StickStaffCane: 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Work in Progress: Grateful Dead Tribute Cane

Welcome to my blog.

From 1965 to 1995, the Grateful Dead played their own style of rock and roll and are included in the Rolling Stones top 100 bands.

Several images are associated with the Dead including the skeleton, the skull, and the marching bears.

From Wikipedia,

Owsley "Bear" Stanley wrote that the "dancing bears" designed by Bob Thomas for History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear's Choice) are marching, not dancing.^[58]

Here is one of the marching bears on my tribute cane. It is made of Sweetgum with the inner bark carefully preserved. I think a dark stain on it will highlight the cameo sections with the bears.

The official Grateful Dead web site has this news! (http://www.dead.net/)

Break out the banjo, dust off the camcorder, and gather your family and friends around the fire this holiday to sing not only the songs of the season, but those of the Grateful Dead. We're readying our YouTube page in eager anticipation of the 2013 Dead Covers Project. We'll be accepting submissions at the beginning of January and featuring participant videos on Dead.net throughout February so there's plenty of time to zero in on the perfect take. Details on how to submit your video are coming soon.

Hal's email is hal2009@att.net.
Use Contact at either Etsy shop: www.stickstaffcane.etsy.com or www.youwoodlikethis.etsy.com
Call my cell phone, leave a message at 919-656-7166.
FACEBOOK
   Timeline: http://facebook.com/hal.papan
   Email: hal.papan@facebook.com
   Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/StickStaffCane/117272031678314

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Good-bye to a few favorites

Welcome to my blog.

I had to say good-bye or good-buy to a few of my favorite pieces: Mother Nature in Disguise (MNID), Googly-Eye and the Stacker.

Whimsy. . I used to take Googly-Eye shopping with me. It helped me discover clothes, tools, and gifts. Googly-eye is not a great conversationalist, but it is a great listener. Both of these were fun to create because they captured a little bit of fun.

Purpose. The purpose of a cane is Balance. I wanted to carve a cane that showed Balance. The Stacker is my first complete attempt at the idea of Balance. Each piece is individually cut, sanded, drilled, finished, and stacked. There is a hollow rod running through each block. If "conversation" was the purpose of this cane, then it really worked. People stared at this cane long enough for me to start a conversation.

Whimsy and Purpose are some of those extra tools I use in the design and construction of my sticks, staffs, and canes.

While my Etsy shops are on vacation, you can see more woodworking at

Gifts With A Heart 2889 Jones Franklin Rd, Raleigh NC 27606.

Hal's email is hal2009@att.net.
Use Contact at either Etsy shop
Call my cell phone, leave a message at 919-656-7166.
FACEBOOK
   Timeline: http://facebook.com/hal.papan
   Email: hal.papan@facebook.com
   Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/StickStaffCane/117272031678314

Note that Phaal Nap (Fail Nap) is a pseudonym, nom de plume, and anagram for Hal Papan. I usually write when I can't sleep. Ergo, Fail Nap. Of course, Hal Papan is my nom de couteau (knife name instead of pen name) and anagram for my real name, Alan Happ. I carve under the name Hal Papan.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A little blow

Welcome to my Blog.

If you get a mustache or smile whistle, what could you get to top it? What could you get to disguise yourself as just another face in the crowd?

THE NOSE WHISTLE

You don't blow it with your nose! It is another in the Disguise Series.

Researches have identified 14 different kinds of noses.
http://bodyodd.nbcnews.com/_news/2011/08/02/7181806-there-are-14-different-kinds-of-noses-study-claims?lite
However, according to the article, "It doesn't appear to take into account African noses, Asian noses, Latino noses and the various other non-European and non-Israeli types of noses. A complete study would include noses from the wide spectrum of ethnicities." Still, the article reports, "The turned up, or "celestial nose," was the most common shape in Europe, seen on 22 percent of the profile shots from this region. The research also considered it the "most attractive" snout shape, and its edge is sharper than a snub nose, which is smaller, slightly rounder and slopes upward at the tip."

So here is my contribution. The first one is not one of the most popular or most attractive varieties. It is just a simple nose to help you go incognito.

You will be able to buy any or all of these at my shop at
www.youwoodlikethis.etsy.com after Dec. 8. That does leave enough time for shipping in the USA.

I suspect that there will be variations on the Nose Disguise theme. Any suggestions are most welcome.

Hal's email is hal2009@att.net.
Use Contact at either Etsy shop
Call my cell phone, leave a message at 919-656-7166.
FACEBOOK
Timeline: http://facebook.com/hal.papan
Email: hal.papan@facebook.com
Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/StickStaffCane/117272031678314

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Wood Whispering

Welcome to my Blog.

