Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Owl Thingie For Mom


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When I was home visiting my folks a few weeks ago, I noticed that mom had 3 of my carvings on or around her fireplace mantle. I had not photographed any of these before I gave them to her so I stepped out in the yard with each and got my shots.

This piece started off as a 2 x 2 inch mahogany table leg. I had built a simple microwave stand when we were first married and then recycled the wood when we got something better.

The top owl is fixed in place, while the owl in the center is free to rattle around, but not come out. It's really not that hard to carve something loose in a cage from a solid piece of wood. Kind of a ship in the bottle effect, but it just takes a little planning and patience.

Mom loves owls so she loved this piece...

...even though none of us know what it is, or what to call it. Posted by Picasa

17 comments:

Karen Schmautz said...

I haven't even caught up on all your previous posts that I missed when you've already posted another one.

Boy...you have quite the talent. That is bee-utiful.

Thunder said...

Wow, nice handy work! Something you can always do when you're sitting on the porch swing in a few more years! ;-)

Hey, I keep forgetting to comment on your scar. You know they have some amazing new lotions on the market place, mederma(sp?) for instance, that reduce scaring. Once the stiches are completely healed I suggest using some of that. I had my forhead literaly blown/burned off in a process accident a year ago December and Well, you've seen recent photos you really can't tell.

The MacBean Gene said...

You realy are a talented guy. These carvings are beautiful, your blogs are well written and you have a way with pigs. Who could ask for more?

Rurality said...

Holy cow! That is so cool. How did you learn to do carving?

Also: Where are the other pics???

And: You've already got your retirement CUT out for you. (Hyuk, hyuk, hyuk...)

Anonymous said...

Wow, are you ever talented! That's a work of art, not just a little crafty side hobby. I like the leaves heading up the base, too. What else have you carved over the years?
And what to call it? An owl rattle? lol It sure is interesting, nevertheless!

Anonymous said...

extreme.envy.prevents.posting

OldHorsetailSnake said...

That is beautiful, Cracker. You can call it that: "Beautiful"

R.Powers said...

Hick,
I was off so posting was possible. Glad you are back from the flu!

ThunderD,
Thanks for the tip!

DPR,
Anybody that can move a greenhouse could do this.

Macbean,
Jack of all trades, master of none :)

Rurality,
Cut out for me! Yukity yuk! I love puns, thank you! I learned by picking up a stick and a sharp thing...literally. I have some books now, but they tend to stay stacked in the closet. There are a few others to show, I'll get 'em posted here and there.

Laura,
It really is an owl rattle I guess. Glad you liked the vine, it snakes around the back and blooms.

P.a.b.l.o,
No.problemo.

Hoss,
I like that.

Deb said...

Wow. You are really an artist.

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

I used to carve and your work is magnificent...I bet your mother cherishes the owl carvings you did for her.
She is very lucky to have a son like you.

I have been reading your posts for a while and is there anything that you can't do? You seem to be a very talented & smart individual.

Suzanne said...

Very nice. I know they do this kind of carving in the Orient, so it must have a proper name, I just don't know what it is. TALENT...that's for sure. The design is very well planned and pleasing, with the vine twining upwards.

There's a group of carvers around here and they demonstrate at some of the historical get-togethers.

Very, very nice Cracker.

robin andrea said...

Stunning work, FC. That's really beautiful carving.

doubleknot said...

All I can say is like the rest of the comments - very beautiful and shows a lot of talent. I know your mother must teasure it.

R.Powers said...

Deb,
I can not play music.

Abandoned,
You know how moms are, they love everything their kids make. Thanks for the kind comments.

Zanne,
Thanks, I wish I had time to do more of it. There's 24 hours in the day, where does it all go?

RD,
Thanks. Now a few years later, I look at it and think, "well, I could have done this or I should have done that"...

Doubleknot,
She made sure I put it back on the mantle so she can brag on her baby boy.

Anonymous said...

Every comment is right to the point- this is beautiful art, FC. You make it sound so simple but that little owl moving around in the limbs of that tree- how wonderful is that?
When you turn your avocation into vocation I would like to be at the head of the line!

Anonymous said...

OK, FC - stop it. Just stop it. Now I'm going to have to interrupt my bottle searching and go out and find a piece of wood and try to carve :-)

You a man of many talents. That's just exquisite.

R.Powers said...

Vicki,
Thanks.If I ever get my "to do" list shorter, maybe I could mangle a few good sticks.

Wayne,
I know where you can find a bunch of oak.
Hey that would be a good meme...everyone post some artistic creation.