jayraycarves.com

  As funny as this may sound, I guarantee your carving will crack.  This is the nature of a log as it dries and we have to accept that fact.   I believe this natural cracking and checking only adds character and charm to a piece.  I have, however,  taken some precautions to help minimize the effects of the drying out process.  I have added relief cuts to some carvings in inconspicuous areas to help absorb the movement of the wood.  This way the log may crack along this line rather than at it's own discretion.    Additionally each piece has been thoroughly soaked with a linseed oil based preservative to help the log maintain it's moisture content and to protect from outside moisture and rot.   Finally most pieces are coated with an exterior grade polyurethane or varnish with UV inhibitors to help your carving last for a very long time.

  You can further extend the life of your carving by following these tips:    

*  Keep the piece out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as fireplaces and baseboard heaters.   

*  Re-apply a linseed oil based preservative or an exterior spar varnish at least once a year.  Twice or even 3 times if you place your carving outside in direct sunlight.

*  Do not place your carving directly on the ground.  Set it on blocks, stone or on wooden slats.   This way water from the ground cannot wick it's way up into the log. 

*  If placing your carving indoors; do not set it directly on your floor.  Set it on wooden slats of some sort ( a 1/4" gap is all that is needed).  This will allow the piece to "breath" from the bottom and will not leave any marks on your floor from the release of moisture from the log.