Carving practice, suggestions needed

[bonsai barry]

I've had this juniper for several years. The only thing I have done wsa to remove some branches on one end and change the planting angle. I think it has a lot of potential, especially for carving, but I don't know which way to go with it. Any suggestions?

 

[jk_lewis]

Did you just recently chop that branch? If so, get the bark off ASAP. It is much easier to de-bark a branch when everything is fresh than after it has dried. You also will get clearer idea as to how much actual carving is needed for a natural looking jin.

 

[JoeR]

Did you just recently chop that branch? If so, get the bark off ASAP. It is much easier to de-bark a branch when everything is fresh than after it has dried. You also will get clearer idea as to how much actual carving is needed for a natural looking jin.

I agree with this greatly.
I am airlayering a blueberry with deadwood on one side and live wood on the other, and I had to pretty much widdle it off on the dead side while I just peeled it off on the other.
Its going to create roots on only one side sadly but I'll train them over to the other side too and maybe that will help.