First decoy finished "Update"

k folkman

k folkman

Well-known member
Well this was quite a learning experience. I'm not overly happy with the head paint but it does'nt seem to bother the boy.
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Kev, You jumped in with both feet.........body looks good from what I can see, round for the most part.

First heads are tough. Try to leave more wood at the base of the neck , it should flare , like the base of a triangle.


Also for the end of the bill the shape is like the end of your thumb.....a gentle round not quite so pointy.

I wouldn't worry about making the changes on this one.......just the next .

Kudo's for coming up with your own set of pattern, no small task there.

The effort is an important part of the process,
nice work, Jode
 
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Kevin - Tactically I can't add much more to what Jode said. My only suggestion is if you are truly making gunning decoys, keep them simple.

Good job and welcome to the club brother! Pat
 
Thanks guys. I will keep posting my progress. This is very addictive. I was supposed to be fabricating a railing today, which I was, however I did'nt get as much done as I should have. I just could'nt put this thing down.............Kevin
 
Hey Kevin,
I like the blocks so far! I may try carving this winter as well. I am not an artistic person, and I like the wood work more than the painting/finish work, so I am a little hesitant about starting.
Has anybody ever turned bodies on a lathe? Seems like for some styles, you could start with a lathe and then carve out the rest.
Thanks for the pics.
Dave
 
Kevin, looks good. The "regionality" of your bird stands out. A few head refinements as mentioned by Jode, you'll have the look of an experienced carver.
 
it wont take a talented guy like you very long to be as awesome as you are with a pencil in your hand,looking good so far ,
im gonna try wood soon ...not geared up for it yet..

shermie
 
it wont take a talented guy like you very long to be as awesome as you are with a pencil in your hand,looking good so far ,
im gonna try wood soon ...not geared up for it yet..

shermie
Click to expand...

Shermie, I was originally intimidated by hollow wood decoys and so I started with cork.. I wasn't geared up tool wise, like all the big time guys, to do wood. Then I met guys with pocket knives and hand axes who turned out decoys like a machine. After bandsawing out the top and side profiles, no electric tool is even needed, just a gouge or rasp. Some guys won't even use sandpaper, they break glass and scrape decoys with the bigger pieces to smooth.

Decoy making is a lot like marriage...just jump in with both feet!
 
Hi Kevin. Everything Jode says about improving the shape of the head is true, BUT I gotta tell you, from an artsy fartsy point of view, I really like it as is. The roundness of the breast, the shape of the tail, its all pretty neat. Please post more pics as you get a chance.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. John, I was kind of thinking the same thing about the artsy fartsy look. It sort of has a folky look to it so my wife says. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. I actually have six that I am working on............Kevin
 
That has to be one of the best first decoys I've seen.
Much better than mine were.

I'd set the eyes( 3/8 drill bit run in reverse) seal it up, and paint it..........
 
Jode, I thought that you were going to paint it!!! Thanks Jode, that compliment means alot. I will set the eyes this weekend.............Kevin
 
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