Red Cedar Cardinal

[BillK]

While walking the back 40 of my yard (actually the back 1/2 acre) looking for some firewood I spotted a fallen red cedar tree, only about 3" in diameter. I cut up a couple of logs from it and the amazing red color of the wood reminded me of a cardinal bird. So off to search for a good picture or drawing of a cardinal (the male which is red) and I found one and began Aspiring to greater things and taking a break from working on my bench.

The model came out really well I thought, from a drawing which I find better to use than photographs most times.

Here are the pictures, all made from one of the two logs I cut.

model

after carve and oil

added stand, same log

the back

Thanks for looking!

[highpockets]

Really nice work, very creative.

[sawmiller]

excellent.
i saw up a lot of red cedar

[BillK]

Thanks John and sawmiller.

There used to be more red cedar around here. My Grandfather made a few cedar chests and boxes out of it, but it’s now scarce in this area.

[scottp55]

Hmm.......Find a log and cut some off....Yep, I can do that.
Color reminds me of something to make out of it.....Check.
Even IF I had Aspire.....don't think I would have made a model within half a year...Nope.
Think to make the model to fit the "Cookie"....long stretch Maybe:)
To take it from cutting log to finish within days.....My hat is off to you Bill!!!!

Excellent placement of the nice model in the blank using the wood features!!
An inspired project....and truly takes the expression "It's all of a piece" to the true meaning

LOVE it when a craftsman makes a piece, and you can see they made it out of the same piece of wood!

Serendipitous plus sticktoitiveness!!
Well Done Bill!!!
scott

[BillK]

Scott, Thanks for your review, always appreciated.

Your work on the walnut branch owl, https://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php ... branch+owl, was very inspiring to me. To make better, more realistic models, is a goal. I use Aspire as a tool, just like a handplane. It takes a while to flatten the sole, to hone the edge of the iron just right, make sure the chip breaker edge is flat, adjust the lateral, and dial in the depth. So I think I'm still learning that with Aspire. It's a great tool.

I liked the way this came out. I wanted the natural look. I got lucky when that chunk broke off pretty cleanly on the upper left. Yes that cookie from the log fit nicely, but nicer after I touched it up a little with a spoke shave. The whole thing did go fast and flowed together. I needed a base, and turned around and saw that chunk left over. You know what they say about Cardinals, someone looking over my shoulder helping me out.

Thanks again!

[jimandi5000]

I have to say... I Love it. The wife is asking me, "When will she have one?"

[BillK]

Thanks Jim.

I added another coat on the cardinal and waxed the rest. Picture came out a little better this morning. Definitely a favorite of mine. Think I'll be carving this one again soon.