Carving Live Trees

[Joe Pelonio]

I thought I'd post a couple of my latest bonsai. I usually don't show them with wire but these are going to need it for a long time yet.


The 1st was just given to me as a gift from a generous friend is a Mountain Hemlock collected from Vancouver Island BC, estimated to be 140 years old.
The rebar is to allow heavy wire to be attached to work on bending large branches for shape to make it look windswept.

The second is a Cryptomeria, a member of the cypress family. The trunk was carved with a dremel, and will have more done in the near future to nearly make it hollow.

[David G Baker]

Joe,
I didn't get the photos all I got were red x's in a square box.

[Belinda Barfield]

Same for me.

[Angus Hines]

I don't even see a Red X

[Joe Pelonio]

That's really odd, this happened last time I posted pictures of my trees too.

I see them just fine.

Let me see what I can do.

OK, is that better?

[mark page]

Joe,
Pics came thru fine on this end. Good work, very interesting.

[Ted Calver]

Joe,
I usually come here for wood porn...but bonsai porn will do just fine!! Thanks for posting these.

[Benjamin Dahl]

Joe, those look great. very cool and thanks for sharing.
Ben

[John Keeton]

Very unique way of wood working! I have always been fascinated by bonsai, but never felt I had the patience to work on something my entire life, and have it outlive me. Wait..... that is what I am doing with my kids!!

[Jim Becker]

I usually come here for wood porn...but bonsai porn will do just fine!!

I hear that size really doesn't matter... :)

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Joe, those are really beautiful!

[Richard M. Wolfe]

So when you get ready to cut them (itty bitty chain saw) how much are you asking per board foot?

[Joe Pelonio]

I've been at it again, with knife and dremel. This weekend I worked on a deodara cedar that had been growing next to the pond in the back yard the last 8 years. I have more to do, the upright branch on the upper right area will end up hollowed out most of the way down.

Before and after.

[Joe Pelonio]

Here's an update on my Hemlock, I just did some pruning and removed all of the wire.

Also, a Boxwood that I started on this spring, more carving to do next year.

[Jim Becker]

Outstanding, Joe!

[Eric Larsen]

Here's an update on my Hemlock, I just did some pruning and removed all of the wire.

Also, a Boxwood that I started on this spring, more carving to do next year.

That hemlock is gorgeous. I regret that I have NEVER lived in a climate suited to such a artistic and tranquil hobby.

[Ted Calver]

Very nice Joe. What became of the Cryptomeria you first posted?

[Joe Pelonio]

Very nice Joe. What became of the Cryptomeria you first posted?The nice thing about the Cryptomeria is that they have compact foliage, and while it's healthy with new growth it really looks much the same as before. I did some wiring on it and removed them the other day but it's hard to see any difference. I'll post it and maybe another tree or two next weekend.

[Jamie Buxton]

That hemlock is gorgeous. I regret that I have NEVER lived in a climate suited to such a artistic and tranquil hobby.

I think you've just invented a new art form: desert bonsai. Plants do grow in the desert. Life's a struggle for them, and sometimes they grow very slowly. But desert bonsai seems like it should be possible.

[Joe Pelonio]

There are some great bonsai being done by people in the desert, they stick to local natives and tropicals, and have to water more often.

[Joe Pelonio]

Very nice Joe. What became of the Cryptomeria you first posted?
As promised, here's the latest picture taken this morning after a little grooming.