The Great Pyrenees Walking Cane-How I Carved It Twice

[@joeykrys1686]

I thought I would chime in about now as I was the person who commissioned Mike to make this stunning piece of art. I had it made for my boss who loves Othello and Sammy more than words could describe. Othello past away after the work was commissioned and as you can guess made the project even more meaningful. Once Mike had completed the carving and emailed me the pictures I was more than ecstatic. We discussed leaving it the way it was or adding paint and as you saw in the video, went ahead and added the paint. Most of you are correct that once painted it was beautiful and looked EXACTLY like the dogs although my feeling was we ended up losing continuity from the stick to the wood grain as it transferred to the dogs heads. Mike's craftsmanship was also reduced and as painful as that phone call was to make, it had to be done. The other factor was knowing my boss and what he would want. The fact that the cane will live in his Jackson, Wyoming home made the natural wood finish a better choice. I'm writing this because I wanted you all to know that Mike was the most understanding, compassionate person through this process and never once made me feel bad or that I was wrong in my request. Seeing the finished product on this video does not do it justice as I have since given it to my boss who I consider my friend. He was very appreciative of both the thought and that of Mike's ability to bring his beloved dogs to life on this cane. Lastly I would like to say that I too had a sickening feeling while watching Mike start scraping off the white paint. So no hard feelings to the many that thought/think I'm nuts!

[@StinnettSticks]

Joey, I want to say, it was an absolute pleasure making this cane for you to present to your boss. I had so much fun making it! It didn't bother me at all to re-carve it, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. Thank you so much for everything, my friend!

[@BeanWolfe]

As someone who does art commissions, sometimes things that are done need to be undone to capture what is needed. And that is perfectly ok! You are certainly not nuts. What a beautiful gift :)

[@FoosResearch]

Believe it looks much better w/o the paint.

[@FoosResearch]

@@StinnettSticks I'd like to ask a very special favor of you, Mr. Sticks. Never have I enjoyed watching youtube videos as much as yours, and I've been watching them hours on end for many years. My guess is that you're based in western Montana, the Rock Creek / Bitterroot area, perhaps. I see no hint of that in your videos and I'm sure you want your actual location kept private. You could, however, let me know more about that in a confidential email to [e-mail]. Now, in the 50s, I took many hikes in the mountains to the west of Superior with my grandfather Roy Springer, a truly great man not too different from yourself. We each had a walking stick and I spent more than a few hours carving such sticks in my home in Bearmouth about 40 miles south of Missoula. Trouble is, all I had was borrowed sandpaper and a cheap pocket knife. Well, I did catch hundreds of fine trout in nearby streams and ponds. I never had a dime to spend for carving tools, not even twenty years later as I was trying to get through MSU. I'm 71 now and had to leave Montana because of all the trouble to be found there; indeed, I'm still in a great deal of pain from brain damage thanks to beatings in the 2nd - 4th grades. Could be my beautiful Thai wife will build us a bigger home so I could have a workroom. Surely, I'm too old now to make good, but either way I'm so very grateful for your contribution and these beautiful videos. If I ever get enough space I'm definitely going to give it some serious thought, thanks to a little social security. Thanks again.

[@lyleloomis3493]

Joey Krys either way painted or not it’s a beautiful pice of work

[@StinnettSticks]

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

[@adamontefusco6517]

Auguroni anche a te

[@antonioguzman4460]

Merry christmas

[@guy3nder529]

Happy Hannukah!

[@punisherstag7602]

hi frnd merry Christmas

[@danielwalters654]

thank you and I hope you had a brilliant Christmas

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Dog Gone ! That's Awesome & Entertaining To Watch. Even Rewatch Over Again As I Am Again. 😊

[@lindaalbano6868]

Your customer is nuts,its a gorgeous piece painted.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you Linda! Me and the customer discussed it quite a bit and we both agreed that the beautiful unique wood grain was too beautiful to hide. I still had a lot of fun painting it though. And I learned a lot about how to remove paint from a carving, haha!

[@indycustommade3568]

You my friend have a true gift from God. I would prefer the painted dogs like you originally did it. To each their own. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and an awesome New Year. Give Pearl an extra dog treat for me. Until the next one my friend.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much my friend! And a Merry Christmas to you and yours also!

[@Lezmila]

Merry Christmas, looks like Pearl was thinking she'd like her self carving one day.

[@RossTheRandom]

The only relief I got from seeing you have to strip away all that beautiful detailing, is the fact that you still got to showcase and immortalize that excellent handwork.. Goodness, that thing looks alive! Merry Christmas, Mr. Stinnett!

[@davidm.6139]

I'm french and i'm proud to see this dog. Amazing.

[@StinnettSticks]

They are a wonderful breed!

