I too am a novice and also purchased the speedball kit. Though there
are probably more intricate carving tools out there, I have found that
an xacto knife and tweezers with a point help me do the finer detail.
Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Happy letterboxing--
Mango Minstrels

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "bostonrott"
wrote:
>
> Hi!
>
> We flew down to SC from MA on Wednesday. In the past 2 days, I've
> found 7 letterboxes (yes, I'm an over-eager novice, F10). I can't
> tell you how beautiful the stamps have been!! There are some VERY
> talented people out there (The Wolf Family!)
>
> I'm curious as to how people get some of the more intricate carving
> done? I bought a Speedball kit and it came with a carving tool and
> 2 "ends" to use. What other things should I look for to add to my
> stash for carving fine details?
>
> Thanks for your help!
> BostonRott
>

The speedball full kit...not just a few "blades" but the erm...Fully
Monte of carving sets, is, imho one to have. Xactos don't give me
enough control...but that's just moi....

I'm a relative newbie as well...and a bit over eager too.. just found
my 50th yesterday, and only started on Labor Day '05, yet I've placed
2, and within the week, to place #3 (in Denver, CO), with plans for a
highly punny and involved series to come.

The trick to carving, so far for me, is picking/finding/drawing an
image with which to begin. Really look at it before you start.

Think positive and negative space right (that's really all stamps
are), as well as size (esp viz what size box is appropriate for the
place..)

..have patience. Carving is WAY easier than I thought at first, even
if I was already "artistically inclined."

preboxed/aka HER Denver, CO
(who covets good art supplies to beat the band)