Hey Krittas, Bougies can be sucessfully carved at this time of the year,they are pumping along strongly at the moment...(don't do yours now if they aren't) Being a very soft wood,they leave a sort of "fibery" sort of finish which will benefit from a light touch up with a butane torch when the wood dries a bit...application of a wood preserver ala lime sulphur,or earl's wood hardener is a must ! I've seen Bougies carved heavily and still kick along strongly afterwards..it's always a good idea to have a plan drawn up ,and apply a few guiding marks ,before launching into it! "saplines" are not always clearly apparent ,but not isolating branches you want to keep,from the roots below ,with a big carved area,should see them survive.
if not ,they usually pop all over the place,so another branch choice is not a problem.Lastly, make sure you wear correct protective gear,-eye protection but especially dust protection as I know of one bloke who spent time in hospital with a chest infection after sucking Bougie dust ....good luck mate, with your bougies AND ankle
....Dog.
