What Snake to Carve?

[Malcolm Sharp]

Hy guys, I am new to the forum, I do not own a snake but I carve them in walking sticks. Mostly I have carved venomous snakes but am about to carve a python. What I would like to know is what would be the best pattern to make him. There are so many to choose from, what is the most sought after python? I do not know much about these animals but I hope to learn a few things here. I am posting a pict or two of some of my carveings so you can have an idea of what I am talking about. thank yall!

[Minkness]

Wow! Your work is amazing!

I'd say that ball pythons are the most popular and come in sooooo many patterns. I'm partial to lucistics but not sure what the most sought after is.

How much does one of your walking sticks usually cost? How long to make? Since you don't own snakes, how dis you get into carving them?

[Rattlehead]

Cool work! I'll need one of this if I get to an old age!

[Malcolm Sharp]

Originally Posted by Minkness

Wow! Your work is amazing!

I'd say that ball pythons are the most popular and come in sooooo many patterns. I'm partial to lucistics but not sure what the most sought after is.

How much does one of your walking sticks usually cost? How long to make? Since you don't own snakes, how dis you get into carving them?

Thanks for the compliment, but it is Gods gift He just loaned it to me. Yes, there so many patterns, that is why I cant, or couldn't decide. I am leaning heavy toward the brown and tan pattern with the darker brown outlined in white. I googled lucistics and picts of white snakes poped up so I assume you are talking about what I would have called albino? My favorites are the one that have blotches of white in them, like there printer just ran out of ink for a moment, lol. I realy do not know much about snakes, at least the exotic kinds. But am learning.
My sticks prices vary on size, how much time it takes, how much detail and how life like they look. I have sold them any were from 50 up to 550. The more real looking ones take about 4 to 8 weeks to make.
You asked how I got into carveing them, well I carve twisted wood. I walk miles and miles through the woods looking for trees that a vine has grew around the tree and caused the wood around the vine to buldge out. I then carve it down into a snake, because that is what it looks like to start with, lol. It was my wifes idea, she saw one once and said hey, bet you could carve a snake in that, so I did. It has been very therapudic, I used to have a phobia of snakes, couldn't look at them, had nightmares ect. Always thought they were awesome looking, just terrified of them, but carveing them and studying pictures of them has helped tremendously. Next week will be the real test, I am attending the repticon in Atlanta... Friends are placing bets that I will, or will not stay, lol.

[Malcolm Sharp]

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

Cool work! I'll need one of this if I get to an old age!

old folks don't use these....... they have hover rounds.

[Minkness]

Lucistics are white with either black or blue eyes. Albinos have a pattern of white, yellow, and sometimes orange or pink with red eyes. Your work is truly amazing. I want one just for the artistry of it! You could also do a nifty green tree boa/python or a Brazilian rainbow boa. Albino reticilated pythons are pretty neat as well.

So many to choose from! Lol I'm probably not helping much. XD

[wrecker45]

WOW . I collect walking sticks. Yours are gorgeous. When you go to repticon handle some snakes. Its all about getting over your fears.

[Malcolm Sharp]

Originally Posted by wrecker45

WOW . I collect walking sticks. Yours are gorgeous. When you go to repticon handle some snakes. Its all about getting over your fears.

Well thank you, and I doubt I will handle any snakes, where I am from they would expect me to start preaching. I am more of a turtle/lizard kind of guy anyway,

[Malcolm Sharp]

Originally Posted by Minkness

Lucistics are white with either black or blue eyes. Albinos have a pattern of white, yellow, and sometimes orange or pink with red eyes. Your work is truly amazing. I want one just for the artistry of it! You could also do a nifty green tree boa/python or a Brazilian rainbow boa. Albino reticilated pythons are pretty neat as well.

So many to choose from! Lol I'm probably not helping much. XD

Actualy u r helping, I didn't know any of that till u told me. I am going to carve a green tree boa soon, I am also working on a red tail boa now.

[Cmwells90]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Sharp

My favorites are the one that have blotches of white in them, like there printer just ran out of ink for a moment, lol.

Those are called Piebald, and I LOVE them! I would suggest either a green tree python, but one of the blue or red colored ones, or a burmese python, any of their morphs (patterns) are amazing!

[Minkness]

Please keep us updated with your work!

[Tsubaki]

If you like intriguing patterns you could check out reticulated pythons, the 'tiger retic' has that strong contrast of light and dark with white stripes. If you google the term 'retic morphs' you will find a gala of colors and patterns these animals can be bred to have. your work is very nice, i look forward to seeing more.

[Pareeeee]

Wow, cool!

Jungle Carpet Pythons have cool patterns, and are fairly popular pets.


If you want to do more venemous at some point, these are awesome:

Atheris hispida / Hairy Bush Viper (if you want a challenge - those scales!)


Gaboon Viper

Originally Posted by wrecker45

When you go to repticon handle some snakes.

They wouldn't let anyone handle snakes at the reptile expo in Toronto. Due to "insurance purposes" or something. I was SO disappointed after hearing everyone on here talk about handling snakes at expos...

[wrecker45]

I handle some snake at all the Toronto shows.

[CrotalusR#1]

I think a boelen's python would make a great choice!