chinese elm stump advice on carving

[MelaQuin]

Mel won't be pleased??? Mate, it's YOUR tree. And if one person's suggestions and comments lead to a different outcome and that outcome is good... what the hell.. go for it. Also, remember that carving should tell a story, convey an image. If the main apex 'broke off in a storm' or was damaged by insect or simply died, it is more than likely that it would not have died in one circle but the damage would extend down - as you have taken the carving... and made it more realistic.

And if, in the end, you do overdo and wreck the tree [and I am NOT saying that you will] you put it down to learning, to improving your eye, improving your forward view of the tree and improving your carving skills.

[kvan64]

yes mate, patience is the killer as much as we want those awesome trees the development takes time. thats why we have other trees to work on while we have to wait for the others to get to a stage to work on again.

I like this excuss the most and definitely will use it on my missus and also myself the next time I want more plants and Jamie, that juniper avatar of yours appears to have a lot of potetial. I always like to encourage people to do what ...I wouldn't dare to do

[Jamie]

thanks for the positive comments people.

and i think you are right mel. the tree just didnt look right with the flat cuts i know that it would of likely grown over but i have started to change direction with the tree to a more fuller crown on top and i would like to think the carving down the tree i have done will end up with a really nice rolled edge on it. just like when the tree got blown over by a storm and the top tore all the way down the tree

kvan- ..... well thats a good way to learn. get other people do to what you dont and learn from there mistakes nah really its all good, we are here to learn off each other and if someone can document a mistake that will stop other people from doing it then thats another persons lesson, not that i am saying i have made a mistake. as i see it this tree will end up like a slanted elm like that of the one in the hand book of bonsai.

for now this tree is going into a new development stage of just grow, grow, grow to enable the structure to become a domed nearly broom style, this i think will allow for a weathered more mature look to the tree, as i have a feeling the pad like look i was initially going for was some thing that was going to look forced, the only carving to be done to this one now is on top to neaten the intial cut so as when viewed it will not look like it was done on purpose and forced.

more progress to follow! thanks for being such avid followers of this tree and thread, and a thanks to all the advice i have recieved so far, as always advice, comments and critisism is always welcomed!


regards jamie