If you are interested in wood carving or wood working, then you should check out the Wood Whisperer site(http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/). It is a collection of valuable tips, techniques, and plans for the novice and expert alike. I'm certainly in the newby group and can spend hours learning from others in the WoodTalk Online sections. There are forums (http://www.woodtalkonline.com/) from General Woodworking Talk to Project Showcases by members of the Woodworking Guild and the Modern Woodworkers Association. (You do have to do the usual registration to fully participate.) It is a very active place:

65,041 Total Posts

6,971 Total Members

They have an interesting program called Sketchup that I am planning on looking at. Let me know if you have tried it or are still using it.

Thanks.

Hal's email is hal2009@att.net.
Use Contact at either Etsy shop
Call my cell phone, leave a message at 919-656-7166.
FACEBOOK
Timeline: http://facebook.com/hal.papan
Email: hal.papan@facebook.com
Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/StickStaffCane/117272031678314

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Welcome to my blog.

Today I recognize some Etsy'ns who recently selected one of my items for their "Favorite" collection.

Note that Phaal Nap (Fail Nap) is a pseudonym, nom de plume, and anagram for Hal Papan. I usually write when I can't sleep. Ergo, Fail Nap. Of course, Hal Papan is my nom de couteau (knife name instead of pen name) and anagram for my real name, Alan Happ. I carve under the name Hal Papan.

SiriusFun favorited your item.

Twisted Walking Stick With Copperhead Top

whatshername1 favorited your item.

Disguise Whistle With Toothy Smile

Friday, September 28, 2012

Recent Etsy Treasuries.

Just a bit off topic... I want to highlight a couple of recent Etsy Treasuries that I was lucky enough to be included. The first is from Shari and it is titled, "Autumn's Blues and Greens" at
www.etsy.com/treasury/MTU0MzYyOTN8MjcyMzM2MTAzOA/autumns-blues-and-green...
Here are the first three items. It is an eclectic collection of items that also includes earrings, ceramics, and photography.

Original acrylic landscape painting of Turtle Pond,11x14

amostroutstudio

Crochet Washcloth Set Green

GuRuOriginals

Green Man Walking Stick

stickstaffcane

Another Treasury...

The Wooden Story is told at

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI3Mjg0MzF8MjcyMDc2NzE3OQ/wooden-story

Here are the last three featured items. And YES, some items get sold.

Wood Flower Girl Basket with Burnt Orange Flower

DuryeaPlaceDesigns

Groomsmen Gift, 4 Raw Wildflower Honey 8oz Jars, Wood Pen Set, Tenness...

HillsideHoneyBees

Vintage RUSSIAN NESTING DOLL Set - Matryoshka Wood Burning Technique -...

UrbanRenewalDesigns

Sold

Hal's email is hal2009@att.net.
Use Contact at either Etsy shop
Call my cell phone, leave a message at 919-656-7166.
FACEBOOK
Timeline: http://facebook.com/hal.papan
Email: hal.papan@facebook.com
Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/StickStaffCane/117272031678314

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Santa Ornament Masters

Some really beautiful Santa ornaments are in this Treasury on Etsy. I cannot get over the incredible detail on these sculptures. It is my goal to be able to be as good as these are.

Here are my latest two caroling Santas. They are an ornament and a whistle.

These are available at http://stickstaffcane.etsy.com

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Chess Set Master

You have to take a look at Jim Arnold's chess set carvings to see a real master at work.

The detail and imagination in each piece is simply incredible.

These are hand carved - no dies, nc machines, or copy carvers. He does them all by hand.

Jim works full time on carving. He does everything from selecting the wood to marketing. Here is a set from his Etsy About page.

Just amazing. Thanks Jim.

Friday, September 14, 2012

A hiking whistle and fishing report

I will be adding this hiking whistle to my Etsy shop soon.

Hiking Whistle Made From Sweetgum With Red Oak Stain

I took it along with me to the Highway 50 Boat Ramp entrance to the Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Fishing was great. Catching was lousy.

On Wednesday afternoon, I caught a few small sunfish and a couple of catfish. I really to bring home a fish dinner of white bass and crappie. I didn't see anyone catch either of those.

On Thursday morning, John, who is usually catching fish when everyone else is just fishing, went home after an hour with not even a bite. The blue heron that waits for hand outs, squaked its disapproval and flew off. I left soon after.

With cooler mornings coming, the fish should start biting in a couple of weeks.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Disguise Whistles. A little fun for Halloween or any day that ends in "y"

Whistles are fun to make.

"You never know what you are going to get," so it is like a box of chocolates without the calories.

I make Disguise Whistles that are double whistles. They are not traditional two hole whistles that you typically have two whistles side by side. Instead, these are two whistles carved in opposition and there is just one hole.

Whistles on Opposition

Backside of Toothy Disguise Whistle

More pictures and a bit mor info are at the Etsy site.

Disguise whistles are meant to be fun. I find that a good long blow on the whistle is a sure pick-me-up. Oh, I took it to one of those crowded street craft fairs and used it to get through the crowds. People turn around and immediately laugh when they see the toothy smile. It's a hoot from a toot.

Confound your friends as you go incognito with this disguise whistle! It is about 4.5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. The blow-in hole is in the middle of the back. Your friends will wonder where you went, and who is that smiling stranger in the room?

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Challenge #66: Alphabetic Wood

Each week, the Etsy team, Onfire for Handmade, hosts a challenge in which you have to create a collection of items from different shops, called a Treasury, according to the theme. This weeks Challenge theme is to use the letters of the alphabet.

I chose to use different trees. NC State University has a site all about trees. You can search by Scientific name or Common name among other functions. Check it out at:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/index.html
I also discovered on Etsy that many people make magic wands from a variety of woods. I created a treasury called, "Magic Wands From Wood: Alder to Walnut."

Many thanks to all the artisans who make up this Treasury. You can find it at:
"Magic Wands From Wood: Alder to Walnut."

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Raining in the Rain Forest

The plan was to go to the Western North Carolina mountains to replenish my stock of sticks. My parents had a house in the mountains, and it is a great place to find sticks of many different trees.

It is not far from the new Gorges State Park. Simply... go there! See
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/gorg/main.php
It is UP in the mountains above the cell tower which is behind another peak. Ergo, no cell phone reception. We've also turned off AOL so there is no internet access. Lots of birds and bears and other wildlife stop by. It is in the only temperate rain forest... check out:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/cede_jocassee/908

It rained.

The roof leaked.

It rained in the morning, afternoon, and all night it seemed for five days.

The generator faulted.

It rained some more.

I never did get out to search for sticks.

Will try again next week.

Note: Finding a stick does not mean you can start carving. This time of the year while the sap is in the trees, it takes 18 to 24 months for a stick to dry properly. Sticks collected in the winter take about a year to dry. Then, you hope that the sticks don't split or crack. More on drying in a later post.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Two hole whistle... the train whistle

If you carefully carve each whistle, you can make a two hole whistle. With a little practice, you can make the two hole whistle that sounds like a train whistle.

One of my favorite motifs is the vine. This two hole whistle has a vine motif. Needless to say, I like this one. In the last picture, the whistle is hanging on a cane with a vine motif - - a perfect pair?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Making aloop on a whistle

Having a loop on or a whistle is handy so you can hang it from your belt or stick.

A leather cord wraps around this whistle. This style is a simple method of attaching a hoop for the whistle. To do it, you lay a loop lengthwise on the whistle, then lay another loop in the opposite direction. You start wraping around the first loop and slip the end of the cord through the end of the loop. Now, you pull on the opposite side loop which pulls the end of the cord snuggly under the wrap. A touch of glue keeps it tucked in. It takes a bit of practice to get the tension of the wrap just right to be able to pull the loop back. But, when done right, it is a good looking solution.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

How to make a whistle

How to make a whistle.

In just a few steps you can make a whistle. With a few creative customizations you can have a variety of whistles. Make a short whistle for a high pitched sound and take it along when you camp or hike.

Here is what you need:

4 inch stick or dowel about ½ to ¾ inch in diameter.
Thinner stick or dowel about 5/16 to ½ inch in diameter.
Tools: whittling knife, saw, ruler,
Wood glue (preferably waterproof)
Finish – shellac, paint, or what you wish

Step 1. Drill the hole and make the notch

Carefully drill a hole part way through the center of the stick or large dowel. The larger the hole and the longer the whistle the lower the pitch will be.
Cut a notch about ½ to ¾ inch in from the end with the hole. Cut down to about ½ of the hole. The notch should have one side parallel to the end of the whistle. The other edge of the notch should be cut at 45 degrees. If you cut it too steep, there won't be enough air passing by and the whistle will not work.

Step 2. Carve the insert.

Take the smaller dowel or stick and cut it in a slice shape. I've found that the slope should ramp up from the edge of the dowel to just past the middle.

Step 3. Insert Insert

Push the insert in so that the front edge aligns with the straight edge of the notch. Test it! You may have to adjust the insert in or out to get the best sound, When you are happy with the sound, glue the insert into place. After the glue dries, trim off any of the insert that sticks out of the whistle.

When you finish the whistle, be careful not to let the finish change the airspace. Paint can make it thinner and other finishes can be absorbed and change the shape of the wood.