Cottonwood Bark

[SW_IOWA_SAWYER]

I have a strange question for folks in the northern states. I have gotten into wood carving and have discovered carving cottonwood bark. The bark comes from North Dakota or Montana because it apparently grows thicker there. I was hoping to find a source for it can anyone point me in the right direction to find some? I posted in the wanted section as well but I wasn't sure if many folks would see that.

Thanks

George

[slidecreekdan]

I live in Eastern Oregon and have a lot of Cotton wood bark availible.  Let me know how much you want.
                          slidecreekdan@yahoo.com

[SwampDonkey]

SW_IOWA_SAWYER

Is there a preference of cottonwood species? There is eastern cottonwood and black cottonwood. Black grows west of the Rockies and grows bigger. I don't have either, sorry. I think the black cottonwood bark is thicker and more grayish-brown color.

Our balsam poplar is similar. I got reading the Dendro book and they describe the bark of older balsam poplar as being black and gray. But, I wonder if they have seen any really old big ones, because our big old ones in cedar stands turn orange-brown on the bark and the bark looks quite thick to. A lot of those sites I've cruised through have been clear cut, so it's hard to go and get a picture. :

[Daren]

I was in the cottonwood bark business for awhile, "spirit carving" is what they called it. Weird, 3 chunks of bark 3"X3"X12" would bring $15 as fast as I could list them on ebay. I could sell $1000 worth of bark off a dead/worthless tree. I tried to carve it myself to see what all the fuss was about, but I don't have any talent in than area. I met some amazingly talented guys though, their work blew me away. I kept several repeat customers for a couple years until I got tired of it.
I can't help you either, good luck. I just wanted to chime in since I saw the title because even what some guys think is garbage other guys really need and can put to good use.

[tsodak]

Wow, I have access to boatloads of it. Never thought about it as all.   I have burned a thousand pounds of it in the ast year at least.  Tell me about sizes, green or dry, how much and to where.

Tom

[logwalker]

I have a carving of a Indian chief I got years ago made from cw bark. Wonderful carving medium.

[Robert Long]

Hello all who are interested in cottonwood bark.

I too am looking to stock a few pieces of cottonwood bark for the wood carvers who stop in looking for project wood.

I have carved a small piece of cw bark 12" x 2 1/2" from local cottonwood tree I milled last year.  It's not from the South as has been talked about above, it's from Southern Ontario, Canada and I know the carvers like to use Montana CW.  So, what's the difference?

See pic below....

Also, As I said, I stock wood carving blocks for the local carvers ( like, cottonwood,basswood,butternut and even ghinko ) I feel I should stock more of what their needs are so I can be their source for wood so not only am I interested in cottonwood bark but I am also interested in diamond willow sticks for canes.

Hopefully, someone reading this knows what I am looking for

Robert