Info

How do you create the carving?
Almost all carvings are created with 90% chainsaw and 10% small power tools like grinders, drills, rotary tools and sanders. The carving process begins with sketches. I draw multiple designs for a carving, experimenting with different viewpoints and arrangements. Most of the issues are figured out on paper. Next, when a sketch is finalized, a small model may be created out of clay depending on the design. More issues are worked out with the clay model so that when it comes time for the wood, the cuts are made with confidence. The sketches and model are then used as references when drawing onto the log. The rest of the process is draw and cut, draw and cut until completion.

How are the carvings protected from weather?
Each carving is finished according to how it will be displayed. Carvings that will be left outdoors are treated with an outdoor deck and fence stain that contains UV, water and mildew protectants. The product we use for this is Olympic Maximum, oil based, semi transparent deck and fence stain. (Available at Lowes) The semi transparent stain is rated for 5 years. The solid stain is rated for 15 years, but doesn't soak into the wood as well as the semi. For extra protection, several coats of a spar varnish or spar urethane can be applied over the top of the stain.

In the winter time, simply blow the snow off the carving while the snow is light and fluffy. A leaf blower or air compressor works well. The carvings look great contrasted against the snow. This will also help to prevent water from getting in the cracks and freezing.

Indoor pieces can be finished with an indoor stain, wood preservative, oil or polyurethane.

How Should I maintain my carving?
Outdoor carvings must be kept off the dirt by setting them on bricks or stones so that air can get under the carving and keep it dry, allowing the wood to breath. You may also try using lag bolts on the bottom of the carvings base. Screw them into the base leaving and inch of the lag bolt exposed for the carving to sit on.

Once a year in the spring, take a good look at the carving to see if it is weathering. If so, simply reapply a deck or fence stain to it if that is how it was finished. If it was finished with spar, look to see if the spar's sheen is dull. If it is, simply wipe the carving down and apply one or two coats of a spar varnish or urethane.

Indoor pieces should be kept away from heater or air conditioning vents. Extreme tempature changes due to indoor vents may cause splitting, so keep the carving in a neutral tempature place.

What about splitting?
All log carvings are guaranteed to split. Minor splits should be expected. Major splits that detract from the beauty of the carving (across the face for example) or effect the structural integrity of the carving will be repaired as a free service or for a small nominal fee depending on the circumstances.

What kind of wood?
Most of the carvings are created with soft woods like pine, sycamor, tulip and cedar. Highly detailed pieces are carved in ash.