Applying the pattern:
Since you console yourself to the fact that you are coping someone else's work, it's best to take your time and find a good pattern for your log. There are many good books and you don't really have to worry about copyrite. I have chosen a pattern that compliments a cowboy from the same book.
This piece of wood is a very thin plywood. It is likely 1/8th of an inch thick. This size is good because it is cheap, flexable, and easy to cut. The patterns that you see here have been projected on it directly from the book using an opaque projector. I was careful to make sure that they were the same height. About 3 feet.
I guess this is obvious. Keep in mind that a good heavy line is important. It will give you a little extra wood and it won't become obscured when you are cutting. A thin pencil line will dissappear.
The result. See what I mean about that line. I don't bother with too much detail inside yet. Keep it simple until you get some of the wood off.
Believe it or not, I've gotten screwed up with too much detail. To help me keep things straight, I mark the waste. I think that you should start with the easiest view to cut. Success breads success.
I'll leave you with my first cut.
