Karl, great job with the design! I like both the front and side views. I think I'd have to see it in person to know which I prefer more. I will be over in an hour
A couple questions if you don't mind:
1. Do you find that you need to let the wood dry out before carving, or is it a multi-step process, roughing in and carving later?
2. Is that friction tape or rubber you have wrapped around the trunk?
Regards,
Matt