Ozark Walking Sticks

Wood Carving Videos

Apr 172011

41 new wood carving videos by Gene Messer have bene added to Ozark Walking Sticks.com.

Wood Carving Videos

Whether you are a beginning carver or a seasoned veteran, there are always new perspectives and ideas that can be examined to improve and/or compliment your carving skills. One of the best teachers that I have had the pleasure of learning from, is Gene Messer. Mr. Messer does carving instructional videos on many different carving projects. As this site grows, I plan to add more and more instructional videos as time permits.

One of the best tips that I can give to beginning carvers, is to get a copy of Mr. Messer’s carving videos. One of the best beginning steps that I took when I first started carving, was to watch Gene Messer complete a couple simple projects on video. He makes the whole process very easy to follow, and shows step by step how to make each cut. You will be amazed at how well your own project will turn out after following along with the video.

Some major benefits of using these videos are:

They allow to you rewind and watch a particular step over and over again without interrupting a classroom setting
They are very easy to understand and follow along with
Very well prices compared to other instructional videos
Can be taken along and used anywhere that a DVD player is available
They make great gifts for new carvers that have no prior experience
Taught by a very humble teacher that loves to help carvers learn

Wood Carving as a Healing Method

Beginner Wood Carving Information, Wood Carving Articles/Reviews No Responses »

Feb 192012

While doing some wood carving research the other day, I found a great article that talks about the healing attributes that wood carving can have for a person. The article details how art and decoration can affect your mood and therefore alter your stress levels. It also relays those same attributes to wood carving projects.

When you as a wood carver enjoy the projects that you are working on, you will tend to feel better about them and yourself. You will also do a better job on the wood carving project. I have to say that I agree, that when I am doing a wood carving project that I enjoy working on, it allows me to relax and time can get away from me. I have always been a firm believer that people should find a hobby that they enjoy and stick with it. You will become more relaxed and get your mind off of the stresses of everyday life.

To read the article for yourself, check it out at White Eagle Studios.

Optimize Images to Reduce Load Time on Websites

Other Interests No Responses »

Feb 162012

As I have made my way learning different aspects of running a blog, I have found that there are many tips and tricks that although may seem small, can really make a difference. One such trick is to always use an image optimizing program to optimize or reduce the size of your image files. By reducing the size of the file itself, each time that someone loads a page with that image, it takes less time to load the image because of the small file size.

As I have gone along, I have found that a great little program called Free Image Optimizer is my best option. It is easy to use, works every time and best of all, it’s completely free. You have the option of downloading the program so that it is available when not connected to the internet, or to use the online optimization tool.

Here is a link to the download page for the Free Image Optimizer: Free Image Optimizer

I have no agreements or deals with this company, therefore, I can give a very honest and non-biased review of their program. If you have a blog or website, it would be beneficial to check them or any other image optimizer out.

Ozark Walking Sticks Product Review – Colwood Wood Burning System

Beginner Wood Carving Information, Wood Carving Articles/Reviews No Responses »

Feb 052012

When I got started with wood carving, I noticed that one technique of finishing wood carvings, is to use a wood burner to burn designs and textures into the piece. Not wanting to spend much money just to try out wood burning, I went to the local Wal-mart and bought a cheap wood burning iron. The iron worked good for burning my initials into my carving, but it lacked a lot as far as versatility and useability.

Last year, as my 10 year wedding anniversary got close, my wife and I exchanged ideas for gifts for each other, so that we didn’t spend money on stuff that we may not use. One of the gift ideas that I presented, was for a Colwood Wood Burning Kit. It included a Colwood Detailer wood burning system, a wood burning book and 3 wood burning tips. To my delight, my wife bought the kit for me. Continue reading »

Make Cuts to Stop Paint from Bleeding

Beginner Wood Carving Information, Wood Carving Tips No Responses »

Feb 012012

When finishing a wood carving project, I have found that adding some paint will really finish out a piece. There have been several projects that I have carved and after finishing, I think about how it just didn’t satisfy my mental image of what the project should be. After adding some color, it really changes the carving in a good way and adds depth and distinction.

Sometimes, when painting small carvings or delicate areas of larger carvings, the paint will try to bleed over to an area that it is not intended to be. A simple way to limit the paints ability to bleed and run, is to make a simple stop cut between the areas that will have either no paint or different colors of paint.

The cut will cause the fibers of the wood to separate slightly and create a barrier that the paint will be less likely to pass over. This technique will also add some definition and division between features. As with any new technique, try it out a few times on a scrap piece or a piece that will not break your heart if you mess up.

Ozark Walking Sticks Review of Heinecke Wood Products

Beginner Wood Carving Information, Wood Carving Resources No Responses »

Jan 292012

Any time that you set out to do something that you enjoy, you should strive to have the best material and equipment that you possibly can. If you like to go fishing, you want the best fishing gear that will help you accomplish a successful fishing trip. If you are a hunter, you want the best supplies and weapons to help ensure that you have the advantage on every outing. Wood carving isn’t any different.

When you set out to work on a wood carving project, whether you are a seasoned wood carver, or a brand new beginner, you need to have the best tools and wood to make the wood carving process safer, more fun, and more successful.

There are a ton of choices when it comes to choosing quality wood carving tools, but I’ve not found any better option for great quality basswood than Heinecke Wood Products. Tim and Dale Heinecke have been in the wood business for over 30 years and supplying fine carving wood since 1995. Their practice blocks are all Northern Wisconsin Basswood.

Every order that I have received from Heinecke, shipped quickly and delivered wonderful white basswood that was precisely cut and planed on all sides. The practice sticks are ready to carve right out of the box and create really nice carvings. They even do custom sized at no additional cost.

Check them out today, you won’t be disappointed.