ClayB Report post Posted December 20, 2007 I got a package today from Jim Linnell with the prizes for the oak leaf carving contest in it. Along with the prizes he donated, he included a couple samples of oak leaves he carved that he wanted me to share with you all. I doubt the scan of these samples is going to do them justice. The carving is absolutley gorgeous and perfectly done. The more I study them, the more neat little things I see in his work. His pear shading in combination with the pro petal really bring the leaves to life. Note on the smaller sample how he used two different vieners on the leaves. The veiner and cam work on the stems and scrolls give them real shape. And then there are the decorative cuts, pretty impressive knife work! Hope you all enjoy these. A BIG thank you to Jim for helping out with our first contest! Clay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolvenstien Report post Posted December 20, 2007 that just makes me not even want to enter the contest..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Report post Posted December 20, 2007 I'm not entering the contest but I liked seeing Jim Linnell's work. By studying it, I see several areas I can improve in. I carved these earlier in the year (on that horse purse). They are my most current leaves. You can probably see where I could learn a thing or two from Mr. Linnell. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Report post Posted December 21, 2007 clay.. could you email me larger pics? i would love to have a closer look! wish i had some time enter the contest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BruceGibson Report post Posted December 21, 2007 He sure does some fine work. I'm gonna go bang my head against a wall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Masja Report post Posted December 21, 2007 I can only dream about doing carving like that, some time! (I don't think I have the right tools too) @Mike: I like yours very much too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCOUTER Report post Posted December 21, 2007 Clay, This is just the stuff that can inspire all of us to "kick it up a notch!" Awesome! Thanks for posting and the 'legwork'. =) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClayB Report post Posted December 21, 2007 Here are some close ups of Jim's work. When I blow up my own work on the computer screen, that's when the flaws really show up. These still look awful nice to me. I hope none of you are discouraged by seeing Jim's work. That wasn't his or my intention from posting this. Jim is always trying to introduce new people into leather work, and teaching and encouraging the rest of us. That's what these pictures should do. Show us a couple different ways to carve and get some ideas on how to improve what we do. I have been carving for over 30 years, and I couldn't do what Jim does, but I intend to study these pictures and hopefully improve what I do in at least a couple areas. If anyone wants the full size pictures, PM me with your email address and I'll get them to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted December 21, 2007 Clay, Thanks for the close-ups. The attention to detail is great. It is always the little things that add up to make it great. Regards, Ben Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorsehairBraider Report post Posted December 21, 2007 Wow - what awesome carving. That sure gives a person something to strive for! I used to carve but never like that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted December 21, 2007 MIKE DONT CUT YOURSELF TOO SHORT, DO THOES OAK LEAVES AGAIN AND LEAVE THEM NATURAL WITH MABEY A LITTLE ANTUQUE ON THEM.. IMHO..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrice Report post Posted December 21, 2007 My God! Each time i see good carving such as the one made by Mr. Linell, i must confess that i'm getting discourage by my own carving. It seem that i'll never be able to achived amazing results such as professionnels I know, i know, practice, practice, practice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Regis Report post Posted December 21, 2007 Patrice & others. Don't be toooo discouraged because I just discovered that the oak leaves in my yard even look bad compared to Jim's. Even tossing in a few acorns and arranging in nice display, the leaves in my yard are flat and uneven. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elktracks Report post Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) I can still remember studying every detail of Al Stohlman's carvings in Tech Tips, Belts Galore and his many other books when I was first learning to carve leather. I dreamed of being able to do leatherwork that looked nice. I only had a basic 7 set of tools then, but that didn't stop me from dreaming. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get my work to even come close to measuring up. But doing leatherwork to that degree was still my goal. I got to the point where I could do work that others thought looked good and I eventually convinced myself that the photography had to make Al's work look better in the books than it actually was. I was comfortable with my work until the day I got to actually see some of Al Stohlman's work. I got to hold it and examine it...............and I was humbled. That was a turning point for me and my leatherwork. In that moment, I realized how far I was from ever having my work compare to Al Stohlman's and yet at the same time I realized that it really can be done. I was holding the evidence in my hands. This realization inspired me strive all the harder to continue to refine my knowledge and skill. I applied myself to leather carving with a deep determination that one day I would do that kind of work and people would compare their work to mine. It is my hope to inspire those who study my work to say to themselves, "I can do that". Please study my work and be convinced that it can be done and that yours will look that good or better one day. The skill and talent to carve leather the way I do, was not discovered until I was inspired to develop them. I pray you will have as much joy developing your gifts as I have mine. Jim Linnell Edited December 22, 2007 by elktracks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny7 Report post Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) Beautiful work, Jim and welcome to the forum. Guess I will downloading some of your patterns from Tandy and getting to work. Johnny Edited December 22, 2007 by johnny7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beaverslayer Report post Posted December 22, 2007 Welcome to the forum Mr. Linnell, I feel honoured and priveledged to have you on the same forum as I. Your work is very inspiring, and I too hope that one day I will be as good as you. Although I do not lean toward the oakleaf and such, I have been tempted to give them a try just to see if I can. Thank you for you words of encouragement, and hope to see lots more of you work, and read your comments. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don101 Report post Posted December 22, 2007 Hi Jim welcome to the forum we are very glad to have you here with us, i have now seen lots of your work and really like it ive got a small collection of pics from your work and peek now and then to admire the craftman ship, i realy like the knife sheath with the buck on the front, before i joined this forum all i knew was old west carving and nothing else realy interested me, then i saw work from the likes of Clay, and it blew my mind as it was a whole new ball game the same with beza and david with there seats, i could go on and on and mension nearly every member on this forum as they all have there own ideas and styles, its just great to have so many tallented poeple here, Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Report post Posted December 22, 2007 Welcome to leatherworker Jim! I hope you can find the time to stop in now and then! I am a big fan of your work. I've used quite a few of your patterns. Your oak leaves are very inspiring to me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted December 24, 2007 Jim's work looks great on the internet; but you should see it in person! Some of us lucky folks here in Cincinnati had a chance to do just that when Jim stopped in to our Wednesday night work group several months ago. (We meet every other Wednesday at the Cincinnati Tandy store.) Watching Jim carve is a treat indeed. Hello again Jim, and welcome to Leatherworker.net. David Theobald Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
