan to make more than one. I alway keep one, the others always seem to find their way into other households.

I truly enjoy the act of Whittling and never want to risk the enjoyment I get from it by making it a job. Eventually these little carvings do accumulate so I will sell/dispurse some to make room for the next batch.

All four stand 4 inches tall, carved from basswood. Hand painted using acrylic paint and finished with a hand rubbed beeswax paste.

Project #45 - Ddalo Inspired Giraffe

Giraffes hold a soft spot in the hearts of many members of my family particularly in our youngest member. When I saw this little guy I could not resist carving one myself. Once painted it will likely become a gift to my amazing Granddaughter.

Keeping with the recent theme this carving stands about 4 inches tall and carved from basswood. As usual for me, mostly knife work with some liberal use of palm gouges. Handpainted with acrylic paints and finished in a hand rubbed food safe beeswax paste. I used a bit of clear nail polish to get a shiny/fluid look to the eyes and tongue.

Project #44 - Classic Sesame Street Yip Yip Martian

Growing up in the early days Sesame Street, who was not amused by these colorful furry muppet martians that were constantly trying to identify items they encountered on their many trips to Earth, “Book book … yip, yip, yip yip yip…nope,nope,nope nope nope…”.

This little guy (sans antenna, to be added later) is about 4 inches tall carved from basswood, mostly knife work, gouges where made life easier.

Project #43 - Ddalo Style Walrus

Sticking with the theme, I really fell for Ddalo’s Walrus and knew I just needed to have one for myself.

The Walrus is about 4 inches tall, but needed a bit more length then I currently had in my basswood supply. So, I glues on a bit for the rear flippers. As usual, I carved from basswood using knives, v-tools and veiners (U shaped gouges).