Winnipeg chainsaw stump art – Chainsaw Sculpture Manitoba

At what point is a carving finished

The point at which a carving is finished is often a personal decision. Some artists feel that a piece is complete when its intended shape or expression is clear, while others may stop when they no longer feel it can be improved and is just abandoned. Ultimately, it’s a balance between knowing when to stop and the artist’s satisfaction with the piece, even if they feel there’s always room for more refinement.

Tree stump carving

Some of the best species of wood to chainsaw carve

Popular wood species for chainsaw carving include pine, cedar, basswood, butternut, white oak, and black walnut. These woods are chosen for their ease of carving, durability, and attractive grain patterns. Some, like pine and cedar, are softer and easier to work with, while others, like white oak and black walnut, are harder but offer greater longevity. Factors such as availability, cost, desired level of detail, and the carving’s intended location should be considered when selecting the best wood species for a project.

Three bears carved out of western red cedar

Three bears in tree chainsaw carved out of red cedar — Chainsaw carved bears with sign carved out of western red cedar that was a extra log from a beautiful custom log home. It stands around 9 feet tall and the one bear on left side is a add on along with the sign. The Husqvarna 55 xp made short work of this carving and the wood is coated in timber oil before painting.

Manitoba Maple tree stump chainsaw carving

Chainsaw carved stump Manitoba red maple owls and vine — Beautiful Manitoba maple tree that is chainsaw carved sculptured in a Winnipeg back yard. Owls perched on top for the tree are met by a twisting vine stands 10 feet tall. Maple being a very hard wood, details well with the sculpturing tools but it does make the tools work for it. The carving is then burned with a torch to remove any fuzz then sanded one last time before coating in log home oil .Most oil base stain is obsolete now but there are still a some that are grandfathered because of the good reputation and great product. I would recommend a coat every 3 to 5 years will keep this sculptor protected many years.

Chainsaw carved eagle bear beaver

Chainsaw carved bear, eagle and beaver — This chainsaw carved bear eagle and beaver stands 7 feet tall and is 30 inch in diameter. Carved out of cotton wood from southern Manitoba in the red river valley, makes nice sculpture wood for chainsaw carving. Everything is carved out of one piece and the challenge was to get the life size beaver carved around the tree at the base. The bears right hand is resting on the tree and left hand couple inches away from tree that has a creeping vine climbing up. This carving is now resides sitting in front of a beautiful custom log home overlooking Lake of the Woods.

Steps to consider doing a stump carving

Carved stump into owl and vine — This tree has died and has been given a new life and meaning, the stump has been chainsaw carved into art with a great horned owl and vine along with lot number.

Consider the theme: Instead of just carving any design, think about a specific theme that relates to your personal interests or the environment where the stump is located. For example, if the stump is in a garden, you could carve a tree or flower motif.
Use natural features: Look for natural features in the stump that can be incorporated into your design. For example, if the stump has an interesting knot or pattern in the wood, you could carve around it to create a unique effect.
Add depth and dimension: Instead of just carving a flat design, try to add depth and dimension by carving into the wood at different levels. This can create a more interesting and dynamic effect.
Experiment with different techniques: There are many different techniques you can use to create different textures and effects in your carving, such as using a burnishing tool to create a shiny surface or using a gouge to create a rougher texture.
Personalize it: Consider adding your initials, a special date, or other personal details to the carving to make it truly unique and meaningful. You could also incorporate elements that relate to your family or cultural heritage.

By incorporating these tips and your own creative ideas, you can make your stump carving truly original and one-of-a-kind.

Carved beaver heron pelican

Some symbolic figures I love carving, this giant block of cottonwood was for a nice canvas. Long carving bars work great removing wood fast and easier to block out your figures, I chalk out roughly where I want them and once you get the unnecessary wood removed things become clearer. Beavers pelicans and herons are my favorite and love to carve them into one scene , this one I added reflection of a fish below the water. Everything is all carved out of one piece, even the cattails in the back are helping support the heron . Both Heron and pelican are dry brushed with a top coat of varnish protecting the paint.

Manitoba gift ideas

Six chainsaw carved bears out of western red cedar

These six bears were carved out of one foot block of western red cedar, detailing took a more precise control. Sometimes the small carving are a the bigger challenges, the one on the left has a hole above the right shoulder where the branch grew through it sometimes adds to the carving. Sometimes imperfections make perfections.

Here are some ideas for incorporating chainsaw carvings into your gift-giving:

Retirement: A chainsaw carving of the retiree’s favorite animal or hobby can be a thoughtful and personalized gift to commemorate their years of hard work. For example, if they love fishing, you could commission a carving of a fish or a fisherman. Alternatively, you could choose a carving that reflects their personality or something they’ve always wanted to do in retirement, such as a carving of a golfer or a travel-themed carving.
Wedding: A chainsaw carving of the couple’s initials or a heart with their names inside can make for a romantic and unique wedding gift. If they have a shared hobby or interest, such as hiking or skiing, you could also consider a carving that incorporates those elements.
Anniversary: Depending on the anniversary milestone, you could choose a carving that reflects the traditional gift for that year.

Steps to take to finishing your chainsaw carving

Chainsaw carved bear — Seven foot chainsaw carved red cedar bear

Finishing a chainsaw carving is an important step in the process that can greatly enhance the final appearance of your work. Here are some general steps to follow when finishing your chainsaw carving:

Sand your carving: Once you’ve finished carving, use a coarse-grit sandpaper (such as 80-grit) to remove any rough spots, splinters, or chainsaw marks. Then, move to a finer-grit sandpaper (such as 120-grit or higher) to smooth out the surface of the wood.
Apply a wood conditioner: A wood conditioner helps to prepare the wood for stain or other finishes by sealing the pores of the wood and preventing it from absorbing too much finish. Apply the wood conditioner to your carving using a brush or a rag, and allow it to dry for the recommended time.
Apply a finish: There are many different types of finishes that can be used to protect and enhance the appearance of your chainsaw carving, including oil, stain, varnish, and wax. Choose a finish that is appropriate for the type of wood you are using and the look you want to achieve. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a brush, rag, or spray can.
Allow the finish to dry: Once you’ve applied the finish, allow it to dry completely before handling or displaying your carving. This may take several hours or even days, depending on the type of finish you used and the temperature and humidity of your work area.

Remember, it’s important to take your time and be patient when finishing your chainsaw carving. Rushing the process or skipping steps can lead to an inferior final product.

Chainsaw carving tree stumps

Tree clock carving — Pine Ridge Golf Club Tree Clock carved out of a spruce tree that broke off in a storm

Chainsaw carving tree stumps is an art that has fascinated me for quite some time. The way a simple chainsaw can transform a lifeless tree stump into a magnificent piece of art is truly remarkable. I have always been in awe of the skill and creativity that goes into chainsaw carving. It requires a level of patience and dedication that is truly admirable.

One of the most interesting things about chainsaw carving tree stumps is the type of wood used. Each type of wood has unique characteristics that can affect the outcome of the carving. It’s amazing how a carver can take something as simple as a piece of wood and turn it into a stunning work of art.

The dangerous nature of chainsaw carving tree stumps adds to its allure. It’s a craft that should only be attempted by experienced carvers, but even they face risks. The thrill of the danger and the satisfaction of completing a challenging carving are what make it such a rewarding experience.

Overall, chainsaw carving tree stumps is a fascinating art form that I find truly inspiring. The dedication and skill that carvers possess are truly impressive, and the end result is always breathtaking.