First Time Carving Herman Oak

[MattTheHat]

I believe this is my fifth try using this particular Craftaid pattern. This time was on some 5/6 ounce Herman Oak. I guess I should have anticipated a goodly difference between it and the cheap imported Tandy stuff I've been using, but wow!

I think the most interesting difference is how much easier it is to follow a layout line with the swivel knife without straying. I'm not sure why other than maybe tighter grain for whatever reason?

It also appears to take much more moisture than the imported stuff.

I obviously still need much more practice, especially with the backgrounder. There are probably too many decorative cuts where things split apart, and I can't bring myself to add decorative cuts to the flower as they turn out pretty ugly.

-Matt

[Troy I]

I think this looks really good...a lot better than I can do. GOOD JOB. Good leather does make a huge difference with everything you make...

[MattTheHat]

Thanks, Troy.

I try to practice as much as I can, but that's only about five small pieces per week. A couple of months worth of practice has really helped. My main problem is not knowing what leather carving in general is *supposed* to look like, as I've never really been exposed to anything other than internet pictures.

I still need lots and lots of practice, but I'm about ready to start actually making some of the stuff I got into leather working to make before I got sidetracked by carving.

-Matt

[Snakeinthegrass]

Very pretty!