When a tree is dead, what should be done with it? Most people would say it should be cut down and discarded, but others come up with more creative solutions. One Colorado man fills a niche in his area by making woodwork projects out of standing beetle-killed trees into a variety of items.
Mark Mahoney of Summit County, Colorado, specializes in creating custom carvings out of standing beetle-killed pine and other trees. He sees that kind of work as green construction and a creative way to use the dead wood. He shifted into his current niche after owning a tree removal service and hearing customers say that they would rather the wood was put to good use.
He does some large and elaborate projects; such as a fifteen-foot totem pole he created in Dillon Valley, but will also do smaller projects like carving a stump into a toadstool. He did the totem pole with a chainsaw, chisel, sander, and other tools over the course of eight days. Although it is not his focus, he does take trees down as well, using his portable mill to build them into custom furniture, sheds, playhouses, or other projects.
Mahoney’s work fills a niche for green construction, carving beetle-killed trees, and custom woodworking and craftsmanship in Summit County, Colorado. The Mountain Pine Beetle, which is native to the forests of western North America, kills large numbers of pine trees in Colorado annually. Making good and creative use of these dead trees in Colorado is a useful practice. Many people also enjoy having something as visually arresting as a totem pole carved out of a dead tree on their property.
Mahoney’s practice of carving standing dead trees into interesting objects is an unusual but intriguing idea. I think it’s always a good idea to reuse something instead of throwing it away.
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Illustrated Guide to Carving Tree Bark List Price: Sale Price: $9.26  |
DescriptionProviding a complete review of cottonwood, the most commonly used form of bark, this guide addresses the unique challenges and benefits of carving tree bark and offers information on what to expect from this atypical wood source, including the best places to find it... |
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Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors in List Price: Sale Price: $12.53 |
DescriptionThe eco-friendly crafter can give their home a touch of rustic elegance by bringing the outdoors in with these unique and versatile projects that range from easy to ambitious. With using nothing more than found wood, twigs and branches, a few basic tools, and the step-by-step instructions, woodworkers and crafters can make the 35 projects that will add the natural warmth of wood to their decor... |
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Whittling Twigs & Branches: Unique Birds, Flowers, Trees & More from Easy-To-Find Wood List Price: Sale Price: $8.12 |
DescriptionThis complete reference details the unique whittling technique invented and mastered by Chris Lubkemann for producing perfect curls of wood that can be used for carving birds, evergreen trees, and flowers... |
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Relief Carving Wood Spirits: A Step-By-Step Guide for Releasing Faces in Wood (Woodcarving Illustrated Books) List Price: Sale Price: $12.09 |
DescriptionFrom transferring the carving pattern to preparing the wood and evaluating the various levels of depth, every cut of the carving process is carefully illustrated and explained in this beginner's guide... |
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Chainsaw Carving an Eagle: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide List Price: Sale Price: $10.32 |
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