Doc Ski Labanowski

This is part of the World Rod project isolated. Done by owen Dare of Australia

It has been a while since I posted here but this is something I think everyone can enjoy. Also I just plain forgot my password It has been a LONG journey in many ways but the World Rod started by Mark Blabaum a long time ago is now done. I was the last to add to this masterpiece and it took a while since I have been so sick, lame and lazy(old military line). My original plan was to do something way out with Matt but our schedules never seemed to jive and I decided to just do something more mainstream. This project got its start in Marks head(now that is SCARY), pretty sure on line and grew legs. It started it's journey when the parts left Batsons in Washington headed for my house. Next leg of the trip was to head out to Mark Blabaum in Wisconsin. Now we all know Mark is the Wizard of Wood(not substantiated by his wife LOL) and he did not disappoint. This handle is too cool for words so just gaze at the pics and wish. From there it went to Owen Dare in Australia which is quite the jaunt. Owen the Pictoweave program designer put his skills with computer and thread to stay in theme with the handle and made the most impressive funnel weave spider I have ever seen. He nailed it and then he assembled Marks handle. From there it went on another long voyage(litterally) to Jorge Pozzobon in Brazil. Jorge put paint to work to do a 360 degree painting also staying in the Spider and web theme. Next it goes back north of the Equator to Chris Ward in England. Can you imagine all the stamps on the case by now? Chris got to work on the guides and came up with and "outside the box idea". Actually I have never seen the technique but it worked great on this build to continue to bring in the spider web idea. It is almost like one of JT Dragon scales only inside out. Chris then sent it to me where I thought and thought. The work already done on this masterpiece was incredible. I finally decided not to try to out do anyone but thought a Tribal Spider would work to keep this puppy Classy. Originally it was going to be raffled off at the rod show out here but I decided this is REALLY Marks conseption and I want him to decide on it final resting place. Hope he is still thinking raffle. Also we need to recognize the support of Jim Lueck of the Texas Rod Builders(TRB) for graciously supporting the project by picking up the shipping charges. Believe me that was no cheap bill. I dont know where else you could get so many to put so much effort into a project like this----that's the rod building world I am proud to be a part of. Enjoy the pics folks.

Here is the big brother.

Havent posted her in a while but thought I would post these so everyone can view them.

Just a quick example of the differences with using B for wrap thread or E for the wrap thread. Top is B and 25 mm long and the bottom is E and 36 mm

Taken from a Chuck Byron Painting. 104x154 threads, 9 layers, 16 colors and total 555 threads. To be auctioned off at the Chuck Byron Memorial Tournament for young marine artists.

Newest weave and part of the packing and tightening instructional tutorial I, with the help of a friend, put together. 5 Layers and 80 threads by 110 threads.

78x68 and 6 layers. Fins and Tail made with Sunset Twist.

This one will be for next years show rod for their booth.

Still tightening and stuff to do but again I couldnt wait. Just one for fun

Almost complete but couldnt wait to share it. Another Madeira Miracle.

7 LAYERS, 8 COLORS, 65X163 THREADS. MADEIRA THREAD.

7 layers,11colors, 77x88 threads. Again Madeira 40 wt

Just a little artistic freedom done to a friends logo. Damn I thought the 60's were over. All Madeira thread. 6 Layers - 14 Colors(mostly loud) and 81x98 threads.

10 layers, 77x99, new technique to do light green plant in foreground. Mostly 40 wt Madeira.

This is courtesy of a very nice man named John Bumstead who sent me a wonderful book as a gift. We have some great people in this craft. 8 layers and way too many hours but the results are OK with me. All done in 40 wt Madeira.

For all my mates and esecially you Myles in Australia. My rendition of a jumping Bara breaking the line and throwin the lure. 8 Layers(mostly Madeira)and 82x108 Threads.

Another one of the oldies but goodies.

Here is some more old school stuff. Sempre Fi!!! Some of my best service years I shared with the Corp. Simple silhouette with a varigated twist type thread from Holland. Actually I am putting this on to move Putter off so JAS can make more comments.

A Christmas present for a Houston fan.

This is where it all started for me Circa 1971. Weaving has made huge advances. From tape to Jigs and the Wonder weaver. From Silhouettes and single layers to 10 layer dragons and jumping fish. Can we make them Wiggle or appear to swim?

One of my all tme favorites 5 layers

A blast from the past. Believe it or not this one was done the old way on 7 sections of masking tape. Not an easy chore

My Ex favorite team. Probably should be doing the Heat soon. Done in Madeira of course. I really am likeing this stuff.

Again all Madeira and B sunset Thread. 5 Layer weave.