paulj0557-vacuum cleaner expert asked:


If you go on ebay, it’s in Antiques,then “folk art’, then’sculpted or carved’, then between ‘1900-1949′. It is an old woman wearing a dress and an apron, with her hair in a bun, that was hand carved.
I thought it might be Elijah Pierce’s work, but after looking at his work it appears he did mostly 2D pieces. So really I have no clue. That’s all I’m looking for - is some direction.

Any help would be appreciated.

CLEMENT

jessica asked:


For an art project, I want to make a small tree (about 8-10″ tall) with branches. Well, at first I considered making it out of paper mache, but I want to keep it when I’m done, and paper mache will get bad after a couple years. So i thought about carving one out of craft wood.
What type of wood would be best? Balsa wood - the kind I can get at hobby lobby? If not, where would I go? What should I know before I start?

CHRIS

Greath Owen asked:


Wooden cabinets give a bathroom an artistic and elegant look. No elements can affect the feel of a bathroom as much as the wooden cabinet. Wooden bathroom cabinet is the right way to form the space needed in the bathroom. Wooden bathroom cabinets are found in exclusive style and color that are mixed charmingly with the interiors.

 

When people think of wooden cabinets, the wood immediately comes to mind is teak. “Teak” wood is regarded as a perfect wood for bathroom cabinets. It is also good-looking, smooth and does not require artificial polishing or oiling. The Teak is sturdy and durable and so resists bad weather and insects. Teak, which is wood is rich with silica and natural oil content, resists all kinds of insects. Teak is especially suitable for structural works and carved designs. Even a garden bench made of teak is capable of withstanding rain and sunlight for many years.

 

So, the denseness of teak, together with the above qualities, makes it the favorite wood of bathroom cabinet makers throughout the world. People also like it as its cleaning and maintaining process is so easy

 

Teak wood furniture has also gained more popularity and most of the designers are discovering the benefit of it in terms of heavy duty and long lasting.

 

A bathroom without water is just unthinkable. We know that water is mostly blamed for damaging wooden furniture, but you can not stop to take your bath! But those who use teak wood for bathroom cabinets should not think about water caused damaging.

 

Teak, a very expensive hardwood grown in tropical zone such as Burma, Indonesia and Thailand varies from rich golden-brown to dark brown. The durability of teak is about 10-20 years minimum, light and suitable and also easy to uphold.

 

There are some other kinds of woods like woven wicker and white wood that are popular for making wooden furniture but need to be placed in the area that has changed condition. However it has been discovered by designers and home owners that teak is more durable, easy to care and charming of color.

 

One of the most unique advantages of teak wood furniture is that teak are not destroyed by termites because it has some kind of moisture and oil that protect termites. For exclusive feature of teak, it is being used for making ship also. Though teak is unique and able to protect various threads, you should be careful and give proper preservation. Due to low supply teak is so expensive; but if you have some money, I would like suggest you go for it.

 

Besides teak there are many woods for wooden furniture such as Mahogany (African mahogany), Elm, Walnut (black walnut, European walnut), Rosewood (Indian and Brazilian), Pine (white pine), Cherry (black cherry) etc.

 

Though there are various kinds of wood, but comparatively “teak” is more preferable for wooden furniture like bathroom cabinets.



CYRIL

Kris Bond asked:


In Southeast Asia, a cluster of islands numbering 17,508 is known as Indonesia. Only about 6,000 of the islands are actually inhabited but there are over 222 million people living here. The five largest islands consist of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. This Muslim country is known in particular for the hand-carvings that represent many of the beliefs they lived by in the past and still do today. The unique carvings that are a part of the history of Indonesia are sought after for what they represent as well as the unusual gifts that they make.

Buddha

Among the unusual and unique carvings in Bali one of the most-carved items is the Buddha. The religion in this area is mainly Hindu but Buddha is recognized in this area as a reincarnation of the Hindu God, Vishnu. The temples on this island have many statues of Buddha and these elaborate carvings are some of the most beautiful in the world. One in particular is carved from rain tree wood. The tranquility of Buddha as he meditates raising his left hand to ward off evil and the right one to show that he is indeed in meditation is one of the more popular. This Buddha is sitting on a lotus flower with a lotus bud on his right and left side. One of the more unique gifts, this is a favorite of many.

The Dakon Game

Another item that would make a wonderful conversation piece is the Dakon game. This feature that stands out on this wooden carving is the horse spirit that is 35 inches long and 11 inches tall. An item native to an area in Sumatra, this is a popular game of strategy that can be compared to chess. This item is hand carved from teak and stained. Even if you never learn how to play the game, this exquisite piece of history from Indonesia is a wonderful carving to own.

Hampatong Pair

This carving can either be made of wood or bone and are from two inches to six feet tall. Carved on the Island of Borneo, by the Dayak people, this pair is intended to be placed at the entrance of the home to keep the evil spirits away. They can be carved to resemble a family member who has passed. The Hampatongs are carved from ironwood and are an interim home for dead souls.

