Reindeer Progress - May 16

On Saturday, May 16, Dick and I made a visit to the carving studio to check on the progress of our reindeer. We were happy to see that work on the reindeer's body had progressed.

The carver's working cart is shown in the photo below. The reindeer's legs and head are stored on the lower shelf of the cart. The body is resting on its side on the top of the cart. You can see the holes into which the pegs attached to another body part are inserted.



The left side of the body is shown in the photo below. The neck will extend from the left end in this view. The rounded wooden discs have been added to begin the contours for the haunches.

In the photo below, the right side of the body shows how the contour of the haunches has been started. The early stage of the body contour carving can also be seen.

The image below shows a top view of the body. Note the large hole where the carousel pole will pass through the body.

The Amazing Work of the Wood Carvers

Neal is being carved in memory of a cherished family pet who was a rescued greyhound. Photos of the living Neal were used to guide the carver. Neal, pictured above, is in an early stage of carving.

At left, Neal is nearly completed. You can see the fantastic carving of the muscle structure.












Each animal has been created in collaboration with the sponsor family to have special significance. The story that accompanies each animal is heart warming.

Here are some of Neal's details.












The laminated body of each animal is not solid. There is cavity inside the body (see photo below) that can contain a special memento. Neal's collar is included in this carousel animal.

Horses are the most popular carousel animal. Look at the details!

Ballet slippers dangle from the dog's mouth behind the saddle of Kiwi.












Jingle bells are carved into the harness below.

The little elephant will be especially appealing to small children.

Below are some photos of the carvers at work. The carving studio is a buzz of activity on Saturdays. Come and see!