[@judestewart3955]

Merry Christmas. I have to agree the piece was just stunning painted

[@davedonnell1393]

My wife and I have two female great pyrenees. That painted version was absolutely stunning. What a way to remember true family members

[@thomasklink3766]

A masterpiece. It looks wonderful either way. It's the meticulous work that makes it.

[@ulricspiva3668]

You, sir, have my utmost respect! Not everyone would have taken the time to remove the paint and done it with the patience you carry with you. Thank you for being the man you are!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much!

[@ulricspiva3668]

@@StinnettSticks Absolutely welcome! You are a great inspiration to me and I am positive to anyone who takes the time to review your videos and know what it takes to create such a beautiful carving. The videos don't show the hours and anyone who carves, knows that there are many of them.

[@adamsmith6843]

Another beautiful masterpiece. Thank you and pearl for sharing.

[@clarepaulsen3330]

Aww! This is so wonderful! I have a Pyr myself, and she’s such a sweetheart. The loyalty part you mentioned is entirely correct. She is the ultimate guard dog, barking at people from inside the house. She knows she can’t protect us from inside the house. If she’s outside, she’s calm as can be. We rescued her, so we don’t know exactly how old she is, but she’s still pretty healthy. She has double douclaws, and adores the snow. She really is a mountain dog. This is wonderful work. Thank you for showcasing such a wonderful breed!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Clare!

[@dr.rajasaurusandunclebonec6526]

Beautiful and captivating as usual, Let us appreciate the great loyalty of the man's best friend!

[@nancymulkey6491]

My daddy was a woodworker, I love wood. My first instinct was, natural. Then the paint was showing so many of the details, was beautiful, but alas the paint had to be removed. I suppose it’s beautiful either way to most of us. Like I said, love wood and your work is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasontitley1988]

And the ledgend dose it again 100% skill 100% talented people 1000% artist. 👏👏👏🐶

[@kDean-lw6dq]

Can I say you are a wonderful artist and I am grateful you grace us with you spectacular art. Thank you so much.

[@StinnettSticks]

You're very welcome Franklin! And thank you too!

[@manuelamonteverde2233]

Riesci sempre a lasciarci con gli occhi spalancati alle tue opere e alle tue montagne . Radioso Natale dall'Italia.🌲🤗

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you my friend! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@sambow4u]

It's been a while since Iv'e watched your video's ,,,, The best part was seeing your little dog first thing ,,, what a buddy !

[@kel5423]

Beautiful carving. I love watching Pearl too, great character.

[@dragondrive4394]

i got to say your walking sticks are brill they have inspired me.

[@jeanblythe1595]

We got to see the cane beautiful two different ways! :D Mike, you and yours have a beautiful, blessed and Merry Christmas!!! May the next year be the best yet, and full of amazing blessings!!! Thank you for sharing so much with us in 2019!!!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Jean! Merry Christmas to you too, and God bless!

[@shadowsketches5443]

So wholesome

[@cowboycody8094]

@@StinnettSticks I will often Woodburn certain features such as eyes or mouth as an alternative to painting to give my pieces just a little bit more texture and definition but not take away from that plastic look.

[@esmirhea1941]

Hello, I'm french, living in the pyrenees mountain ! It's so great to see that kind of work !

[@brucewrandol]

Sure looked nice painted. You do excellent work. I appreciate watching you create.

[@theGhostWolfe]

A gorgeous and noble breed, your renditions are beautiful and a fitting tribute to such lovely dogs. Timeless/classic is in the eye of the beholder, anyway. All those austere marble statues we think of as “classic” used to be brightly painted.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much!

[@yojeffschott]

Certainly not sure if you will see this comment but I think you might consider a beautiful Pearl walking stick. I love your work. You are such a talented wood carver and artist. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@user-pretender]

Долго ждал ваше новое видео. Работа потрясающая! Вы мастер высокого класса!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much Alexander!

[@daveweber1331]

It was beautiful painted, but... the customer was right - it's timeless and classic, this way. And, it lets that incredible Fiddleback grain express itself through you exquisite carving, making the dogs' fur look stunning! Thanks for sharing, and Merry Christmas to you & yours!

[@ianspicer3885]

I've been a carpenter for 40 years and I can see what a very talented artist you are the painted version brought them to life all the best for the New Year 👍👍👍👍

[@lucillarota7364]

Ottimo lavoro Stinnett, grazie per la condivisione. Ciao

[@mensuddevic8983]

The only reason someone wouldn't like paited version is because it looks alive and probably gets that person emotional...

[@kurtmckelvey9478]

Hello Mike from Arkansas ! Mike your a true master ! I hope your eye sight and hand never falters .the way my dad's have !! 😞 He was a car mechanic for over 50 year's ! And worked hard at it !!! But now he's in a nursing home and can't even lift his walker !!!!! 😞 god bless you !!!! Your friend from Arkansas !!!! Give pearl a hug !!!! 🐕

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, my Irish friend from Arkansas! Time will finally catch up with all of us. I'm beginning to feel some age kicking in. I'm sorry about your dad's health, Kurt. God bless you too my friend!

