Michigan feather stamps...

This technique was initiated by Ben Schmidt and his brother on their commercial stool, also brought back and incorporated by Darkfeather Freedman on his birds.
 
Thanks Rick!: Mike Zelkowski learned to carve from Walt Snow back in the 1970's. He made and sold his feather stamps as part of Walt's decoy classes. Excellent Michigan decoy tradition!
 
It was on this site that encouraged me to use them when carving decoys. Longtime Duckboat Page member, Bob Hayden put up a post that he had a set of feather stamps he'd give away if someone would use them. I was familiar with them because of my involvement with the Snow Family from Michigan, specifically Walt Snow. When the stamps arrived, much to my surprise there were two full sets and some assorted stamps. In addition, there was a fully stamped mallard hen made by Doug Snow. What a blessing!
I was so grateful for Bob's kindness and told him so. Sadly, two months later, Bob passed away.

I never knew who made the feather stamps but later on I learned they were made by Mike Zelkowski of Michigan. Mike learned to carve decoys back in the 1970's via the decoycarving classes put on by Walt Snow. I am guessing that is where Bob Hayden got his.

The best way to honor Bob and the long history of Michigan decoy carvers is to use them. So I do... They are now a staple in my decoy carving process...
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