[Woodcarver] Donna's Dilemma Solved

[Donna Menke]

Since quite a few of you asked to know the results of my survey I'm going to post them on the groups. For those of you who responded privately or on the groups, I thank you all. You gave me some wonderful ideas that I'd never even considered. 
First of all, the winner, hands down with 22 out of over 50 responses, was the butternut dolphin. Most people thought that having both variations, including the painted one, would make a good article. I like that idea. I will also throw in the pattern for the orca that is made exactly the same way. Someone made a suggestion to burn the details on the orca so he wouldn't look plasticy- so I'll include that idea in the article.There was also a request for a one-piece dolphin that would be easier. I'll make that pattern without the curve to the body, and with the ventral fins not inserted, and it will be a lot simpler. That should give enough variation to keep everyone happy. It was also suggested that I offer the dolphin in mahogany or other colorful woods like cherry for the cruise students; so I'll be doing that too.
Then, I figured I could make another, different article about the Clown Fish- who came in a good second. One thing he has going for him is that I've never seen an article on carving a fish like this. Also I have some great photos of how to carve the details on the fins, and how to set them into the body almost invisibly. The dolphin article will also have these details. Not too many people liked the salmon, and to tell you the truth it isn't very attractive and almost impossible to paint. I'll probably throw it in though as another example of how to use the info on carving a small fish to carving any fish. That will work.
Our editor Chris will be happy to get an extra article from me, and I'll let him worry about how he uses them. Like Marnie always used to say: better too much than not enough.
Thanks again for all your helpful advice- youse guys are the greatest-

Donna Menke
http://www.woodworks-by-donna.com 
Author: The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book