I am a retired principal and carve walking sticks from dead Aspen as I live in the foothills of Colorado. This hobby became a business for me when I retired. It began when I started carving sticks to give to my teachers.

My sticks are carved from dead Aspen. You may use hardwood for your stick or a softer wood such as Aspen depending on where you live. Look for a stick that is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut the stick about 52 to 54 inches long. Stand on level ground and measure to the crease in your elbow and add 6 inches. This may or may not be 54 inches,but this is the proper height for a stick.

The stick should be relatively free of deep cracks. If you cut something that is not dead, you will have to let it dry or age.The stick should be comfortable for you to use.You need a grip in the stick which is a must. Hold the stick as you would a ski pole to properly place the grip.

Use a power tool or a knife to cut the grip into the stick. Drill a hole above the grip and sand the stick using 80 grit, 120 grit and finish sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. When the stick feels smooth to the touch, use a sanding sealer to seal the whole stick.

When the sealer is dry, sand it and apply two coats of a fast drying polyurethane. These products are easy to find in the hardware store. Purchase a piece of leather strap to go through the hole and you are now ready to use the stick, unless you wish to have a rubber tip on the bottom of the stick.

If so, you can find these in the hardware store to fit the diameter of your stick. One last touch, is to burn dates and places that you hike, climb or trek as this gives the stick a real touch of character. This is much better than a steel trekking pole. Have fun hiking as it is good for the soul.

Dick Bryant has carved walking sticks for many years. As a school principal, Dick gave sticks to his teachers and friends while living in the mountains of Colorado. Walking sticks come in many designs, heights, color, and artistic creativity. Colorado walking sticks are carved from dead Aspen with a personal touch as requested by the buyer. Carved heads, tractors, pigs, wolves, bears, football helmets and so many other things are requested by customers for the top of walking sticks.