RavenBot Workshop : Carvings from Q3, 2026
Presented in reverse chronological order. Some may be available on my Etsy Shop.
#287, Klaus "Have Bongo Will Travel" VonPogo
26.09 - What’s funnier than a little gnome with a big backpack? A little gnome with a big backpack, riding a pogo stick, and carrying a bongo drum.
This hand-carved character takes the classic overburdened traveler idea and pushes it into pure whimsy. Perched on a pogo stick with a towering pack of gear strapped to his back and a bongo drum in hand, he looks like he’s headed to a campsite, a jam session, or some wonderfully strange adventure in between. The exaggerated load, playful balance, and unexpected combination of props give the piece its humor and charm, while the hand-carved basswood construction and painted details make it a one-of-a-kind folk art character full of personality.
Gaggle of Gnomes
26.09 - Attended a Harvest Festival this weekend out near Fallbrook at the Welburn Gourd Farm. It was TOASTY! I sold enough ‘noggins’ to cover the booth space and one small carving that covered gas/lunch. Regardless it was a nice change of pace.
The Modern Woodcarver Podcast
I was invited to spend about an hour with Michael from the Modern Woodcarver Podcast talking about my carving journey. https://youtu.be/Cd5vfobxk0o?si=CctyGlCYLxUYPJQi
#286, Grocer Dale Roseburg O'Brien
26.09 - Grocer Dale Roseburg O’Brien is an original hand-carved backpack gnome inspired by my favorite hometown grocery store. Carved from basswood and standing 12 inches tall on a compact 2" × 2" footprint, Dale carries an improbably tall stack of market goods, crates, cans, and supplies above his head.
With his red cap, dark beard, grocer’s coat, and towering load, the piece combines flat-plane character carving with a playful sense of balance and storytelling. A one-of-a-kind tribute to family-owned, local grocery stores, hometown memories, and the people who somehow manage to carry everything.
MF Made Blade Slips
I started making simple blade slips after not finding what I was looking for. Its carving-adjacent, so keeping the leather work limited in tools/etc. Hand-stitching is enjoyable and pretty zen. Worked up a nice little logomark for them and had a brass stamp made.
https://ravenbotworkshop.etsy.com/listing/4543615341/woodcarving-knife-blade-cover-full-grain
#285, First Nativity
26.08 - A minimalist, modern creche carved for Beth.
#284, Gregory "Surestep" Walker
26.07 - Gregory "Surestep" Walker is my tallest big backpack carving to date. He was carved from a single piece of quality basswood and painted with artist's grade heavy body acrylics. Numbered, branded and dated on the bottom. This "Big Backpack" concept is something I came up with a couple years ago and have been continuing to evolve. This carving in particular has a more dynamic pose and many more voids (cutout areas) than any of my other carvings.
The Quest ‘26 - Orange County Fair
Summer 2026 - Hooray, the carving won a couple of awards at the OC Fair. A category first (woodcarving, human form) and a humor award (which I think is the best.)
#283, Hans Checktop
26.07, Hans Checktop measures approximately 8-1/2" tall on a 2" by 2" base. One of my original Big Backpack Gnomes, Hans was handcarved from basswood stock in mid 2016. Great gift for the backpacker or camper in your world. Painted with artist's grade heavy acrylic, numbered, initialed and dated on the bottom.
