Scottish National Seal Unicorn Woodscupture...

[ozmeath]

Just great Mike, and at those dimensions very good detailing you've got there! Well done mate. Was it a commission or for yourself?
Erin.

[Kilted KT]

great looking carving. Paint job looks great as well!

[Panache]

That is beautiful! May I ask how long it took you to craft it?

[Mike S]

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words! I made it for myself, although I do occasionally do commission work on the side. I try to keep my hobbies as just that though, as I make a living selling my artwork and know how quickly doing a lot of commissions can turn any beloved past time into a drudge of a job!
Thanks for the compliment about the paintwork. I had to hold myself back from doing it in a realist style and level of detail, as I was shooting for the traditional, Heraldry style of sculpture/finish.

[pdcorlis]

You have some real talent there Mike - and if you keep it a "hobby" you can enjoy the process for the rest of your life!

[Mike S]

That is beautiful! May I ask how long it took you to craft it?

Hi Panache,
It took about a week, working on it two or three hours a day in my spare time (I work quick...used to those deadlines!). I used pine and bass wood as I knew it was going to be painted, however if I had used a finer grained wood ( which I would have done were it to have a natural or stained finish) it wouldn't have taken quite as long. A finer grained, hardwood/fruitwood will produce finer, crisper detail, and in some ways is easier to carve with handtools- especially against the end grain.

Yes, I hope to keep it a hobby only. I have so many interests that time is a real issue. As far as woodworking, I also turn Bagpipes (Great Highland, Uilleann, Border/bellows etc.) on my lathe, as well as play them. I'm still working out the glitches with my Uilleann chanter dimensions though (talk about a real tricky little sucker to get right!).

[Colin]

Nice work, unfortuantely I now have "The unicorn" by the Irish Rovers in my head

A long time ago, when the Earth was green
There was more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the Earth was being born
And the loveliest of all was the unicorn

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn

The Lord seen some sinning and it gave Him pain
And He says, "Stand back, I'm going to make it rain"
He says, "Hey Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo,
and take some of those...

Green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
Don't you forget My unicorns

Old Noah was there to answer the call
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started to fall
He marched the animals two by two
And he called out as they came through
Hey Lord,

I've got green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn
I just can't find no unicorns"

And Noah looked out through the driving rain
Them unicorns were hiding, playing silly games
Kicking and splashing while the rain was falling
Oh, them silly unicorns

There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, "Close the door because the rain is falling
And we just can't wait for no unicorns"

The ark started moving, it drifted with the tide
The unicorns looked up from the rocks and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
That's why you never see unicorns to this very day

You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
You're never gonna see no unicorns

[New Lyrics]
Now you might think this is the ending to the song,
But I'll have to tell you friends that in fact you're wrong
You see, Unicorns are magical, so when the rain started pouring,
They grew themselves some wings and they took to soaring.

You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
But if you're looking for the unicorns, don't be forlorn,
The second star to the right and straight on until morning.

[Sherry]

Nice work, Mike.

[ozmeath]

Nice work, unfortuantely I now have "The unicorn" by the Irish Rovers in my head

The musician in me has to say that this song is credited to Shel Silverstein, an amazing writer of childrens songs and most of Dr Hook's hits! and also, one of my favourites being male with a girls name, "boy named Sue", sung by Johnny Cash.
Just a wee aside...