There seems to be a trend in decoy carving to return to carving them in the “Antique style”. Much of this trend is driven by master carvers and members of the decoy carving forum. It is interesting to learn how the Ward brothers carving in the 1930’s have influenced the return of that style.

For more info on the Vise being used, click Here.

Head is attached to the body, ready to set the eyes

The eyes have been set and the tail has been inserted.  The tail is made from a piece of schedule 40 PVC pipe, which will help in flexibility.  If this were a competition bird, the tail would be inserted dogwood. 

The bird is finally ready to seal and begin to paint.

Adjustments:
I shared some photos with a carver whose work I really admire and respect. I asked her opinion of this piece and she suggested that I continue to round up the side pockets and remove any flatness in them. I spent some time round up the side pockets and really like the look of the piece now. It looks more realistic, it's the small details that drive me nuts. But I am a better artist because of it.

Ready to seal and begin to paint (again)

The antiquing process of the bird has begun by painting a rust solution of old horseshoe nails and vinegar.  Then the bird is rubbed down with a scotch brite pad to lift some of the sealer and give the wood an aged look prior to beginning the application of color.

After the mix has dried

The bird is now painted. It is entering the final stages of completion; still needs to be roughed up, shellacked to antique and a few other items prior to completion.

The bird is now finished.  It is an antique style Old Squaw.