Linked Hearts are up on Etsy

The linked hearts I posted about a little while back are now available on Etsy. I whittled them from a block of tupelo, then stained one with some "prarie wheat" gel stain. I like the contrast the color gives the piece, and am already planning a new linked hearts project.

Carved links are a classic old-time whittler's trick, and joined hearts are just classic.

Old time whittler's tricks: Linked Hearts

Two hearts, carved from a single piece of tupelo wood. I like tupleo. It's easy to carve, but a bit tougher than basswood. I stained it two different colors to further the illusion of two seperate objects "magically" intertwined.

I made these thick enough to withstand causal handling, and chose tupelo for it's durability. People will want to pick this up, and I will want it to stay in one piece!

Carving Resolutions for 2011

I've decided on some carving goals for 2011. This year I'd like to:

-Carve a nativity scene (including at a minimum the Holy Family, a cradle, and one donkey.)
-Make more walking sticks. Maybe even one for myself!
-Teach basic carving to at least two other people.
-Try different carving woods such as tupelo.
-Improve my photography skills. This should help the blog as well as sales on Etsy.
-Carve more moving parts such as rattles, ball-in-cage designs, chains, etc.