The start of a new walking stick! This branch is about six feet long and two and one half inches diameter at the top. Big enough to make a stick for Wilt the Stilt Chamberland.
Here I've started hand stripping the shabby lose bark from the branch. If the branch has been cut off for a year or so it is easier to peel the bark.
After all the bark is removed I use a sharp pocket knife to scrape the powdery waste from beetles and stubborn inner skin from the stick. Usually I have to start this part of the work before I get a clue as to what the theme of the stick should be. Fortunately, with this stick I was able to envision a rattlesnake in the upper half and I decided to cut the length down to fit a person about 5'6" in height. Also, I decided to drastically lighten the stick by removing a large amount of the bottom half of the stick. I am planning a four post cage for some unknown reason.
You can't see the penciled images for the elements but you might be able to get an idea by the carving I've already started.
In the next pic you can see how short this walking stick will be compared to one of my others I am about to complete.
July 10, 2011
Here's a couple more pics. Started the penciled guidelines on the head of the snake.
August 10, 2011
Can't believe it's been a month since I've had time to come back here! Pics will show some changes to the head, handle and tail. Long way to go.
Notice the rattles?