The Dragon

Carved from the rain tree which is a hardwood with interlocking grain that keeps it from cracking, the dragon shows the influence Chinese traders had on the Indonesian people. This is a wonderful representation of a dragon which is 21 inches long and 22 inches tall.

Ganesha

A sand cast carvings brought back to the original lava rock, this is the Hindu Elephant God of Prosperity. Ganesha is the favorite of many. The son of Shiva and Durga, worshiping Ganesha before activities such as an educational undertaking is thought to bring good luck. This flat-backed carving is meant to be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.

The Queen - Tribal Wood Stick Puppet

The Queen, wife of the Chief, is an exotic puppet which was based on the Dayak civilization on the island of Kalimantan, which was previously known as Borneo. A reversible puppet made from water buffalo hide, this Wayang Kulit is carved and painted on each side. Wayang Kulit means shadow puppet and was most likely used for Puppet Theater in Borneo. The puppet theater is not only a source of diversion of fun for the people of Java and Bali but a source of education. By teaching the age old Hindu classics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabaratha, which are two of India’s two greatest epic poems about the war between the Pandava and the Kaurava families and the incarnation of the god Vishnu, the puppet theater teaches the history of the people who lived many years ago.

Chinese Kirin - Hand Sculpted Terra Cotta

The Chinese Kirin is an animal that is a cross species of a dragon, a horse, and a dog. The body is covered with scales and the Kirin is smiling - all teeth - as if it really was not a chubby, scale-covered misfit. This animal was sculpted in terra cotta clay in the village of Kasongan in central Java. Used in gardens, on patios, and anywhere else in the home, it is about 15 inches tall.



DAVIS

Andy West asked:


Mention that you’re looking at a pro golf career, and most people would assume that you fancied yourself in line to become the next Tiger Woods. What many people don’t know is that golf, a $76 billion worldwide industry, offers a vast range of job opportunities covering, at last PGA count, more than 2 million jobs. For those who have a formal education in golf, the potential for a professional career can open many opportunities.

There are more than 18,000 golf courses spread out across the country, and thousands of other businesses that are affiliated with the noble sport. These include manufacturers of equipment, training centers, coaches, event management companies that organize tournaments, retailers, including repairs of equipment. Add to these the huge number of opportunities in hotels and resorts that frequently partner with reputed tournament organizers, and you begin to see the endless opportunity for individuals who have a sound education in the sport.

Here’s just a run down of just some of the ways you can carve out a career for yourself.

Golf professionals are the most visible individuals in the sport. If you have a love for it that extends beyond following a player on the green, and cheering every time he makes the perfect shot, this could be the career for you. The road to becoming a professional player is long and tedious with most sportsmen beginning as assistants and working their way to the top of the game. It goes without saying that a love for the game must be combined with a high magnitude of skill.

Even experienced professionals at the top know that the game isn’t just about caddies and golf carts, but is a business that is run as such. There would be no golf without the well oiled machinery of marketing professionals working furiously behind the scenes to attract customers to the resorts. A basic college education in marketing, and experience organizing high profile events could have you moving into the field of promotion of tournaments.

The game offers plenty of opportunity for a professional job for those with an eye for designing the perfect engineering plan. Golf courses are almost celebrities in their own right, with the most beautifully designed greens attracting the most prestigious tournaments.

There is a reason why those endless expanses of green look the way they do. There is an entire grounds maintenance crew headed by a superintendent, which is responsible for maintaining the landscaping. There is an especially huge demand for people who are trained in eco friendly methods of landscape maintenance.

Like every good business, successful golf resorts are always in need of professional managers to look over operations.

Event management professionals who have an eye for planning corporate events, and marketing gurus who are looking for ways to brand their companies are also hugely in demand in the industry.

Because of the unique nuances of the industry, individuals with a strong education in the sport who not only get the sport, but are also familiar with the various kinds of facilities and other aspects of the business, are much in demand. Persons with an education in the field will find their skills and expertise to be highly in demand in tournament planning companies, travel companies, equipment companies, publishers of literature, golf associations, and a host of other companies that require people who not only have a passion for the game, but also the education to round off that passion.

A professional golf education can familiarize a novice with the various aspects of the sport, and give a more experienced player the business knowledge that he needs to round out his skills. In the past, pro golf careers did not demand a specific education, but these days, with cut throat competition in the field, golf related businesses are beginning to depend on individuals who come to the job with no need for additional training. It only makes sense right?

You don’t have to have a zero handicap to make a pro golf career for yourself, but you can augment your working knowledge of golf with professional education to create a career in the field that is lucrative and satisfying.



