Hopi Maiden

I've always wanted to do a lady from this tribe and after taking in the Santa Fe Indian Market earlier this month I was able to come up with the necessary research to start the project.

The hairstyle is what sets off the piece. It's know as a Squash Blossom.  If your a Star Wars fan you'll note that Princess Leia also put her hair up this way.   You will also note from the photo that I've left the eyes closed.  Haven't decided whether to open them up or not.  I kind of like it this way.  She'll be wrapped in a Hudson Bay Blanket, probably red and there will be a little Turquoise in the final mix.  Should be a colorful piece.

Hope you like her so far and there are a couple more photos in the Gallery and your comments are appreciated and welcomed.

Hot Irons & Arbuckles

I've done this little scene a couple of times before so I thought I would polish off another for the upcoming November show.  This fella is getting ready for the morning branding chores but still has time for a quick cup of Arbuckles.  Arbuckles was the coffee choice in the old days as it was one of the first that came already roasted.  Prior to that the cook had to roll those raw beans around in the fry pan before grinding them up.  I can just imagine the quality of the brew.  Also, inside each Arbuckles package was a stick of peppermint candy which was sought after so much that Cookie rarely had a problem getting volunteers for Chuckwagon duty.

I hope you like him and there are more photos in the Gallery.  As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

The Boss Of The Outfit - Finished

Nailed the nameplate on this honcho this morning so he's ready to ride out and check on those deadbeats that always seem to be hanging out behind the bunkhouse.   I had my doubts about this piece when I first started him but as he progressed he just seemed to get better and better, ending up as one of my best.   I really like the coloring on the Buckskin and the angora chaps add a little extra touch.  With the base he stands about 14" tall.

Hope you like him and there are more photos in the Gallery.  As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 10

This will wrap this little scene up.  Thought I would show you how I go about creating the little, or even big, signs for my carvings.  It's a pretty easy process and one easy to get the hang of after a little practice.  The secret is the brush and a steady hand.

SLIM PICKIN'S

At last!  Glad to see this one leave the work table and head over to the Gallery.  But I will say it was a fun project and I already have another great idea that would involve a couple of these dirty birds.

There are a bunch of photos in the Gallery.  Hope you like this little scene and I look forward to your comments.

THE BOSS

I haven't done a wrangler on a horse in a while so thought I'd better get a few done before November or everyone would think my cowboys are all unmounted.

Thought I would give this one a little twist by putting a derby on his head instead of the usual Stetson.  Being the Boss he's probably not in the sun all day so doesn't need that wide brim as he probably spends most of his time with his nose in the books or down at the bank trying to wrangle another loan.   He's about 15" tall with the base so it's a nice piece that will command attention.  I gave the horse a snaffle bit and you can see a metal rear cinch just behind his leg.

Hope you like him and there are more photos in the gallery. Comments welcome.

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 9

Moving right along, this segment deals with making a small sign to put on that pole. A number of you have ask me how I go about creating these little signs so here is the lowdown!

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 8

We're just about ready to wrap this project up but there are still a couple of things to do to really put the final polish to it.

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 7

With this segment we wrap up the painting.

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 6

Time to get the paint out!

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 5

Things are really starting to come together. In this segment we set the skull into the surface and add an additional detail.   Having fun yet?

Carving A Pair Of Vultures - Part 4

With the birds carved we can now get down the the fun part of assembling a scene.