First Relief Carving! Thanks everyone!

[Learning2CarveDaily]

This is the first carving I completed. The pattern came pre-drawn on a piece of basswood that came with my Flexcut carving kit.

I was amazed that I did this good on my very first carving. The carving ceartainly went beyond what I expected to produce. It took me about 6 hours to complete.

Here is a picture of my tool selection I bought (with this forum's wonderful advice). 35 tools in all! I actually only used 4 knives, lol, but I'm glad I have a nice selection for future carvings.

I outlined the pattern using a 1/4'' V tool. After a few more carving sessions I realized I get a better profile roughing out about an 1/8'' outside the line and finishing up with a straight chisel or bench knife after I establish my desired depth.

I think the best part of the whole carving was actually getting the leaf relief somewhat close to my reference (a small step by step that came with the Flexcut kit).

This carving was a great learning experience. I am definately hooked now. I have completed 2 more carvings so far, with 5 now in the works. I am attempting the sail boat tutorial over at www.carvingpatterns.com, and several small carvings to practice my rounding and undercuts.
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this forum for getting me started and for all the great info you guys and gals contribute to the community. Keep up the good work. I plan to keep ya'll updated and offer any help I can!

[mark yundt]

If you're going to get hooked on anything , you can't beat woodcarving,, It's my drug of choice. VERY nice job on the leaves,,they look great,you have nice movement in them.Terrific first steps on the road to carving "highs".You're now an official member of carveaholics,, just don't be anonymous.

[Thor]

That's a good pattern to work with. I'm impressed with your success.
You will learn from the thread we are working on with Mark called "trouble with leaves" too. I recommend watching it to learn some more steps to relief carved leaves.
Thor

[Irish]

Great first carving! You have a well developed drop in the background, the leaves have a nice curve and curl to them and I love the textured background as a compliment to the smooth leaves.

In a few months it would be fun and educational for you to go back and carve this design again. I believe you will be shocked at how fast you will have grown in this hobby.

Susan

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Looks good! Congratulations!Ice Cream

[GeorgiaCarver]

Way to go! You will be hooked soon. Nice choice for a first carving, I like the 3 dimensional look to the leaves.

Greg

[JJF]

It is a very good exercise for the sculpture. You have the material to realize beautiful things.

FRENCH :
c'est un très bon exercice pour la sculpture. Tu as le matériel pour réaliser de belles choses.

[SlowMover]

A most excellent first carving.....I really like it, I know you have great things in your hands, now it is time to release them into wood. Happy carvig

[vacation212]

Nice work,your on your way.

[Old Codger]

Very nice carving, especially for your first relief carving! As your fellow wood carvers have already said, you're certainly on your way... Keep the chips flying and be sure and share some photos of your carvings as you progress! Thanks!
Kenn