Before and After

This is the first pedestal cross I made.  It is from a log from the trunk of a tree that was removed from my parent's yard.  The tree was mature but struggling when my parents moved into the house where it was located.  After a few years, it passed.  When it was removed, I asked for the logs from the trunk thinking I would make something out of it.  It took over 20 years, but this cross is the result.

This cross was made from what I believe was an elm tree that had to be removed for a shop to be built.  Many logs came from this tree that I hope to use someday.  I am not sure I could produce this type of cross again.  It was cut from the very unique trunk of the tree allowing a vertical cut that preserved the outer trunk to remain.  It turned out nice.  However, if I had it to do over again, I would have kept the outer trunk on more of the cross rather than cutting the lower right portion away.

I found this very unique three-finger branch in some old wood that I was letting dry out.  It seemed to speak to me that it wanted to be a cross.  So, after about 30 hours of steaming, soaking, and bending an amazing cross took form.  The pictures do not do it justice

This log was found in a vacant lot in Lubbock, Texas at the corner of 50th and Quaker on my way home from church.  I drove past it at first.  However, after a few blocks, I turned around and retrieved it.  It was a very heavy log that appears to be pine.  The cross is a gumby style because of its angles resembling the character Gumby.  This cross took a long time to complete.  Not because if was difficult, but rather because life kept getting in the way.  It was made for a dear friend and former work colleague who was a mentor and showed me much kindness.

These are a few of the smaller crosses I have made.