well thanks guys much appreciated. it given me more confidence both in my carving and style of my ideas
Like you when I carve something I always ask when its done what should I have done different . could I have done it better. and as for painting it has been a struggle at times just trying to capture it. but I still like the idea of transparent colour but often with lime it wouldn't make any difference
I like most of you guys like to design my own toppers sometimes all is needed is a photo but I always draw my own in the end and carve it as I see it , not always right but think it goes with what I am trying to achieve
as for questions always welcome ,
you will be lucky to get blackthorn, not always easy to get. I haven't been able to get any where I live but have access to harvest my own hazel
you mentioned Eider that's on my to do list .you had some nice wood to work with .holly and apple .