Completed first project

[jmischel]

I completed my first real carving project: the Pinecones tree ornament thing from Little Shavers. I obviously have a lot to learn, but I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out:



I had originally planned to paint them a kind of gold color and add some snow at the top, but my wife says she likes 'em raw. Who am I to argue?

Would it be a good idea to put some kind of protective finish on them? What would you suggest?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jim

[Joggernot]

I was afraid to try the pinecones because it looked too difficult for me. You've done an excellent job! I think for family, no paint is ok, but for selling you'll need the paint and snow.

Clear Brewax or clear Watco would work for sealing, but you can't easily paint over it later.

Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) will look good and you can paint over it in oil paints and probably acrylic.

Tung Oil is another option.

Joggernot Motorcycle

[jmischel]

Thanks, Joggernot

The pinecone thing wasn't terribly difficult. Believe me, if I can do it, pretty much anybody should be able to. I'm a complete amateur at this. Just take it slow, follow the directions, and study the pictures carefully.

I don't have any plans to be selling stuff. Certainly not at this early stage. Thanks for the suggestions on sealing. I'll head up to the local big box home improvement center and see what they have.

Jim

[Ron T]

Hi Jim, I wouldn'ta thunk that was your first. They're very nice. You can try oiling them with Watco Danish natural or tung oil natural. They will both darken the wood so you have to try it on a scrap piece, but it will seal nd protect the wood.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Jim I think you did an excellent job !! I would go with tung oil.

Dave

[wood2carve]

Jim, nicework on the pine cones.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I did several of those, they make great ornaments....I stained them, and used acylic to flick on and dab on some white to simulate snow on the top.

[cannuckcarver]

This is very nice,
Thanks for sharring.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Great job Jim.
Carl

[gene-messer]

Jim .. those are excellent .. the carving is top notch and you did a great job with those wonderful ornaments..

very impressive ..

Gene