Almost Done

 

So I sketched and carved out the leaf design. The core wood is a lot easier to carve than the outer wood, and because I have this habit of forgetting tools I need, this was carved with my assisted-opening knife, with which I worried a friend because I was holding it by the blade in order to achieve accuracy. Thankfully, accuracy was achieved and no skin was damaged. Afterwards, I filled in two leaves with black ink before realizing that I preferred the leaves to not be colored. Sigh. So for two hours last night, I slaughtered my eyesight by sanding, cutting, and picking out every spot of ink on those two leaves. Thank the Universe it was only two because I might have gone blind if there had been more.

 

So with the leaves carved and fixed, and the handle re-inked, I am starting to think that this wand may be done. Yet maybe not because I don't quite feel satisfied with it. Minor adjustments may occur before I finally give it to my friend. I may pencil in the leaves just to see what they would look like colored in a lighter shade (that, and pencil is easy to erase later). Plus, I might sand down the tip a little more. Oh, the joys of being unsatisfied. <_<