My Adventures in Woodworking: Part 2

    This is the very first hedgehog I have ever carved, therefore it's special and its name is Kevin... 

 "Kevin the Hedgehog"

(basswood, approx 3"x2")

The rough stages of carving a hedgehog from a block of basswood...

    My Uncle Mike lent me a wonderful hand chisel and showed me how some light gouges would create the desired texture for the hedgehog's coat of bristles.I still need to put eyes on him - just as I need to still put eyes on Clem & Clara.

   I haven't been feeling very well for the last few days so I've not been able to carve any more hedgehogs, as I had hoped, from the wood blanks my uncle sent home with me.  Hopefully in the next day or two I'll be able to get some work down on them.

    It's definitely inspiring to see a simple li'l sketch in my sketchbook:

 ...turn into a li'l sculpture I can hold in my hand!  

Looking forward to making some more!

    ♥ Cath-

Elderberry Hedge Schoolhouse

"Elderberry Hedge Schoolhouse"

(Watercolour, 7x10")

    Every growing village needs a place for young minds to explore and advance under the tutelage of a wise and learned member of the village.  Elderberry Hedge is no different.  The young from far and near gather daily to learn with Mr. MacKinnley as he instructs them in all subjects: math, languages, history, geography, and the arts.

    Mr. Mackinnley, like Edward, seems to have had his profession marked out for him from the time he was just a fledgling. Fortunately our Mr. MacKinnley studied and grew and soon discovered that he, like his family members before him, had been blessed with a natural ability to learn and to teach.

    Rising with the sun each morning our village teacher gets out for "a good stretch of the wings" followed by a hearty breakfast.  Then the lovely flight over the village to the schoolhouse where he will go through his morning routine of dusting and polishing the windows. With only an hour left before classes are to begin for the day he settles down at his large desk to look over his lesson plan.

    Finally, it is time. Stepping out into the sunlight of the morning with bell in hand, Mr MacKinnley announces the start of the day for his students.  Quickly lining up outside the doors, they are greeted with a warm and friendly smile from their teacher - today is going to be another wonderful day of learning! 

♥ Cath-