Before any cutting takes place I prepare the drawings that provide the plan and profile views of the head and body.
The blanks are mounted to my carving vice, which allows me to lock the carving securely in almost any position.
The eyelids are made using a two part epoxy putty.
Detail carving using a very sharp craft knife.
When texturing I start at the tail and work forwards so that each feather overlaps the previous one to help give a soft effect.
The darker shades are introduced with care and as few strokes as possible.
After inserting the primary feather sets, the final operation is to remove the membrane applied to the eyes prior to sealing, and to outline the eyes with a fine black line followed by a final polish of the eye surface.
