Carving by Bob Nagel

picture of Bob Nagel

One of Bob's most loved creations is enjoyed by his granddaughter.

Bob's Granddaughter

  • carving by Bob Nagel Tompte: Pity the farm family that did not have a Tompte living out in the barn, to help with the chores. I leave a donut or some Cherrios in my work shop to placate the one who helps me. Sometimes, he can be a little too helpful and something breaks, or a glue joint fails, or the patterns are wrong on the bandsaw blanks. Have you ever seen a bunny with both ears on the same side of his head?

    5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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    (see below)
  • carving by Bob Nagel The Pastor: Herr Pastor is the leader of his flock, or else! He does not chase after every new fad and trend. When he read "Make a joyful noise onto the Lord" he sort of did that on the inside, not the outside. (He was a Lutheran, of the Lake Woebegone persuasion.)

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel LeRoy: LeRoy is my fishin' buddy. He always asks me to go along, but even if we exchange gear or change sides of the boat, he catches more and larger fish than I do. But, we always have a great time.

    8 inches tall; hand carved basswood, acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Hobo: This "King of the Road" is on his way to better weather, whatever the season may be. South in the winter, north in the summer, moving about in the Spring and the Fall. Clothes may not be the most stylish, but they suit him just fine. Over his shoulder is the mark of the hobo, his "bindle."

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood, acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Gardener: Ready to go to cut the lawn, trim the boxwood hedges or root out the weeds from the flower and vegetable gardens. For him, it is not a hobby but a vocation to which he applies his whole heart and soul.

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood, acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Viking: This Viking has all of the attributes of the fearsome raiders of Britain: horned helmet; long, sharp spear; solid shield. However, I suspect that he looks a lot worse than he really is. A lot of things are that way.

    5 inches tall; hand carved basswood, acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Lars: The wood has to be split for the supper fire in the hunting camp and Lars is the man to do it. He tries to split the log with just one blow and, as long as he can select the piece, he does. However, the un-split pile still has a lot of logs with knots and crotches when he is done.

    8 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Adirondack Bob: Old Bob is ready to take the tourists out on the lakes to find the best fishing spots ("Have you been on Low's Pond yet? Up along side the floating bog?") and the biggest fish. He claims to have been with the tourists who caught the largest bass and pike last season. His paddle is hand carved and just fits his lanky figure.

    8 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Woody: Woody is not the sharpest guy in the hunting camp, but he is the most ready to take on the chores that keep everyone comfortable. The problem is that he tries to carry such a big load, he can't see where he is going and stumbles. He drops most of the firewood before he gets to the kitchen stove.

    8 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Eddie: This is Woody's good friend, Eddie. He loves to fish, anytime, anyplace. His luck is a little better than mine, so he does come home with some fish. He is from Minnesota, so naturally, he is ice fishing, sitting on an old box and all wrapped up for a long day in the cold. I hope he has on his electric socks!

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Rod, Yankee Star: League play-off, 2005! Rod gives everything to playing the game, really reaching for those fly balls that look as if they are going over the fence. It is the last of the 9th and his team is winning by one run. There is a hit; Pete keeps his eye on the ball; he leaps; he catches the ball! and saves the game! Oh! What a play! Only 6 more games to go.

    6 inches tall, plus fence; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Henry: Henry thinks he is a 'people' and dresses accordingly. He is a leader in the local ursine community, in mischief as well as in fashion. He can often be found at the local garbage dump, directing excavations for goodies and getting a share of each find.

    6 inches tall, plus fence; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Handy Andy: Andy is the classic fixit man. He thinks he can repair anything, build anything, replace anything, any time, with the lowest cost. He can do all of this with only a saw, a hammer and a screwdriver. Well, those are the only tools he brings on the job. Sometimes he has to go back to the shop for a few more tools. Of course, that travel time is added to the bill.

    8 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Skier: The Skier is hoping for a future place on the Olympic Ski Team. We are not sure that the equipment or the form is appropriate and, in fact, the spread of the tips may indicate serious problems.

    5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Golfer: The Golfer is ready for another round at the Cedar View Golf Course, were dress is strictly controlled. He has the sweater and checked cap in the course colors, and spiked golf shoes. Unfortunately, his score matches the age of the plus-fours.

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Priscilla and John: Priscilla Mullens is the heroine of Longfellow's famous poem about the Pilgrims. She has a basket full of her share of the annual Thanksgiving feast. When asked if she liked Miles Standish, she told John Alden to speak for himself.

    5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint; sold as a set

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Oskar and Sara: Oskar and Sara were the first of their Scandinavian community to emigrate to America. After a stormy crossing and an endless train ride, they arrived at a upper mid-west settlement that welcomed them and made them comfortable. After getting in their first harvest, they were well satisfied in their new country.

    5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint; sold as a set

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Matilda: Matilda, also known as "Shop till you drop 'Tildy'" has just started her holiday shopping. She figures that five or six more trips to Handwork will complete the purchase of things she must have for all of the people on her list as well as for herself.

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Mountain Troll, I: In the old days, the mountain Troll was greatly feared. It was his habit to kidnap maidens and children, lock them up in his dungeon, and wait for them to ripen for dinner. Now a' days, the Trolls have reformed. Trolls no longer resort to kidnapping and mayhem, but are looked on as kindly and gentle, if a little stupid. Note the defining signs of the troll: large nose; three fingers; dumb look.

    6.5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Mountain Troll, II: In the old days, the mountain Troll was greatly feared. It was his habit to kidnap maidens and children, lock them up in his dungeon, and wait for them to ripen for dinner. Now a' days, the Trolls have reformed. Trolls no longer resort to kidnapping and mayhem, but are looked on as kindly and gentle, if a little stupid.