[@kurtmckelvey9478]

@@StinnettSticks thank you mike !!! Take care my friend !!!!! 👍

[@bigdave6591]

That was absolutely stunning Mike you are a truly very talented person and the stick was beautiful

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, David!

[@wilkbor]

Pyrenees is a handsome breed. I love watching your videos.

[@coreywhitaker6742]

You sir are the Bob Ross of wood carving.

[@angelbelmont1289]

You are one of the artists that inspires me most to make crafts and make paintings.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much! I'm really glad that I have inspired you!

[@alishatnawi2183]

Your videos always bring a peaceful and calming feeling to my day.

[@tombryan720]

I love it! Man customer's can change the game for sure

[@warrenlittle4528]

This man is awesome I really enjoy his work he is very detailed in his carving I like his little dog pearl

[@occipitalneuralgia2339]

Oh wow, this must have been a refreshing change and creative challenge! Beautiful tribute to a beloved pet. ❤️

[@rodneywroten2994]

I have a friend that has a pyrenees It sure keeps the wolfes away. You do know how to bring a cane to life .What a beautiful carving. Mike Merry Christmas to you and your awesome family. God Bless Sir.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Rodney! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@denniswhillans661]

You turely are gifted. Fantastic job. I just love your carvings.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much Dennis!

[@thedegmeister2437]

You've got the patience of Job! Beautiful work as always!

[@nadinefranklin2309]

Beautiful work once again. Both ways you did it. Wonderful job.

[@f14-n36]

Ahh les chiens des Pyrénées, j'habite à 3h de cette région. Merci pour cette belle sculpture.

[@zaneeylarbluemoundskullsll8886]

Merry Christmas to you too and I just got a 6 week old Great Pyrenees male!

[@williamellis8993]

Fantastic carving, Mike. Absolutely unbelievable. I was elated to hear you say you were keeping every scrap of wood for future projects. I hate to see any wood go to waste if it can be saved.

[@allenwilson9656]

Beautiful both ways but the painted version was more realistic. Your attention to detail is remarkable . Have yourself a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

[@paulgreen9979]

i have never seen such beautiful craftmanship....

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Paul!

[@paulgreen9979]

@@StinnettSticks I have watched all of your videos now, and am inspired to "try" my own walking stick. so have collected some stock from my garden and will attempt a walking stick!!

[@vandbaxelrad6902]

Fantastic. Absolutely gorgeous. Both painted and natural wood are phenomenal. I would be happy with either, each has it's own unique character. You are a genius. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that!

[@davidmccracken288]

Looked great both ways...👏👏👏

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, David!

[@SOLT_Mark]

I liked it painted but the final was gorgeous too. Merry Christmas !!

[@bradhibbitts8188]

Your patience is quite amazing

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Brad!

[@jefferybiddix1096]

I like both versions. Great work as always 👍. Pearl is definitely your best friend. Don't forget to give her a treat 😊.

[@hectormcarmonadiaz9184]

MARRY CHRISTMAS,GREAT PIECE OF ART AS ALWAYS,THAN YOU.

[@leepaulin8587]

With paint, without paint it’s still beautiful, you never disappoint! Merry Christmas to you.

[@daniel-qe8lx]

Wesołych Świąt pozdrawiam z POLSKI !!!!!! Merry Christmas

[@marsfernandez829]

The best relaxing videos you can find

[@woodsweezell7596]

Now that's a lot of work. Double. Great job as always

[@Phil-S8]

That sucks about the paint. It is beautiful either way. Merry Christmas Mike

[@cyndifoore7743]

I agree, I liked it both ways.

[@larrywilliamson436]

Beautiful work, I also like the character of the wood.

[@eatenkate]

I really like the painted version, you have an amazing way of making things life-like. But i am equally impressed by your paint removal skills!

[@marcranhay29]

I’m with the customer. I just love the wood natural. Don’t get me wrong because he can paint as well as he can carve. Your talent is remarkable

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much!

[@mkivy]

Merry Christmas 🎄 sir, looks like my lovely wife and I will be headed ur way come this spring. We r retiring and looking in Oregon, Washington and Colorado to build a cabin and I will write and paint and carve bowls on my lathe...I would enjoy taking u out to eat and maybe sitting with u and pearl and my honey over a cup of coffee and just swap stories of when we were young. I’m 65 now...getting old. But never to old to create. Now I will be quiet and watch a master at his craft..

[@StinnettSticks]

Merry Christmas, Mike! That is great! I'll be looking forward to meeting you both this spring!

[@calnative4904]

Absolutely fantastic, either version has its merits. Happy Holidays.

