Carving A Tree

[Normow]

I have a customer who wants a wallet with a carved tree on it. I don't have much experience with figure carving. When I do a search on "tree" I get a lot on saddle trees. Does anyone have a carving pattern and /or tool and technique ideas for carving and stamping a tree? I plan to put it in an oval window in a basketweave frame.

[compound]

I think in Stohlman patterns(HOW TO CARVE LEATHER-figure carving book, for example) are lots of trees carving tips

[Spinner]

I think in Stohlman patterns(HOW TO CARVE LEATHER-figure carving book, for example) are lots of trees carving tips:rolleyes:

Yep, Stohlman shows a couple of different techniques in How to Carve Leather for trees and shrubbery. Even now it's still a go-to book for me.

[Normow]

I think in Stohlman patterns(HOW TO CARVE LEATHER-figure carving book, for example) are lots of trees carving tips:rolleyes:

Nope, got a lotta soutwestern cholla, mesquite, cactus in that one, but no archetypal trees that I saw.

edit: OK, I see the book you're talking about. I have the figure carving book, that I was referring to. I'll get the How to Carve Leather one, see what's in there. Thanks.

Edited October 28, 2010 by Normow

[ClayB]

One of Al's later books, Pictorial Carving Finesse gives very detailed instruction on carving all kinds of trees as well as most other scenery elements. It is the companion book to Figure Carving Finesse which goes into detail on carving numerous animals and also people. Anyone interested in figure carving really ought to have both of these books.

[JLSleather]

As Clay notes, there are LOTS of different types of trees. Alas, I don't have those books any more, though they contain lots of good information and techs that I still use. Depends on the type of tree and the size you want, just what technique you'll want to use. Since you mention wallets, here's a couple showing varied styles/types ...