Author Archives: Dave Fisher

“Fish Say…” Shrink Pot

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Dave Fisher

As I was shaving down the walls of this cherry shrink pot, I couldn’t help but notice a few small tight pin knots, mostly because the swirling grain direction around them was causing me fits.  Then I thought they might … Continue reading →

Posted in cherry, Lettering, quotes and excerpts, sharpening, shrink box, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Winter Window

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Dave Fisher

I like working in front of this window.  The directional light creates shadows that honestly reveal form and surface.  I have a small high bench there, too high for heavy work, but perfect for finer bits like cleaning up the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, events, holding, nature, patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Tradition and Jane Mickelborough

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Dave Fisher

We dwell with satisfaction upon the poet’s difference from his predecessors….Whereas if we approach a poet without this prejudice we shall often find that not only the best, but the most individual parts of his work may be those in … Continue reading →

Posted in classes, historical reference, quotes and excerpts, spoons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Ongoing Journey of Drew and Louise Langsner

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Dave Fisher

There was a time when I didn’t know an adze from a hoe in the ground, then I found Drew Langsner.  Here was a guy who could make anything from a tree, and explain the process in writing so that even … Continue reading →

Posted in books, green woodworking, historical reference, quotes and excerpts, tools, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Rainbow Dolphin and Whale Shark

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Dave Fisher

There is nothing that reminds me of the magic of creating more than having a kid or two in the shop, as with my niece and nephew this weekend.  They encourage fast and uninhibited work full of wild imagination.  No … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, paint, teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged | 5 Comments

Hot Oil Treatment

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Dave Fisher

If you’ve seen my noggin, you know this post won’t be about hair care.  Over the weekend, I finished the dry-stage carving of an ale bowl I had roughed out a couple months ago.  I thought it might be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Not All Those Who Wander…

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Dave Fisher

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring “Let’s see … Continue reading →

Posted in cherry, holding, Lettering, quotes and excerpts, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Workhorses

Posted on February 4, 2017 by Dave Fisher

I’ve carved several of these horse-head ale bowls now, and each one seems to end up with it’s own personality.  Much of that, thankfully, happens in spite of me.  Each log is different, imparting it’s character on the finished piece.  … Continue reading →

Posted in ale bowls, bowls, cherry, historical reference, patterns, Uncategorized, video | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Spokeshaves and Stumps

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Dave Fisher

Since I listed a spokeshave on my tools-to-bring list for the Greenwood Fest class, I’ve received a couple questions about choosing and using one. A spokeshave is a handy tool for bowlcarving. It excels at fairing a curved surface, and it’s easy … Continue reading →

Posted in holding, sketch, teaching, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Black Walnut Bowl

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Dave Fisher

While not as big as Der Mollenhauer’s bowl, this large bowl will still hold a lot of fruit or bread.  It’s 20 3/4″ long, 12 1/4″ wide, and 4 1/4″ high and carved from a lovely black walnut log. I … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments