Stages of Completion

Stage 1 (Carving Blank)

Stage 1 kits have all joints precisely fitted and drilled and set with wooden dowels to strengthen the joints and position them for gluing.  Each piece is cut to the correct outline on a bandsaw.  The tail hole is drilled and fitted for either a carved or horsehair tail.  The hole for the brass pole typical of the carousel figure, is also drilled in the appropriate place.  All carpentry is complete, and the kit is ready to carve and assemble.  A kit contains 7 individual pieces: 1 body, 4 legs, 1 neck and head, and 1 tail.  Parts are not glued together since they are easier to carve as separate pieces.  Tucked head animals do not have the head and neck glued together for ease of carving.  Tools, trappings plans, and glue sets are not included as part of the carving kit, but may be ordered separately.

Stage 2 (Roughed out)

Stage 2 kits go the next step in the creative process.  We remove the bulk of the excess wood (up to 25% of the blank's weight) so that you can concentrate on carving the fun things like mane and trappings.   This can mean up to 40 pounds of chips and shavings on a large animal. Each piece is shaped to an appropriate contour, and anatomical details are indicated.  Stage 2 kits are highly recommended for beginners as a quick, easy, and safe way to get started.  Those who want to get a quick start on their project, or professionals whose time is more profitably spent, can express full creativity on Stage 2 kits.  Animals are not glued together in this stage.

Stage 3 (Ready to Paint)

In Stage 3, the horse is completely and precisely carved with all of your chosen trappings and detailing.  It is assembled, sanded, and three coats of primer are applied.  Meticulous sanding between primer coats creates a porcelain-like finish, which will easily accept paints.  This is a "canvas" for the artist who is ready to take on a three-dimensional challenge.  Glass eyes are installed, and jewels placed, and gold leaf applied if requested.  The figure is ready to be transformed by your paints, your talent and your love, into the horse of your dreams.

Stage 4 (Finished)

Stage 4 animals are our most popular option because they give everyone the opportunity of owning even the most fabulous carving for a fraction of the auction price.  All of the quality construction steps of Stages 1, 2 and 3 culminate in Stage 4.  The change from a plain block of wood in Stage 1 to the beautifully carved horse in Stage 3 is dramatic.  The transformation given by bright paint, jewels, and gold leaf is even more remarkable.  As the pictures throughout this catalog show, everyone now has that "favorite" animal within reach, regardless of style or configuration.  You will enjoy selecting the exact family crest, trappings, and secondary figures to make the perfect horse.  Polished brass pole, finial, and a beautifully finished oak stand can be added so your finished dream animal will be complete and ready to display in your home.

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