2012 Arks

Ark Animals

These 2 to 4 inch pairs of animals are now ready to be painted.  After carving with a rotary tool, I dipped them into amber shellac.  By carving them with a worn sanding sleeve and dipping them into shellac no additional sanding is necessary.

Modified Large Ark - Completed

Original large ark seemed too tall....Removed one cabin and deck.....I think this one is better....

Large Ark

With some fall shows and sales coming up, I decided I needed a large Noah's Ark as a focal piece in my display.  I started this one several days ago.  It's not nearly done yet, but one can get an idea of it's size and style.  I need to complete the detail around the doors and windows.  I suspect I'll carve around 30 pairs of animals for this one.

2011 NOAH'S ARKS

2011-01

2011-02

 2011-03

2011-04

2011-05

2011-06

2011-07

2011-08

A Few Arks!

Here's a few of the Noah's Arks that I have done so far for this year. I also have six sets of animals nearly all done......

My First Noah's Ark Promotional (1990)

The ark....the result of Noah's great faith and his efforts to save creation. The ark....a toy that children could play with on Sundays while still remembering the sabbath; and keeping it holy. The ark....today toy arks are as much a part of Americana as the spinning wheel and coffee grinder, and are treasured pieces of true American folk art. Each of the arks is handmade from salvaged wood in keeping with the traditions of their original manufacture; each pair of animals is hand carved and painted. because each is handcrafted, every ark is unique. differences between arks include the types of wood used and the whims of the craftsman. Although the basic design of arks has remained the same over hundreds of years - a boat with a house on it - toy arks have reflected the geographical location and historical era of the builder. Thus some arks, which reflect the simple rustic mountain life might feature a cabin with animals familiar to the craftsman, pigs, goats, horses, cows, etc. Other arks, reflecting different circumstances, may feature structures more like a Victorian home with more sophistic animals; elephants, giraffes, zebra, etc.