SPRING CLEANING SALE ! ! !

Well, it's finally spring time in the Rockies and it's time to do some home and shop cleaning.  My sweet wife told me I need to clear out some of my caricature carvings that have been taking up space for far to long.  Therefore, I have drastically reduced my prices for all my finished pieces, making it the perfect time for you to acquire a favorite or two for your private collection and for me to reclaim some shelf space for new additions.  Just click on the "Carvings Gallery" Tab above to take a look at the selection.  Just send me an email at theoldstump@live.com for inquires regarding my carvings.  All sales are based on a first come, first serve basis.  Shipping fees for my carvings are actually shipping costs charged by your preferred parcel service and will be calculated at the time of the sale.

You will also note that I have put all of my tools on sale as well.  The "Custom Knives" and "Custom Palm Tools" Tabs above will take you to respective pages where custom orders may be placed for knives and palm tools.  You will see that my prices have been reduced significantly, making this the perfect time to purchase those tools that you have been hoping to acquire to fill out your tool box.  The "Available Tools" Tab above will take you to my inventory of finished knives for even more savings.

I hope you will take advantage of these offers and help me make some much needed space in my shop and in my home.  Thank you for all the support that you give to me and my little blog.

Happy carving,

Brandant Robinson

Carving the Torso

The next part of the cowboy tutorial is now available on the "Tutorials" page of The Old Stump Blog.  Just click the link above and scroll to the bottom of the page.  In this installment we carve a torso for the cowboy's head to rest in.  I think it turned out to be quite attractive. 

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and find it educational.  In the next part we will add some arms to this old gambler.

Been Stuck in a Rut

It has been some time since I have made a posting here on the Old Stump Blog.  I have been shocked at the number of visits I have still been getting, even though there has been no new information posted for some time.  I thank you for your patience and for your encouragement.  I have been performing some deep introspection as of late and I have come to some important realizations.

I guess you could say that I began my adventures in carving way back in my youth, back when I was a boy scout.  I remember vividly the dull blades and the many bandages as I began to whittle.  I had a few corners of my “Tote and Chip” card torn off for improper use of a knife before I got a real hang of how to wield it properly against an unsuspecting block of wood.  I spent countless hours whittling thick sticks into skinny ones, blunt sticks into pointy ones, and chunks of wood into unrecognizable figures of my own imagination.  Needless to say, I wasn’t very good.  But, as I look back, I realize that at that very young age I began my love for sharp knives and the smell and feel of wood.

After adolescence, I laid my pocket knife down to pursue the American dream of family and fortune.  Now, approaching middle age, I have found true joy in family.  My sweet wife of eighteen years and I are expecting our eleventh child next month.  I don’t know what we have done to deserve so many wonderful children.  We have been deeply and richly blessed by a loving Father in Heaven.  I have truly found the American dream.

Back in 2006 I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in engineering and recognized that I was lacking something positive to do in my spare time.  I wanted to find a hobby that I could participate in at home while still surrounded by my beautiful wife and wonderful children that would produce something of personal value for my time spent.  I remembered back to my childhood and the fun I had as a pocketknife-toting boy scout.  I recalled the relaxing feeling that came as each wood shaving curled up and floated gently to the ground at my feet.  After spending many hours searching the internet, I came across several online tutorials that inspired me to take the plunge back into the world of woodcarving.

Armed with new-found knowledge and a resolute determination, I drove to my local craft store and purchased the only carving set they had available.  The tools were of terrible quality and so dull that my muscles strained with every stroke.  But, not knowing any better, they felt so right in my hand; I had found my carving home again.

That was the ledge from which I launched myself onto my more serious adventures in woodcarving.  I proceeded to follow how-to books and online tutorials until I was confident enough to venture off on my own carving paths.  My style may have some resemblance to those carvers who had and early influence over my directions, but I believe I can truly say that I have developed my own, unique style.

I hope you will forgive me this moment of personal reflection.  I have been stuck in the middle of a carving slump for the past few months from which I have been struggling free myself.  I was offended recently by a fellow carver where unwarranted accusations were made.  Although these statements were baseless, I took it rather hard.  It has taken me some time to work through these feelings.  But now, with the help of my loving Savior, I can honestly say that I am past this and hold no ill will toward any individual.  What a blessing it is to have the help of the Lord in overcoming a difficult trial.

Now that I have let you all into my life and given you a glimpse into my heart, it’s time to move on to the next adventure in woodcarving.  After many requests, I have decided to push forward with the cowboy tutorial and give this old cowpoke a place to rest his weary head.  I am currently in the process of putting together the next installment where we will carve a suitable torso for this fellow and turn the carving into a presentable bust that will look great on any mantel.  I have completed the carving of the bust and am endeavoring to gather the photos and descriptions into a logical and hopefully instructive collection.  Look for the tutorial to be posted within the next few days.

Thank you so much for reading my reminiscent ramblings.  It’s nice to be out of the slump and making chips again.  Once again, I truly appreciate your support and hope that this next section of my tutorial will not let you down.

Happy carving to all,

Brandant Robinson