Petrified Wood Carving: The Cave Bear
This piece of petrified wood is extremely hard which explains why very few people will carve on it. It took me 3 weeks and lots of diamond bits to get it finished. I was going to tell everyone that the bear was carved by a prehistoric man before the tree was petrified and all I did was uncover it but I decided that might be considered slightly unethical. Go Figure. This is a great piece that I hated to sell.
Type
- wood
Meet the Maker
Michael Altom
QuotableWalkingStick
I retired from the USAF after 28 years and now I make canes, walking sticks, jewelry and art pieces full time. The Quotable Walking Stick is a concept that I started. I find rare, unusual, and/or antique items to make into walking stick handles. Then I find an appropriate quote from literature, movies, music or elsewhere that I feel compliments the user.
Quotes have always been an important part of my life. It is comforting to know that others we admire think along the same lines as we do. I hope you will find one that speaks to you.
Customer Reviews
Carolyn West-Gipson
Mar 24, 2017I wanted to get a hand-made walking cane for my husband's birthday. My daughter suggested that it have an elephant head on it as a tribute to my husband's days in India. Michael enthusiastically agreed to the project. He kept me abreast of the progress every step of the way - emailing and sending sketches and photos. My husband loves it! The only complaint - and this isn't Michael's fault per se - is that it took a while to arrive once shipped and I wasn't able to track it after it left California. But it made it and we're very pleased.
Margie Clyde
Dec 15, 2014Mr. Altom made me a beautiful cross at such a reasonable price. Communicating with him was so easy and Mr. Altom seemed to know exactly what I was looking for. It was shipped promptly and shipping was included in the price I paid. I would definitely recommend his work and I will actually look to purchase gifts from him again.
ELMER PEREIRA
Oct 3, 2017Mr Altom it was really fun working with you. You were very understanding and kind. The cost of the cross was really worth it. The way you engraved my name on the cross really looks awesome couldn't expect anything better, will always suggest your name. Thank you Mr Altom. #bestperson
alan
Apr 10, 2013I CANT PUT INTO WORDS HOW PLEASED I AM WITH MIKE AND THE CANE HE CRAFTED FOR ME!!! I WILL TRY THOUGH.MIKE WAS SO ACCOMMODATING AND WAS SO EASY TO TALK TO .HE WAS SO UNDERSTANDING WITH EACH OF THE CHANGES AND IDEAS I HIT HIM WITH.MIKE TOOK MY VISION AN RAN WITH IT AND KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. HE EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS! WE WILL BE CRAFTING ANOTHER MASTERPIECE IN THE FUTURE.I WILL TREASURE MIKES CREATION FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE AND WILL CARRY IT WITH PRIDE.I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT TO SOLDIER FIELD FOR A BEARS GAME.IT IS DEFIANTLY A ONE OF A KIND TRIBUTE TO OUR CHICAGO BEARS! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! ALAN KINNEY (DIE HARD BEARS FAN)
Gerald
Jul 19, 2013There weren't enough stars to properly reflect this experience - Michael was a remarkable professional through this whole project. I had my thoughts and ideas, but he really grasped what I envisioned (even better, in fact). He took great care through the whole process to update me on the progress and ask my opinion about everything, and obviously took his time and put great care into the details of this cane. A man of integrity, patience and professionalism, I'd be thrilled to work with him again in the future or recommend him to anyone for their Custom Made projects!