I have been asked many time why I chose to carve or engrave gun stocks? Instead of carving eggs, gourds, engrave on glass, etc. Well, my husband is an avid hunter. He loves guns and has aquired quite a collection. We usually go to the gun shows that are in the Salt Lake valley. One time, as we where getting out of our truck, he said to me: “Its your turn to buy something. What do you want? What kind of gun do you want to buy?” I told him, “I didn’t know.” I would look for something while where in the gun show. When we entered the gun show, I heard the wine of a dental drill. At least that is what I thought I heard. We went to that booth to see what it was. Sure enough it was a high speed pen that used dental bits. Called the Paragrave. I was allowed to try the tool. I  immediately fell in love with it. We wondered around the show for about another two hours. Came back to that same booth and purchased the tool.

Since that time I have tried my hand at engraving rocks, tile, eggs, glass, mirrors, metal and everything else I could get my hands on. In February 2009, I went to my first carving class with Dr. Lew Jensen, inventor of the Paragrave high speed pen. Again, we carved all kinds of differnet materials. Out of them all I have found I enjoy carving or sculpting wood. It is the medium I have found gives me the more enjoyment and the most challengs.

Then I asked Allen to allow me to carve on one of his guns. You can imagine what he said to that. He believed I could carve the guns. He just didn’t want me to begin on one of his guns. His collectors guns!!! NO WAY! So, he went to the local pawn shop and purchased me a Marlin 30-30 with a stainless steel barrel. The first carving I ever completed was a grizzle bear. After finishing the grizzle bear he wanted it. I told him NO. He purchased it for me and I was going to sell the gun. Now he wished he would have allowed me to carve on one of his guns. Reason being, I am quite busy now and of course his guns are the last ones on my list…

I enjoy creating custom gun stocks. Carving beautiful works of art to be handed down from generations to generations. Watching the expression of a gun owner see their prize possession again for the first time, is a real treat to me. They can not quit looking at the gun. You see, I not only carve the gun stock, I paint the sceen too. If it is necessary I will also sand the stock down and refinish it. Making the gun almost brand new again. The sky’s the limit almost.

Thanks for asking this question. I have enjoyed answering it. If you have a question about sculpting wood. Please ask your question below. I enjoy hearing from you. Deb L

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As promised, here is the second in the series of Winchester .30-30 Model 94 collectors edition. They are sure beautiful!

Winchester Model 1894 High Grade

The Winchester Model 1894 High Grade also honors and commemorates the 200th anniversary of Oliver Fisher Winchester’s birth in New England in 1810 — a most fitting way to remember a gentleman with the genius and vision to see product potential in firearm development. This model is deeply embellished with delicate scroll work, with Oliver F. Winchester’s signature in gold on top of the bolt. The left side of the receiver bears an early Winchester Repeating Arms crest. On the right side are the words, “Two Hundred Years, Oliver F. Winchester,” and the dates, “1810 — 2010.” The fancy Grade II/III walnut stock is enhanced with a high gloss finish and is delicately checkered, complementing the fine embellishments on the silver nitride receiver. This model is also chambered in the timeless 30-30 Win. caliber, with a deeply blued half-round, half octagon barrel. A buckhorn rear sight is fitted with a Marble’s® gold bead front sight. The demand for this model will be great. 500 will be sold as a set with the Custom Grade. The remaining limited quantities will be sold individually.

Item # Caliber   Barrel Length Overall Length Length of Pull Drop at Comb Drop at Heel Nom. Weight MSRP     534164114 30-30 Win.    24″   42″   13 1/4″   2 7/8″   3 5/8″   8 lbs.   $1,469.00

Here is a little history of behind this custom .22 cal golden boy gun I have carved.

In the area where I live. The ranchers still use brands to identify their cattle. It seems like they will brand almost everything they own. There are homes that have walls dedicated to the brands handed down through the years from generation to generation. The brand will be changed slightly from the original design to indicate the  current owner of the ranch.

 This gun is no different. The owners daughter brought the gun to me and asked if I could create a design using this farmers particular brand. I have used the high speed Paragrave tool to sculpt and carve this design. The carved basket weave, on the forend of the gun, wraps around to the other side making it possible to grip the gun better. This gun will be given back tothe owner as a Christmas present from his daughters.

Using high speed engraving equipment, she produces life-like details in her award winning carvings.

Freedom – American Bald Eagle wrapped in United States flag .

Hand carved and painted – the inspiration for this painted hand carved relief was inspired by the great tragedy of sep 11.