If the cottonwood bark you use has been collected from trees that have fallen into rivers, they usually will have a lot of grit in them. I avoid those, and get my bark from dead trees that are often still standing, but sometimes recently fallen, in the woods. No driftwood for me.mrwatch wrote:I have done a number of cottonwood bark carvings of the long winding stairs to houses for hanging on the wall. caution the wood is known to have sand in it. do not use your best blades on it. it also breaks off easy so have your instant glue handy. The bark was mailed ordered by the club members and split the cost. I also have done several cypress knees including one, emerging spirits. every bump turns into a face of one size or another. We also split a order of diamond willow to make walking sticks.