First ever carve

[Damian79]

Hi guys
this a Privet I bought off MattA a little while ago, and I thought I would try my hand at carving.
It has a good natural hollow that was being hidden so i thought id open it up and tryto make it a bit more interesting.This was always the plan for this tree, and for a very first attempt I think Ive done ok.
Now it is only half finished so this is a bit of a sneak peek
Any criticism is more than welcome.(good or bad)

side 1.jpg

side now.jpg

As I said its only half done there is some more detail to be added and Im thinking of removing a branch from the other side,that has no use in the overall design, to open it up a bit more and let more light into the hollow.
Please post your comments. I need all the help I can get

[MattA]

At this stage I would avoid cutting into any live wood but you can carve away as much dead wood as you like.

[Damian79]

Thanks Matt
I went a little bit to hard on the bottom section I kknow, But the rest is all dead wood. The branch on the other side is the other trunk you cut back before you posted. I figure if its already dead might as well get rid of it to see the foliage behind the main trunk.

[lackhand]

I hope my first carving effort goes that well! Nice work. Should be a fun tree to develop too. Keep up the progression photos on this one.

[Damian79]

Thanks Karl
Ill definately keep posting on this one. I'll hopefully finish today and put some more pics up. Depends if my 2year old boy let's me do some work today.

[Bougy Fan]

Looks pretty natural - do you have a drain hole so it doesn't fill up with water ? Perhaps a small amount of flame may darken up the new carving ?

[Damian79]

Hi Bougy
its hollow all the way through to the bottom.Ill be posting some more pics today. Im not finished yet but i will be using some flame on it for sure.

[lackhand]

Thanks Karl
Ill definately keep posting on this one. I'll hopefully finish today and put some more pics up. Depends if my 2year old boy let's me do some work today.

I have a 2 year old girl, so I completely understand that. Hard to keep an eye on them, an eye on the carving, and make sure they stay away from the power tools! But the kids always seem to want to be involved in whatever is going on, I just hope I can get them into bonsai young.

[Damian79]

Well as they say
"monkey see, monkey do" and my boy is definately a little monkey
I hope to get him involved as early as possible

[Damian79]

OK guys
So here is the update from my efforts yesterday.

progess 1.jpg

progress 2.jpg

progress 3.jpg

progress 4.jpg

progress 5.jpg

progress 6.jpg

There is still alitle more work to be done but all in all I think its looking good
I did find that working on the inside of the trunk is very difficult, especially with out the right bits for the dremel. I had to make do with the bits it came with so I will be investing in some other bits for detailing.
It was fun though and its something that I will definately be doing again.

[DustyRusty]

Personally I think it looks great! Very natural. How long did it take? (i habe a two year old too so probsbly awhile..)What carving tool were you using? (Ready for my virgin carve next spring so thinking about these things)

[Damian79]

Hi Dusty
Over the space of two days it took maybe 4-5 hours. Im not sure of the bit numbers for my Dremel ill try to find out. They were just the standard ones that come in the box.

[lackhand]

Carving looks great to me. I think the last picture is the best angle for this. I know, bonsai are supposed to be leaning towards the viewer and not away, but the massive trunk hollow for me is what really makes this tree, and it doesn't truly show from the first couple photos. Not sure what the best way to style around that is, but it's a good problem to have, lots of great character. Have you given much thought to what your best front is? I'd like to see pictures from the back that is currently against the wall too if it's not too much trouble. I know, this post is about carving and not styling, so feel free to just ignore me if you want, but that's some exciting material.

[Damian79]

Id be happy to post some more pics mate when I get a chance. Back to work today

[Watto]

Well done Damian, I think it looks great. Please continue to refine the foliage and work on the Uro and in a short time you will have a fine tree. Next step - pot shopping!!!