Hi to those who may be following my latest project, and welcome to those who may have just tuned in, I have just added a few more pic's to the project page of where I'm at with this. Wondered why the first mallard took me around 3 months to complete from start to finish, but recording time on this second mallard can see where time has gone, the head and body of the 2nd mallard was quicker than the first, but taking two and a half weeks to do one wing, and yet not painted, may add up to where the effort has gone.       I could not help myself to temperately mount the second bird in the way I would like to finish this carving, just to see if it would balance itself on the tip of the bottom mallard with out any fixing, and yipee it worked, but must admit I stepped away very slowly to admire, the finish project will have some sort of fixing, for transporting around.                           Last evening we had our carving class, so today the Wednesday the 20th might just be a little more of relaxation, with a fresh start in the studio tomorrow, until next time, take care, Regards Ken.

Last couple of days, (due to cold weather again, after our little warm spell), have got myself back into my studio and on-to  my second mallard, by forming the body to near the final size, concentrating on the support fixing of the tail, as this is where I intend to connect to the tip of the first mallard upper wing. The plan is to form the two aluminium tail feathers to act like a peg, and straddle the wing aluminium feather, where I can possibly rivet together all three with epoxy clue, then to carve wooden feathers to cover any fixing, the next step will be a matter centre of gravity. 

Have added some more photo shot's of latest progress to work in progress page

Tomorrow's Friday the 8th, and I'll will be taking time out to visit our mum (92 next birthday) at the "Groft" rest home, I try to visit her 3 to 4 times a week, more if possible.        Been in the home since February, and has settled and accepted that it is now her new home with companionship and full time nursing care, which gives her children some peace of mind, that she is in a safe place. anyway its getting late ,until next keep safe, regards Ken.

Start of August and the weather has been unbelievable. a week ago we were having temperature's of minus 3 and 5 and only getting to 9 decree's for the day, with snow falls on the back country, then along comes August and we,ve  been having 20 to 22 decree's with warm fern winds from the  west, so I have been in the garden pruning and cutting lawns, instead of being in the studio.

Saturday the 2nd, went back to the studio where I have started second Mallard, for my " Mallard Project ", posted six new photos of shaping the head, also a drawing complete with my sizing if you are interested,  I have only carved and sanded to near the finished size with feather texturing to follow once I have attached head to body, but that will be the next step. This bird is to stand and be supported on it's tail feathers so I will be removing as much material as possible to keep the weight down, so here we go, now where did I put that body block down. until next time stay safe, regards Ken.