I just couldn't resist the urge to play today. With my other designs they may be a bit over the top for some so here is a more traditional design. Purely functional, nice size, comfortable in the hand. See, I can do simple. Now that I know what this stuff can do and how to work it,, I'm ready for more challenges in new designs.
An Ivory handle
- Thread starter mycarver
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Very nice!!! Wonderful work!
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- #3
Thanks John. I'm really enjoying making these pieces as I do the rest of my work. There is something about creating that is so rewarding.
Very nice brush.
Checked the link in your signature and you do some amazing work.
And you're from Bethlehem also.
Checked the link in your signature and you do some amazing work.
And you're from Bethlehem also.
Wonderful job!
You must be a hard worker, that's some friction blister on your hand. Chip carving?
You must be a hard worker, that's some friction blister on your hand. Chip carving?
Mark, I am so impressed with your imaginative and creative work. Its one thing to have incredibly creative concepts, its quite another to be able to execute them. You are so gifted that you are able to do both! Keep going. Regards, Darjeeling
Nice looking brush.
The ivory looks great.I do like the busier handles more though.
The ivory looks great.I do like the busier handles more though.- Thread starter
- #8
LOL,, Ha! ,, I've quickly come to the conclusion there isn't pleasing everyone all the time. ( giggle) Some like them plain, some fancy. Then again some like soap,, others, cream. And on and on it goes. Guess I just have to make a wide variety of designs. For me,, I like pushing the designs. Conventional you can find anywhere.
Yes Jim, I do tend to put in long hours,, being self employed and having my studio just a few steps from my home. But what appears to be a blister is actually the result of an chance meeting with the spinning head of the lathe. Ouch!
Ah, Mr Cooper,, Bethlehem,,been here for a while now. Love it. Terrific city with much to do. Growing with all the commuters from NYC and Jersey.
Thank you DarjeelingExpress, so kind of you to say that. I do appreciate it very much. Something seems to click between my mind and my hands.
Spanx, Yeah,, I like the busy one's myself. So much to look at, and if handled correctly can add to the overall design and cohesiveness of the piece without detracting from it. Then again YMMV. To each his own.
There is a quote I have in my shop and is paraphrased on my mailer.
Those who work with their hands are laborers, those who work with their hands and their head are craftsmen,,but those who work with their hands, head and their heart, produce art.
That's the direction I shoot for.
Why keep doing what already has been done. But if that's what floats your boat,, I'll do that too.
Yes Jim, I do tend to put in long hours,, being self employed and having my studio just a few steps from my home. But what appears to be a blister is actually the result of an chance meeting with the spinning head of the lathe. Ouch!
Ah, Mr Cooper,, Bethlehem,,been here for a while now. Love it. Terrific city with much to do. Growing with all the commuters from NYC and Jersey.
Thank you DarjeelingExpress, so kind of you to say that. I do appreciate it very much. Something seems to click between my mind and my hands.
Spanx, Yeah,, I like the busy one's myself. So much to look at, and if handled correctly can add to the overall design and cohesiveness of the piece without detracting from it. Then again YMMV. To each his own.
There is a quote I have in my shop and is paraphrased on my mailer.
Those who work with their hands are laborers, those who work with their hands and their head are craftsmen,,but those who work with their hands, head and their heart, produce art.
That's the direction I shoot for.
Why keep doing what already has been done. But if that's what floats your boat,, I'll do that too.
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I absolutely love it! Probably a stupid question but, is it real ivory? Would you consider selling one in a different style? Keep up the great work, you are a great artist.
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- #10
No Wakeboarder4402, it's not a stupid question at all. I just haven't had time to make every handle I'd like to make. If you have a request to see me make something in particular style let me know what you'd like to see and I'll have a go at it. I'm open for suggestions , designs, styles etc. I have no idea what everyone wants to see,, so throw an idea out and I'll try. Post a link to a brush you like,, send me a sketch of an idea,, or give me a ballpark to aim for and off I go. No obligation,, I'm just getting warmed up.
Oh,, and NO,, it's not genuine Ivory. That's generally illegal to have. Though I have heard that Africa is planning on selling off some of the literally tons they have reclaimed from poachers. That would be the only way to get actual ivory that I know of. And I'm sure they're asking a Kings Ransom for the pieces.
Till then , this is as close as we can get.
Besides , there is something wrong about killing an Elephant just to get a piece of Ivory to make a brush. But if I can get a piece,, you know I'll make the finest brush I can. Not sure I'd part with it though.
Oh,, and NO,, it's not genuine Ivory. That's generally illegal to have. Though I have heard that Africa is planning on selling off some of the literally tons they have reclaimed from poachers. That would be the only way to get actual ivory that I know of. And I'm sure they're asking a Kings Ransom for the pieces.
Till then , this is as close as we can get.
Besides , there is something wrong about killing an Elephant just to get a piece of Ivory to make a brush. But if I can get a piece,, you know I'll make the finest brush I can. Not sure I'd part with it though.
I would be very interested in an ivory handled brush in the style of a rooney style 3, here is a link of that brush. http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/2053630/2184063.htm Thanks for the reply, and again keep up the great work!
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- #12
I didn't realize the interest my work would generate. It's been somewhat unexpected as I was initially just having fun seeing what I could make as it is my nature to create.
In the interest of not wanting to break any rules and have this be misinterpreted as a sales pitch for my work It may be best that I continue this in the BST,, or maybe the vendor area of the site.
I hope I didn't offend anyone. If I have, I apologize.
In the interest of not wanting to break any rules and have this be misinterpreted as a sales pitch for my work It may be best that I continue this in the BST,, or maybe the vendor area of the site.
I hope I didn't offend anyone. If I have, I apologize.
Looks great!
Mark, your work is truely, truely stunning. I'm lost for words really. 
Other than wood what materials could you make a handle in?
Other than wood what materials could you make a handle in?
This is a Very Nice Piece of Functional Art..What is it made of though? You are right,A Genuine Ivory brush would be very hard to part with,especially one that you made yourself...When I was in Africa,Full size Carved Tusks Could be bought for 20000 cifa,which is about 40.00 U.S. dollars.The problem was shipping them back to the US...
Very nice original design. The "Persian tulip".
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- #17
Thank you everyone. Again , the responses overwhelm me. I only intended to play with my new found hobby and see what I could do.
This , as I'm sure most "ivory" handles that are made today, is an Acrylic composite. I just had to get a selection and see how they worked. My natural curiosity gets the best of me and I tend to go overboard . Aren't we all a bit compulsive when it comes to our shaving den? I know I am,, and I needed pieces to match all the bowls my wife has been buying . The tinkerer in me just spilled over.
This , as I'm sure most "ivory" handles that are made today, is an Acrylic composite. I just had to get a selection and see how they worked. My natural curiosity gets the best of me and I tend to go overboard . Aren't we all a bit compulsive when it comes to our shaving den? I know I am,, and I needed pieces to match all the bowls my wife has been buying . The tinkerer in me just spilled over.
You do some outstanding work. I might have to stop by and check things out after work one day... that is if you have a showcase in your studio?
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