Jim,

I remember when this happened last year. I predicted you'd bounce back, and you did. I predict the same this year!

It does seem a shame that a crisis intervention center is closing, especially in light of recent events.

Bob

Thank you O Swami Bob . I am hopefull your prediction will again come true!

Your work is a piece of art and I can't wait to see what this guy looks like when he's finished

As a proud owner of one of Jim's figures, I can easily second that!

Thanks guys!
I hope to complete this little fella within the next 2 weeks.
Jim

Here's some more progress pixs.
Looking GREAT!!!!!

Thank you, Donald, for posting the pics! Much appreciated! I was having trouble with my photobucket account.

He is looking SO good! Jim is doing an amazing job!

......... Thank you, Donald, for posting the pics! Much appreciated!

Does that mean, you'll let it come to my house?????

:)

Only for a play date!

The figure is looking great with each step.

Manal I don't know how you do it. I sat here tonight for 2 hours working on the body for my newest puppet and I on ly part of one shoulder done, your work is incredible.

Thank you,
I have been carving over 20 years now and for the first twelve I lived, ate and slept woodcarving. For the first 6 yrs. I had no phone, car or TV but I had
a home made carving bench in the living room of my tiny 2 bedroom apt. and stacks of various types of wood and yrs. later when I finally scraped enough money together a bandsaw became part of the living room as well . If I was awake I was either carving, drawing patterns, sharpening/making tools or reading about carving. I carved day and night, at work on breaks, while walking home and even had a factory job at one time where I carved WHILE running a machine. After my first marriage ended after 5yrs ( before I began carving by the way ) I was single for 18 yrs. and if I didn't have my 2 sons I was carving ( I now have a 3rd son with my 2nd wife). I later got custody of both boys and the carving took a back seat as it should although I did continue to supplement my meager factory wage with carving. My oldest 2 sons grew up and turned out to be very fine men of whom I am very proud. They each served in our special armed forces, one Army Airborne one Marines Recon. I remarried at age 45 and my youngest son is now 9 and a real sweetheart.
So I guess the answer to how do I do it I guess is when I can I carve,carve,carve like a madman
Sorry if this was TMI
Jim

Jim,

I found your story fascinating. It's clear you are extremely focused and committed to your craft. I'm glad I know a bit more about my little guy's "papa." Thank you for sharing.

My last job before I moved to Florida was great for that, it was graveshift, often very quiet, I used to get in a lot of reading, and for a while I was bringing in some of my woodcarving projects and a xacto kit I put together and working on them through the night. The job didn't have great benefits or pay, but I sure did enjoy that aspect of it.

No not TMI at all. I would really like to get better but tools for carving I just don't have money for with being out of work. Hopefully after I go back to work.

As can be seen, Jim is moving right along with this great creation.

Thank you again, Donald for posting the pics! Jim told me these pictures show the first coat of paint. Amazing!

Cool! Another step closer!

As I have said James is another up and comming ventriloquist figure carver of the highst caliber. Better get on his bandwagon before you can't!! I hope this is true for you James.
Dan
http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Awesome!
I am amazed at how smooth and symmetrical you got it! That, it seems to me, would take a real knack to do as well as in this example!
Thanks for the progress pics - I love it!
Damien