ARMAND

Pixy Styx asked:


I am looking for a set that is for small hand woodcarving jobs, like for working with figure size items. I would like a set that has chisels, draw knife/push knife, carving tools, knifes, small mallet…etc. Thanks.
*working with figurine, I meant, not figure

CLAIR

Thom Inman asked:


When designing a carved wood welcome sign, one of the first things you should consider is the material from which it will be created. If you are looking for a classic rustic sign which speaks to nature, harmony, and environmental reverence; you ought to choose wood. If your sign will be placed outside, you will need a wood that will withstand a variety of weather conditions without becoming cracked, damaged or flawed over time. Western Red Cedar is the top choice and is used in the creation of the finest custom-crafted signs for its amazing attributes.

Cedar is dimensionally stable – its durability is legendary. This means it lies flat and straight without warping or cracking like most other woods will do. This also means it will withstand all that nature and weather will conspire against it and still look great over a long period of time. This is the stuff West Texas fence posts are made from! Red Cedar was used in the construction of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem circa 1000 BC. The use of cedar is mentioned in The Iliad. Red Cedar is used particularly in applications requiring resistance to weather, such as shakes and shingles – Totem poles; for heavens’ sake!

Cedar also won’t decay nor does it rot. Western Red Cedar is the first and clear choice for carved wooden signs. The natural oils it contains keep deterioration from happening as this preserves the wood from decay.

Cedar also has a wonderful aroma, thus adding to the rustic feel of your lodge, cabin or RV. If you choose Western Red Cedar as the material for your next personalized welcome sign, you will be able to keep your sign for a very long time. Whether you decide to maintain its finish, or just leave it in its natural state, you will be happy with the many great attributes of this wood. Although unfinished cedar will change colors over time, the slow metamorphosis is completely appealing. Because Red Cedar doesn’t rot, it will never really damage, thus making it visually appealing and very much intact for many, many years to come. To maintain its richly textured grain with amber, cinnamon and sienna colorings, do not employ spar varnish or polyurethane. There is a way, way better solution to durability than these old-fashioned approaches. A green finish system which releases zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) formulated to enhance and enrich the natural durability and appearance of western red cedar. Seek a vendor employing finish formulas that enhance water damage and reduce graying by incorporating sun-blocking, ultra-violet protection.

Western Red Cedar will also not bow or sag over time. This means your sign will stay straight and visible for as long as you keep it up. Because of this, your sign will last as long as your business, and will look just as beautiful in years to come as it did the day it was created. Since it is self-preserved, you will not have to take a lot of time treating it, and can feel confident in the knowledge that you will see a definite return on your investment.



KENNITH

Veronica Scott asked:


Are you looking for a way to increase quality time with your children? The craft of woodworking is practical and fun. Depending on how much time and effort you want to put into the creation, woodworking with your kids can teach them valuable skills while they have fun in the process. While woodworking does have some difficult aspects, children are capable of doing most of the process - with a little supervision on your part! Before deciding on your project, take a moment to consider a few of these points.

Evaluate Your Workspace and Equipment

Take stock of your resources like tools and space first. Nothing is more frustrating than getting halfway through a project and realizing you don’t have the tools or the room to complete it. Look through the instructions, buy all of the tools beforehand, and get the kids to help organize everything. Decide together where you’ll work on the project and clear more space if you have to.

Where’d Everybody Go?

Have you ever started a project with the kids only to look up and find you’re suddenly the only one left participating? Try to tailor the complexity of the project to the attention span of your children. Some children might only have enough patience for a project that takes a few days - or even a few hours. Undertaking larger projects with younger children might mean you’ll end up finishing it alone. Older children, on the other hand, might get excited about larger projects and see it through until the end. You know your children best and how long you’re able to hold their attention, use it to your advantage.

Keep It Interesting

Find a specific project you and your children can get jazzed about. Working on a project that isn’t satisfying will just end up being a chore nobody will want to finish. Whether you’re recreating a Victorian style house in miniature or carving animals and trains out of wood, the possibilities are endless.

Do Research Before You Begin

Even the most experienced hobbyist needs to do some research before undertaking a project. Beginners who have never done woodworking before will find a great deal of information online or at their local library. Talking to woodshop teachers at one of the local high schools or contacting your local hobby store will help too. Do some practice projects first. Start your children with small projects and work your way up to something more involved. The bigger project will seem much easier and cause less frustration with everyone involved.

Woodworking is a very rewarding activity for you and your family. If you take the time and make the proper evaluations before beginning, the entire project will fall into place easily and instill a sense of accomplishment in the whole family. The bonds created will have your kids remembering the good times for rest of their lives. Take the time to find a new project and see how it can bring your family closer together.



TEDDY

pink stars asked:


Looking for a store that sells wood carving tools or supplies in the San Jose area. Any ideas.

JAMES

Frankie asked:


i bought a wood carved dolphin and it was covered in wax to protect it and i was wondering what would be a safe inexpensive fast way to remove the wax? have already tried sanding and it is too time consuming.

BRANDEN