Shambam1962 Posted January 19, 2023 Report Share Posted January 19, 2023 After seeing the quality of walking sticks made by boo and Gamekeeper1960 and the other Pigeon Watch lads, I was inspired to have a go. I cut the sticks 2 years ago and left them in the shed to season and decided to have a try. My 1st thumb stick was a hazel shank and I was going to try a boo joint, but I chickened out and did a normal joint and was pleased with outcome. The 2nd stick was a holly knob stick, withe bark removed on the shaft and stained with some left over walnut stain and 3 coats of yacht varnish. After having a bit more confidence I decided to try and carve a dragon staff using a rasp and a few chisels and a Dremel tool. This is the stick and is still being worked on at present and is hazel. I had to remove the bark from the stick as the diameter was too big and needed to be shaved down to a better size. I made the glass eyes as I couldn’t find oval glass eyes, and watched a video on YouTube of a lady showing how to make them. I have loosely placed the eyes for the effect and they will be glued in when the stick is completed. I plan to try and scorch the stick and then oil finish the stick, but this may change as time goes on. I made lots of mistakes as I worked on the stick and changed my plans on numerous occasions, but it was a learning process and I would do things differently next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 19, 2023 Report Share Posted January 19, 2023 Very cool idea Very nice work and stick thanks for posting 😊👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billytheghillie Posted January 19, 2023 Report Share Posted January 19, 2023 Stunning mate, absolutely stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKD Posted January 20, 2023 Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 That is a work of art !!! Superb 👍👏😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian willetts Posted January 20, 2023 Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 Superb the detail is excellent keep them coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted January 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 Thank you all for your comments, and it’s a bit different. I still have a lot more sanding to do and more detail to add. I’m thinking of trying pyrogaphy (wood burning) on the handle and have watched Sue Walters on YouTube Burning Texture Series Part 6. But will try on some off cuts of wood first, as I don’t want a long piece of charcoal. My wife was a bit concerned when I ordered a few bottles of nail varnish and I explained it was to make dragon eyes, but I don’t think she was convinced until she saw the end result. It has been therapeutic to make and I’ve picked it up and done a bit and put it down when things wasn’t going to plan. Will post a picture when it’s finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted January 20, 2023 Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 That is brilliant. Thanks for posting. OB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted January 20, 2023 Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 Cracking job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morkin Posted January 20, 2023 Report Share Posted January 20, 2023 That is VERY GOOD Shambam I really like that 👉👏👏👏 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted January 21, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2023 Thank you Old Boggy, TIGHTCHOKE and Morkin for your great comments. I was out yesterday with the dogs and on walking home, stopped off and cut a nice bundle of mixed sticks. Had a nice selection of blackthorn, Holly and a few twisted hazel , so I have plenty for the next few years, to work on , once they are dry. I have a few sticks drying in the shed which I cut last last year, and will try another project, once the dragon stick is completed. I’m waiting on the Pyrography machine to arrive, so I can try it out and complete the stick. I have looked back at the sticks made by PW members and I particularly like a Pink Footed Goose carved by holloway, and the colour burnt finish achieved. I wouldn’t attempt to do a painted stick head as my painting skills are shocking, but I admire the skill and quality of work produced by Gamekeeper1960. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewh100 Posted January 22, 2023 Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 very nice indeed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted January 22, 2023 Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 those dragon horns ...are they part of the wood or are they antler prongs ?..set into the carving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted January 22, 2023 Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 33 minutes ago, ditchman said: those dragon horns ...are they part of the wood or are they antler prongs ?..set into the carving I was thinking the same. They look like antler points to me and are a nice touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted January 22, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 Yes lads they are antler points, but on the initial marking out they was going to be carved wooden points. After carving out the points I was concerned, as they would have snapped off at the 1st drop of the stick. The antler points are drilled and epoxied in, so will last a bit longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diver One Posted January 22, 2023 Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 Excellent work 11/10 the Boo joint looks simple....so does chequering! They aren't, I know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted January 22, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2023 Thanks Diver One, I watched a few YouTube videos before making the antler thumb stick but I wasn’t confident enough to do the boo joint when it came down to it. Maybe when I’ve made a few more stick’s I’ll try. I bet boo can do them in his sleep . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holloway Posted January 25, 2023 Report Share Posted January 25, 2023 Absolutely love that dragon and to see what you started with and how it’s looking now is really impressive, it seems you have a very natural flare and talent ,the pyrography will be a perfect finish I reckon. keep posted your stuff especially the before and after pictures they make an interesting and informative post (love those eyes as well perfect ! I didn’t even know you could make eyes like that ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted January 25, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2023 Thanks holloway for your comments and it’s very much appreciated. I have added more detail to the head, and I’m struggling with the Pyrograhy at present, and unable to control the test pieces from burning, due to the ferocity of the machine, even though it’s on the lowest setting. I have decided to do a burnt finish and a few coats of Danish oil, so hope to post a photo of the finished piece, be it good or bad very soon. I have also added a photo shot of the woman making dragon eyes on YouTube, which is worth watching, but she does ramble on a bit, but the end results are excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted February 2, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Well, I finally finished the stick and here are a few photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holloway Posted February 2, 2023 Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Looks really good ,nice subtle colouring and probably the best thing is that it’s a unique stick ! What’s in the pipeline for the future ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted February 2, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Thanks holloway for your comments. I have a few sticks, which I cut last year in the shed, and I have a few wild rose briars, which I would like to use on a project. What is rose briar, like to work with and what finish is used on the shank. I cut 2 very nice rose briar root ball sticks yesterday, but they will take at least 18 months, before I can use them. This is a photo of the head when scorched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted February 2, 2023 Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Unique.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted February 2, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Thanks Simon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jall25 Posted February 2, 2023 Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 Brilliant that is !!! What a skill ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambam1962 Posted February 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2023 Thank you jall25 for your comment, it was definitely a learning experience, and I enjoyed it from start to finish, and hope to make many more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.