Thread: The very last new stick designs for 2011 (I promise)

The year is almost over and I won't be doing any more new commission work in 2011 so here are the last two before 2012.

I was asked for a pelican as a cap piece for a walking staff. Originally they asked for a bird with wings outstretched, but after I pointed out the vulnerability they would represent on a working stick, they compromised and chose a seated position for the pelican. Once I had it carved and mounted, it looked a little uninspiring, so I carved the top of the staff to look like a jetty pylon, complete with tarred rope and mooring ring.

The pelican is carved from Jelutong, the shaft is Tasmanian Oak. Highlighted with a pyrography pen.



When I cut the blank for the pelican I used a fairly thick block knowing I would have to trim the width. On reflection I realised I had sufficient thickness for two pelicans so I cut the original pattern in half and made two. The second one I made into a handle for a cane. Its not the most comfortable handle I've ever tried but its not the worst either... it works ok.



A couple of weeks ago I got a frantic phone call from a woman who wanted an owl capped staff to give her husband for Christmas. I didn't think I could guarentee delivery by then but said I'd try. I had a few things that, on reflection, I wasn't going to get finished this year anyway, so I put them on the back burner and concentrated on the owl. Delivered it yesterday. Customer very happy to have a Christmas present for hubby!

The owl is English Lime, the spacers are Kangaroo Thorn, Lemon wood and Jarrah and the shaft is Tasmanian Oak. Highlighted with a pyrography pen.