source of wood suitable for practising carving knots

[mrcharly]

I generally whittle branches that I've found here and there.

Got a hankering to start carving some celtic patterns, which kind of requires flatter wood (at least until I'm more proficient). Pine planks are a sod to even draw a pattern on, and difficult to carve curves.

I guess beech, sycamore or any dense hardwood would be easier. Can't think of likely sources tho. Anyone have suggestions?

 

[bobnewboy]

Walk around town and find some lime trees, note not the citrus type. They were planted out a lot by the Victorians as a decorative tree. The branches have a tendency to come down in high winds, even quite large ones, but the wood was (and maybe still is) the preferred wood for sculpture and decorative carving in Europe/UK over the last few hundred years. Ask at the local council depot as they are usually the ones clearing up any windfall. It can also be bought by the board foot, but will be expensive due to it's popularity for carving.