We carve at room temperature

(this block tempered for about 1 hour)

The template paper sticks right to the melting ice

Click here to learn 4 methods of making templates

Using a tracing bit, & die grinder

draw through the paper

Try to stay right next to the line on the outside

The complete design is traced onto the ice

Because the ice is warm, you can easily remove

the template paper & discard

Using a chainsaw, Cut away all of the ice to create

a "Cookie Cutter" of the sculpture

(Be sure to cut out at 90 degrees)

More "Cookie Cutter"

finishing the "Cookie Cutter"

Using a Bullet Burr 125,

Remove the ice beneath the neck

Connect from the other side

The finished Sillhouette "Cookie Cutter"

Next  carve in the reference lines

(still using the bullet burr 125)

More carving reference lines

All reference lines carved

Use a die grinder for reference lines not a chainsaw!

This is important

Using a chainsaw, Begin blocking in the carving

You will notice that the ice will just fall away as you carve

Remove the ice next to the head and neck

Remove some ice under the swan

Angle cut the large feathers

Angle cut the small feathers

Angle cut the tail

Split the wings

Using a bullet burr 125

Round of all of the corners

Cutting away 1 corner makes 2 corners

Cut those 2 corners away & your pretty close to round

Using a pistol grip sander,

Sand all of the surfaces that are to be smooth

Using a Rotary Knife,

Detail the feathers

Using A Rotary Knife or Vee bit

Detail the eye & wave

Above are 3 views of the finished swan

We used a hose to clean this sculpture.