AusBonsai

Hi Guys

This olive came out while i was collecting another much bigger one.We call it collateral damage. Seeing as it was out i decided to root it. It was flat cut at the base about a year ago now and has grown very strong this season(very well rooted too)
On the weekend it was raining so i decided that i would carve it to see what i could do or it needed to go. (the bark is very good on this olive).

Here is how it went. This is was i quickly drew up so i would have a little direction. After rough carving After a bit of detail carving A close up of the deadwood up the trunk with some sealer to prevent the edges from drying out. Long way to go but at least i will try and give it a go and not just pass it on.

Incredible transformation Brett. Good job!

Brett,
yep,
great job. Especially as you've only been into this for 2 years. Its a cool base, lots of character.
Andrew would call this a Mame
Woody

Nice carving Brett!

Have you singed the wood or did you paint it with something?

Regards,
Steven

What do you use to do your carving bretts? It looks great!

Nice tree mate, also wondering the tools you use to carve.

Adam.

Hey Guys

Thanks for the compliments.
Yes It is a mame for Andrew..

I know i have only been at it two years but i am addicted and have really learnt a lot.
There are only two bits used on the carving.
The first for the rough carving is a 2 cup called the Kutem 12/45 from Tony Mortimer. http://www.orientalarts.co.za/kutem.htm
The second is a steel brush made for a dremmel that i have soaked in resin to make it hard. This gives you nice cutter to do layers.

This is only the 3rd tree i have carved. One thing that i learnt that stuck with me about carving is that you need to create layers.

I have not sealed the wood only the live vien around where i carved to stop the tree from drying out.
The only thing i have done is take gas burner torch to the wood to burn off all the fluff. This also helps to take away any sharp tool marks. After that is complete you simply wire brush the wood with the grain. The burning also helps to oxidize the wood, which is what happens over a period of time anyway.

I will now leave it for a while. It will crack ect and this will let me detail carve it further later. Once that is done i will then preserve it.

Brett