More sticks and canes

[Jeff]

I hesitate to post this in the wood working section, but since we don't have a puttering section, I guess this will have to be where it goes. Last week I was up to the cabin to do chores and took a time out one afternoon to walk around in the tag alders. I've made canes and walking sticks from that alder thicket for years, and realized I didn't have any around anymore, so thought I would see if some would follow me home.    When I make canes and sticks, I try not to force anything. I let them be what they want to be with perhaps a little embellishing, just so people can see what I see. I tend to be a bit abstract at times.

All of these sticks are the same species. The color is all natural and varies depending on how the bark comes off, and how they are treated once the bark is off, and what time of year you cut them. This is the very best time to get them if you want peeled bark.  Wiping the wet wood with your bare hands, which initially is quite white, actually helps produce the darkest color. It also stains your hands for several days.  if you take a very wet cloth and wash the wood as soon as the bark is off, the wood will remain a very light color.  You can also use a light sanding once they dry for a couple days on the darker ones, to add a variegated look that makes them look almost like deer antler.  The donkey cane, was found dead, so the bark did not slip off on it. Tag alder, once dead, will be to rotten to use for anything in just one season, and if thrown in a pile, will disappear into the ground within just a few ahort years. The sticks however could possibly last a lifetime.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy them. I get a kick out of finding them and helping them become sticks and canes.



  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

[breederman]

I like!!!  It takes a good eye to find a good cane. I usually don't have a good eye.  Nice job Jeff.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

The last 2 canes? Well you may want to hide them before the Pig Roast.  poston-smiley
They have South Carolina wrote all over them.  :D

[clww]

Door Prizes? ;)

[woody329]

Very nice.

[Jeff]

Door Prizes? ;)

Perhaps. 

[thecfarm]

I might check out my alder patch down by the meadow. I doubt my eye will be a good as yours. Those look good.

[Jeff]

My photos really suck at conveying the wood. It really is quite attractive, and surprisingly light once it dries, which is quick. I may be going up next week for two days if Pete gets the front end for the lawn tractor. I'm the family mechanic and mower guy, so I'll have to go up with him to get it put together. If I do, I hope to cut a few more. I don't have my quad up there this summer, so I've been doing my pudding stone searching here in Harrison, (which turns out to be almost as productive), so that leave me time to search for canes.

[justallan1]

Nice canes, Jeff. I have to ask though, what's a pudding stone?

Allan

[Jeff]

Here is a topic on the forum about my puddingstone adventures. 

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,31869.0.html

[Lud]

Nice sticks, boss .   When I trim  the tree lines I'm always watching for a good stick.  Sometimes you need to flip down to up to see a stick's potential. 

With a little trimming!               8)

[bama20a]

I like!!!  It takes a good eye to find a good cane. I usually don't have a good eye.  Nice job Jeff.

Heck Jeff don't have a good eye,Didn't you see the cane with the eyes,It does his looking for him. :D :D :D,Although they are NICE,,,Mark