I then burned it with a torch in Phil's workshop
The following day, I changed my mind & charred it until it was completely black
After burning, I burnished it with a soft wire brush followed by a softer bristle, & then I gave it a coat of linseed oil. I am pleased with the soft, mysterious, deep finish. It is a shame the sculpture itself isn't very accomplished. The Yew wood simply wasn't up to being carved--by the end it was chipping off in such large pieces that I decided to leave it rough rather than take a chance of losing a whole foot or something. But, overall, I am happy with the experiment & don't regret the time I put into it. I will be going back to buy some Maple or Oak to try another
25/01 After a second coat of Linseed oil dried, I treated it with a coat of French polish giving it a subtle sheen
