Woodcarving Santos and Wooden figures

I do a lot of creative things. I've never let limitations stand in my way when I want to learn something and often I've had to work within the "make do" mind set as tools and supplies for so much in the arts & crafts world are pricey, so I start small, simple, and see if I'm really interested in something before I invest in proper tools.

One of the simple things I love to do is hand carve figures, Santos, and toys. All you need is a good hand knife, some sandpaper and a lot of elbow grease. These are examples in all stages of the process. The large Santos I aged, I made it for personal use and not for sale and so that is why it's got this kind of extreme charm -- when I cut myself I put my blood on his cheeks and mouth as an offering to the muse of Arte. I made the miter (bead embroidered with silk thread and antique glass beads, along with vintage textiles, and a fabulous band of rhinestones from the 1930s) on his head and I always use antique and vintage items, such as the hand done glass eyes from around 1890 -- I just love how they are not really a matched pair as each was made by hand.

The others give you an idea of the stages and how great these look during the whole process, I think they are art as is and could be shown this way, yet, I do present finished items for sale.

Never let perceived limitations stop you from creating!
Make things that you would love to see in the world, for the love of the process, for the joy of self expression and, you will find your way to a deeper well.