People often ask how Will carves his birds. Perhaps this will be of interest.
First, Will does the research required to create the first prototypes and the necessary patterns and jigs. He may create 5 to 20 different models over months or years before he is satisfied with the result. Will doesn't believe in rushing this phase.
Will lays patterns representing the profile of the carving on planks and saws out a "batch" of birds from native pine.
Next, he traces another pattern of the top view onto the profiled blocks and makes those cuts. This results in a four cornered rough-out.
Then, one by one, Will handcarves the roughs with the simple tools of traditional decoy maker: draw knife, spoke-shave, and odd gouges and knives, The jaws of shaving horse, another traditional tool, hold the bird solidly while the carving is done. Will's cutting is sure and quick. His hands are often a blur as he hustles through the finish carving.
He then inserts and finishes the beaks, carves in details, and drills holes for eyes. He then sands the carving and begins the distressing process.
Will develops each paint job after much research, trial error, and aesthetic judgment. As was common in the tradition, he uses lots of finger blending, stippling, wet over dry, and wet into wet techniques. Feathers, sponges, and specially cut up brushes find service also. The distressing process is performed, eyes are inserted, and the bird is finally attached to the appropriate base.