When talking about my first project, this is truly my first projecct. Done in 1974 this was the first thing I ever made in woodworking. The wings were made by spliting 1x4s in hafe then milling them down to 1/4" thick. This gives the wings the same pattern on each side. The body was made from a 4x4 and hand carved to the final shape. Since I had very little in the way of power tools, a neighbor was nice enough to do the milling for me. All I had at the time was a skill saw and a belt sander, and a lot of want.

That is awesome!!!

What a beautiful first project! And very neat to still have it yet today to enjoy.

Wow! That's stunning. Good work!

Spectacular work Ozzie. I love the vision for detail you had from the very beginning by "book matching" the wings. Incredible first piece.

Man you set the bar high for yourself for a first project. Absolutely amazing work k

This is great workmanship!

My wife of 64 years just reminded me that the butterfly was if fact not my very first project. She reminded me that in 1959 during school woodshop class I made a ceder lined walnut chest that she still has. I loved her then and I love her more today then I did yesterday, but only hafe has much has I will tomorrow.

And God loves you both more.

I would like to think everyone for the nice comments. It makes an old mad proud and brings tears to my eyes when I read them. I look at the different projects posted and wish that my projects were that great.

Ozzie... it's not really about the actual project but rather the joy in the journey that has the real value.

10 minutes ago, Ozzie said:

She reminded me that in 1959 during school woodshop class I made a ceder lined walnut chest that she still has.

I thought the butterfly project history was special, and now you top that with this! So wonderful when something you make as a gift means so much to the recipient.

Moved to Carving Forum from Workshops Forum. Such wonderful work, first project? This has the hallmarks of a seasoned veteran!