Cathy -
I drill a few holes to get started. Rough it out with a deep gouge. Keep digging with a spoon (bent) gouge. Smooth it out with a scraper and sandpaper. Sometimes I get lazy and use a Dremel. Whatever it takes to "get-er-done"
LeftyTom -
I didn't sneeze. The wood was just real green and it warped that way :gar-La;
Sawduster -
For these "free form" ones I just grab a chunk of wood that I think looks cool and start hacking away. I may have a general idea of shape in mind, but it never turns out that way. Once I get into it I try to get a shape that works with the grain and coloration of the wood. It's not hard to do. Just takes some time. What I like about it is that you can do it anywhere, there's no setup time and it's quiet. You can just pick up a stick, a beverage of choice, sit on the porch and go at it. :icon_thum
pete