[@marialiyubman]

New video???? BEST XMAS GIFT EVER!!! ❤️❤️

[@лерычк]

Привет Майк. Мне всегда нравятся твои работы. Спасибо.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Lerych!

[@XdarkendGOSPLE]

Beautiful scenery

[@thomasmartinez8288]

I have been waiting to see the finished product. As always so amazing and incredible detail

[@lindacsmith13]

Beautiful as usual. Merry Christmas.

[@wildroses2649]

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year☺ Looking forward to future carvings

[@thundreturtle]

As many mentined the cane looks wonderfull in all three iterations :D pre paint, painted and post paint. It was super interesting to see the process of removing the paint and how much skill it involves. I think you are a very talented painer, no doubt it took a lot of hard work to get to that level, as each one of the animals you carved look lifelike both without and especially painted. That also goes for all the flora that you carve.

[@Arfabiscuit]

Merry Christmas Mike , Pearl and family and all you guy's . Beautiful scenary and workmanship Mike thank you .

[@treygrubbs2550]

I love it both painted and clearcoat. I can see how it would be such a hard decision between the two. Tell Pearl Merry Christmas for us.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you Trey!

[@deploribusunum3894]

I love your work. God bless and Merry Christmas.

[@manolim60mtp]

Es una obra de arte, gracias por publicar estos vídeos, Dios lo bendiga

[@brooklyn5754]

Your just amazing at what you do plain and simple thank you for another great video merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family till next year my friend

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much!

[@jessies3236]

Both very beautiful! The wood grain itself was very pretty. Loved the detail on the painted to tho. The shine and wet where it needed to be. Very very good work but yours always is!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Jessie!

[@drowned1215]

The painted version looked really good

[@mikecook6808]

Another masterpiece mike,god bless you sir

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Mike!

[@NUTTER8291]

TRULY STUNNING

[@ellengraham4677]

You have an amazing gift your talent shines in every piece you create,I feel truly blessed to have seen this piece both ways best wishes for the coming year

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Ellen!

[@shawnmorris7552]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for continuing to share your craft and artistry.

[@mkivy]

I know that was a pain sir...but as we all know, “the customer is always. Always “ well, always! U r a true gift to us artist.

[@PravMir79]

Beautiful work!!! Красивая работа!!!

[@jackreeves3001]

Close to perfection. Have blessed Holiday season. Enjoy your family. I look forward to your work in 2020. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent!

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Jack!

[@arcanaj]

My son has fallen in love with your dog.

[@michaelbodner2955]

Another priceless peice, keep up the amazing work

[@fludrbywest3886]

To you and your family be blessed and have a Joyous healthy Christmas as well. This cane of your Mans best friend , natural or painted is so Awesome ✨💖😍🤩🥰❣️💖✨❣️

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much Martha! I appreciate that!

[@fludrbywest3886]

I think both watching you with all your heart carving and and whittling out this majestic wood and Dog and the finished work are all equal of Amazing work ❣️meaning God has picked the right person to work with on this amazing work of art ❣️✨❣️ thank you so much for sharing it with us ✨💖💖❣️ and your Daughter I think is the one capturing your heart very well🥰✨❣️

[@devenderSingh24official]

👌 sir, animals are true friend when we have. We not filling alone. They are cute beautiful. Thank God and his nature 🙏🇮🇳

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Mr. Stinnett & Family! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone else too!

[@randywaller7685]

Mike... Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You knocked a lot of memories loose with this video. My grandfather always had Pyrenees on the farm. Some of my earliest memories are of those dogs and that place. Thank you. That looked like some pretty hard wood. You didn't seem to be kicking up much dust when using your grinder. Personally I liked it painted. I thought it gave it a more realistic look. Again, Happy Holidays. Look forward to seeing you in the new year. Randy in Des Moines. 🎄☃️🎁✌

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much Randy! I appreciate your comment! I really like the Pyrenees too! They're such an old and majestic breed! The wood was very hard to carve! I'm not looking forward to using that kind of wood again, but it was very beautiful!

[@uacl028]

what a true artist

[@sandywebsdale8247]

Both painted and non painted look great.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Sandy!

[@733835]

I watch many of your video`s and still get blown away by your work, incredible. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Very Best Wishes for the New Year

[@joemion666]

Mike, your a better man than I, I would have not had the heart to remove the paint and re-carve a beautiful piece of art like that but still it was another masterpiece. Bravo and Merry Christmas.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Joe!

[@stephenmerck3539]

Merry Christmas sticks thank you for another beautiful project glad you and Pearl are well.

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you, Stephen!

[@christobaliancantu7112]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mr. Stinnett! Beautiful work and I like the paint work you did originally. Merry Christmas, Little Pearl!

[@damuanjekov3471]

Merry Christmas!!!🎅