Chainsaw CarvingOur Introduction to Carving The 'Carve Carrbridge' Chainsaw competition is a major event which has been held in September in Carrbridge for several years. In July 2005 they ran a one day chainsaw carving workshop tutored by champion carver Pete Bowsher – this was our first taste of chainsaw carving after which as ‘local artist’ we were encouraged to enter the competition as Novices. (Alice won the Novice Cup – no mean feat as she had never used a chainsaw prior to the workshop). We have continued to compete in the Carve Carrbridge competition which attracts champion carvers from all over the world. We also attended a certified course in Chainsaw Crosscutting/Safety/Maintenance at the Scottish School of Forestry in Inverness. Apart from the obvious benefits of specialised training, this certificate enabled us to get Public Liability Insurance for Carving events. Since October 2006 we have been selling our carvings from our Artists Studio in Carrbridge. Up to date we have carved Bears, Tree Spirits/Green Men, owls, squirrels, eagles, baby bears, , mushrooms, bear seats, fish, falcons , highland cows, signs and more bears. We are continually attempting new pieces and will occasionally undertake commissions. Chainsaws: We use chainsaw of various sizes, but the one essential is a chainsaw with a special carving bar, this has a narrower tip than normal chainsaws and enables the carver to achieve greater detail. We are continually attempting new pieces and will undertake commissions. Our work is usually completed 99% by chainsaw with only the eyes being added with a ‘Dremel’ or chisels – ceramic eyes are often added as a finishing touch. Care of your Carving We usually use some form of wood preservative on the carvings, this varies from coloured fence and shed preservative to clear decking oil or protector – and it should be noted that the carvings generally require recoating every 1 -2 years. The carvings are designed to sit outside, but they can be placed indoors if wished. The carving should be allowed to dry out slowly (do not site in direct sunshine for first few months) as this will keep cracking to a minimum – some cracks may nevertheless appear and must be accepted as part of the character of a solid wood carving. Click in one of the boxes to see some of our recent carvings. |
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