    6.5 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Helvor: Helvor is not a witch! She is a Troll Mother. Mountain Trolls are no longer the fearsome creatures of the hills, kidnapping and eating maidens and children. She cares for her children and keeps them safe from the village hunters and farmers. But, Ah! She remembers the good old days, when preparation for dinner included a trip to the dungeon to check who was ripening.

    7 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Tidling Ute: This character looks like the cross between a rock and a snow field. He is known as Early Minnesota Man. His name is pronounced, TEED-ley OO-ta. It appears that he was co-existent with glaciers, mammoth and saber-toothed tigers. The only evidence of him is from an ancient clay bed, where some of his tools have been found.

    4 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Little Wizard: This little guy is able to outsmart the trolls, every time, but not for his own benefit. He advises the youngest son of the family on how to rescue the king's daughter from the troll's dungeon and thus gain untold wealth. The hard part is believing him in the first place, wearing nothing but his own hair, all over!

    6 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paint

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Spoons: My spoons are inspired by a butter paddle, dated 1850, that was given to my family by a neighbor, years ago. The handle design is also seen in Eric Sloan's book, "A Reverence for Wood" and on sources on the internet.

    12 inches long; hand carved cherry; non-toxic sealers

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Salad Set: My spoons and salad forks are inspired by a butter paddle, dated 1850, that was given to my family by a neighbor, years ago. The handle design is also seen in Eric Sloan's book, "A Reverence for Wood" and on sources on the internet.

    12 inches long; hand carved cherry; non-toxic sealers

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  • Christmas Items

  • carving by Bob Nagel St. Nicholas: This elegant gentleman is the prototype of our Santa Claus. With the lantern lighting his way, his walking staff and his bag, he is going house to house, distributing the things that the poor of the community need to better enjoy the Christmas Season.

    available 6 or 9 inches tall; Hand carved basswood; hazel twig; brass bead chain; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Girl Angel: ".. when suddenly there stood before them an angel of the Lord, and the splendor of the Lord shone round them." Luke 2:9, The New English Version of the Bible

    4 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Boy Angel: ".. when suddenly there stood before them an angel of the Lord, and the splendor of the Lord shone round them." Luke 2:9, The New English Version of the Bible

    4 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Nisse: Nisse is the equivalent of Santa in many Scandinavian countries. In the times when more people lived on the farm, he lived in their barn. If treated well, he could be counted on to help around the farm and to bring gifts at Christmas Time. If mistreated or neglected, he could also be mischievous.

    5 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Nisse Mor: Nisse Mor (Mor means Mother) is companion to Nisse and shares many of his characteristics. In addition, she is responsible for keeping track of Nisse, his pranks and gifts.

    5 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel St. Nick, the Head: Hang him on the tree or on the mantle or put him in a stocking.

    3 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Trees: The woods are full of them. Their leaves have the capability of absorbing carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen, thereby improving the environment. The best thing they do, however, is look great as a background for camping, canoeing, a cabin or house, and, decorating a home. These are either spruce or hemlock, depending on how close you get to them.

    6 to 8 inches tall; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints

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  • carving by Bob Nagel The Christmas Star:
    "Star of Wonder
    Star of Light,
    Star with royal beauty bright
    Westward leading,
    Still Proceeding,
    Guide us to thy perfect light"
    Hopkins, 1857; We Three Kings

    4 inches; hand carved basswood; acrylic paints; ribbon attached for hanging

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  • Memory Plates by Special Order

    I can carve a plate for an event in your life that should be specially remembered. Weddings, graduations, promotions, retirement, births, "thinking of you," or, "thank you for having us" can be the topic of a plate. I will discuss the design with you for content, design, style of characters and color. Typical prices range between $35 and $75, depending on the design and finishing technique.

    These plates are chip carved, a very ancient technique, with a straight-edged knife. Plates can be left natural, allowing the shadows to define the carving; the clear acrylic sealer will slightly darken the recessed, carved surfaces. Alternatives are to: paint or stain the un-carved plate, transfer the pattern and carve through the color and leaving the natural wood color in the recesses; or, I can stain the plate after carving so the stain will be preferentially absorbed into the exposed grain of the cut, darkening the characters. All plates will be sealed with a gloss acrylic spray.

  • carving by Bob Nagel Anniversary Plate: Plate was carved, then stained. For our wedding, my wife and I memorized the Biblical verse from the Book of Ruth, "Whither thou goest, I will go; where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people will be my people; and, thy God will be my God."

    12 inch diameter; turned and sanded basswood; chip carved; oil-based stain, clear acrylic sealer.

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Friends Plate: This plate was first made for a dear friend who lived in a different state. The continuous vine pattern represents the continuity of our friendship.

    12 inch diameter; turned and sanded basswood; chip carved; oil-based stain, clear acrylic sealer.

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  • carving by Bob Nagel carving by Bob Nagel Service Plate: The United Methodist Church logo is from their published design. The plate on the left is 'as carved.' The clear sealer has not yet been applied. The plate on the right shows the effect of applying the oil stain and acrylic sealer.

    12 inch diameter; turned and sanded basswood; chip carved; oil stain applied after carving; clear acrylic sealer.

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Harvest Plate: The harvest season motif of the cornucopia, vegetables and fruits is enhanced by sheaves of wheat on the rim.

    12 inch diameter; turned and sanded basswood; chip carved; acrylic paint; acrylic sealer.

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  • carving by Bob Nagel Celtic Knot: This plate was made as the cover for a turned cherry bowl (available from Carol Joos, Handwork.) The same pattern can be used for a trivet or a wall hanging.

    12 inch diameter; turned and sanded cherry; chip carved; light cherry stain; acrylic sealer; carnauba wax.

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