Today I'm going to start a new walking stick project. I think some of you may enjoy following along as the stick is being transformed from a shabby looking tree branch into a work of art so I am starting a new page called projects and I will post pics to it as we progress. Since I live at an altitude of 5300 feet I am blessed with property that is covered with Cedar, Juniper and Pinion Pine trees. The Juniper trees make the best walking sticks if you can find a piece that fits your length and diameter requirements. Many people think that a walking stick is just a straight piece of wood you might carry around with you. I go a little further with my definition of a walking stick to describe it as a life long companion and the focus of many conversations. To my way of thinking if I'm going to carry a stick around it better do more than weigh me down! It needs to be a statement and a reflection of who I am. It needs to be unique and eye-catching ......and I think you will see that my walking sticks are. Here is a pic of the simplest stick I have carved so far.
The top picture, of course, shows the whole stick. The center shows the hand carved and wood burned and painted decorative band with the feather and thong drop.
The third pic shows the natural whales eye feature of the Juniper stick. The finish on this stick is all natural. The surface has been burnished with a hard polished stone to harden and shine the wood. Over time the color of the stick will darken slightly to a more yellow/amber tone. All of my walking sticks are signed and numbered and owners are placed in a registry. And finally, here is a picture of the branch I will use to start this next project.
I have not decided what the subject of the stick will be yet so I am going to close for now, pop the top on a cold Bud and contemplate just what the subject of the stick should be.
Michael James of Arizona
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