A “Bird in The Hand” Powder Horn

[Compressorguy]

The welcome sound of birds in the morning air again, the harbinger of spring has motivated me to make a bird themed powder horn. I found some buffalo horn for $11 at the pet store for this project. Still trying to work out some challenges but here it is in its beginnings. It will be a small type day horn. We’ll see where it goes…….

Sure is ALOT of scraping to get to this point! It’s crazy to think each one is a scrape of the blade and that’s 1 of 4 piles!

 

[Compressorguy]

Rasp makes quick work!

 

[Compressorguy]

A “Bird in the Hand”

 

[Polecat_Tom]

It will be interesting to see where this project goes.

 

[centershot]

Tom, that is just AWESOME, can't wait to see it finished!!

 

[Compressorguy]

Tom

I’ve been called worse!

Scott

 

[Compressorguy]

Got a little more work done. Well, looks like a little but felt like ALOT. Scraped smooth most of the course rasp marks and started relief carving the wings. Still thinking on how to plug the base and the spout.

 

[wganz]

Crow decoy?

 

[Compressorguy]

Crow decoy?

Well, I guess if the powder horn thing doesn’t work out it could be?

 

[PathfinderNC]

Shades of Humphrey Bogart and “The Maltese Falcon”.
Keep it as a sculpture- it’s great

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

You are an artist! Very cool!!

 

[DCAN]

Got a little more work done. Well, looks like a little but felt like ALOT. Scraped smooth most of the course rasp marks and started relief carving the wings. Still thinking on how to plug the base and the spout.

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For a spout plug, how about something which looks like an ear of corn?

 

[Compressorguy]

For a spout plug, how about something which looks like an ear of corn?

I like that thought. Also have been thinking about the “other” end and maybe one of these strategically threaded into its “hind quarters” if you catch my drift. This would solve several problems not to mention pretty comical! Lol

 

[DCAN]

Ah yes, the old, "corn hole" theory. Can't wait for the final product!

 

[Brokennock]

Scraped smooth most of the course rasp marks

Given that it's a bird and feathered,,, maybe don't overly sand it, leave a little scratchiness to imply feathers?

Still thinking on how to plug the base and the spout.

Is the beak hollow? If not, can it be sawn off and a plug inlet into it, then the spout hole drilled through the neck?

 

[Compressorguy]

Given that it's a bird and feathered,,, maybe don't overly sand it, leave a little scratchiness to imply feathers?

Is the beak hollow? If not, can it be sawn off and a plug in layer into it, then the spout hole drilled through the neck?

All good points for consideration. Definitely considering doing the beak/spout like I did this one.

 

[WALT53]

All good points for consideration. Definitely considering doing the beak/spout like I did this one.
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Is that ever neat

 

[Compressorguy]

A very rainy, soggy day here in N.C. so made a little more progress today in the garage. Opened up the plug hole some more and beveled the edges. Once the plug is in and pinned, I’ll round over the edges giving the “belly” its final shape. I also gave definition to the wing tips, which I may extend more up the back. Lastly just spent some time smoothing and contouring all over with a small blade scraper.

 

[Banjoman]

I like the way you ‘cawved’ it.

 

[WALT53]

A very rainy, soggy day here in N.C. so made a little more progress today in the garage. Opened up the plug hole some more and beveled the edges. Once the plug is in and pinned, I’ll round over the edges giving the “belly” its final shape. I also gave definition to the wing tips, which I may extend more up the back. Lastly just spent some time smoothing and contouring all over with a small blade scraper.

View attachment 302327
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Are you done this horn yet really looking forward to seeing it done.