Thursday, August 19, 2010

Unusual Hobby

My youngest son enjoys finding broken branches and making walking sticks.

Natural bends and branch joints are saved to create natural handles.

First, he peels the bark to see the knots and wood grain, then hand sands the stick to make the wood smooth and form special designs. He will finish each walking stick with 5-8 coats of tree wax varnish.



Some added touches include the black leather braided handle. At the bottom of another, he inserted a state quarter into a perfect sized knot hole.

He has hand pressed a few pansies - which will be sealed into place with the clear finish.

Presently, soaking in water, are some very thin 1-inch wide strips of maple wood he plans to curl around another stick to create a striking handle.

5 comments:

The Hobbit said...

Those are gorgeous. I have a Harry something walking stick tree.I keep thinking I should do something like this,but I can't seem to find the time.Oh and that rodeo nice job what a great picture.He deserves bragging rights for at least a week for that ride

Eden said...

Amazing works! I never know anyone here who has a hobby like your son. Unusual indeed.

Elaine said...

He does beautiful work! It is a real talent to find the character in each piece of wood.

Eden said...

Hi, Connie!

Thank you so much for the visit and nice comments. I really appreciate it. It's great to hear from you again. Take care and best regards to everyone.

Montanagirl said...

Beautiful workmanship.