Making a tanuki from driftwood.

While away on vacation along the beach I was able to find some driftwood. I thought to myself that since I like to try all things bonsai, why not? I don't care if it's not a true tree, it gives me another project to work and learn from.

I've posted pics of the wood below. I can use this correct? Any thoughts on how to prepare the wood? Should it be treated with something first? Thanks in advance folks!

I don't see much that is useful there. Like a bonsai trunk, the tanuki needs some movement -- and it helps A LOT if there is a natural curved groove for the trunk to be jammed into.

If this is salt-water driftwood, a LONG soaking in fresh water that is changed frequently may be called for.

Wow, so few comments, are they that bad even just for a fun project or is tanuki so frowned upon? I'm thinking most don't see anything with what i found.

I thought the first one wasn't too bad and that the hollow one mighe be able to be turned into something, but what the hell do i know. It actually looks very similar to one I saw Pauline Muth use for a demo. Shrugs. Now to find some whips.

Hi ny,
The general opinion of tanuki is that they are not that well received in the bonsai world. However, that should not stop you from doing this project if it is something you will enjoy. As far as the wood you have choosen, they are not the best candidates for this project. Since you do have a wide margin of creativity with tanuki. It is best to start with something more elaborate or something that can be made very interesting visually. Perhaps by carving.

I created one in a workshop years ago. I sold it a couple of years back. I wanted to do a shohin because I love shohin and you don't see shohin tanuki very often. After a couple of seasons, the tree really started to develop a nice image. Here is a pic.

Rob

Thanks Rob.
Had I not stumbled upon these on the beach on vacation I likely would not have tried a tanuki project, not because I am against it, but just because I wouldn't go out of my way to create one. Either way, thanks for the input and pic of yours, looks wonderful!

I guess I will just have to go on vacation again to come across some better candidates!

Looking closely I think you could pull off something interesting using 4 and 5. I would flip them top to bottom and cut the bottoms flat at interesting angles mounted a pot, tray, or slab. They could then be carved a bit to add interest and prepare for planting. It is a bit tricky but those look big enough that you could come up with something nice and learn a lot. Hard to explain what I see but yes doable. Many times simpler becomes elegant.
That hollow piece reminds me of a project I won't get to for another season although bamboo. I will take a 3 foot or so length of 3 to 4 inch thick bamboo and notch it in a fashion so it creates pockets along a straight horizontal plane, and fill each pocket will substrate and various plantings. I will then lash together two bamboo tripods to use as supports to hold it off the ground.

Grimmy