[thud]

Hello all! This is a great looking community and I was hoping someone could help me out.

I was out in Boulder, CO recently and came across some inspiring pieces of work from Sarah Grant. (www.sticks.com) I think the style she/they work in is called "line carving." Is this correct? They are very shallow etchings/carvings that separate painted areas.

I have a baby girl on the way in December and would love to be able to take some pre-made benches/toyboxes/bookshelves and decorate them with simple carvings and paint. Eventually I'd like to move onto simple figures, or flat pieces of wall art. I've attached some examples of things I'd like to eventually be able to do.



I have an interesting background in art, as I've never been classically trained, but came up through the digital ranks as a video game artist. Now I'm coming down into classical. So the creative designs are not a huge concern, aside from making them too complex for a child to comprehend, or enjoy. However, I have zero skills in the wood carving discipline.

I've looked at some of the beginner's FAQ's and links on the board, but I'm not sure I even need a full set of wood tools to achieve these looks. Does anyone have suggestions on what tools I should pick up? Also, are pre-made items, like toychests, from art supply stores a bad idea to carve on? I'm not sure what they were made of...pine maybe? Should I try and learn how to build them on my own? I do not have a workshop.

Finally, what kind of paint/stain/finish is best suited for this type of work? Like I said I have a little girl on the way and want to protect her from any unsafe chemicals.

I appreciate any help/thoughts you might have.

Thank you kindly!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

That looks very much like tole painting to me? not being able to see it that clearly....there is a carving that is incised and something like coffee grounds rubbed into it, called I believe rosemaling, but don't think this is rosemaling? Since I don't know much here, I should have kept quiet huh? lol welcome!

[Eddy Smiles]

Call Rick at Little Shavers or Mac or Beth Profitt at Smoky Mountain Wood Carvers. You can get their telephone numbers on their web site. Tell them what you want to do and they'll tell you what you need with no worry on your part that you're being sold a bill of goods!

[rick-in-seattle]

Thud,
I have to tell you I was not impressed by the carving on their site.
Basically all they are doing is outlining the design and painting it.

That's pretty much what they teach in kindergarten.
The closest carving style to this is incised or intaglio carving, which is much more impressive.

See Lora Irish's site for more information.
http://www.carvingpatterns.com/incised.htm

If you are set on following this style, get a 3/16" V-parting tool, several kids coloring books, and some bright acrylic paints. The wood this company uses are birch and poplar, these look best painted.

I have used pre-fab furniture with good results, but realize the wood will be hard and brittle.

[thud]

Hey folks! Thanks for the welcome, and for the replies, I greatly appreciate it! Yes, in person, the pieces did basically look like the painted areas were outlined. I wonder if they teach kindergarteners to ask $2k for an end table done like that. *heh*

Thanks for the nod about little shavers...that is a great site and I have picked up some great tutorials/answers there, and their beginner's kit looks like it'd be just what I need to get rolling with wood carving. The link to incised carving was very helpful as well.

Is it best to learn to carve my fingers, I mean wood, by starting with basswood? Or is there a better "starters" wood to go with or... what should I avoid at all costs?

[Chahlie]

Hi Thud,

I think bass wood is a great medium to start with; relatively easy to carve, holds detail pretty well. My first project was a Santa in 3D. I couldn't find any bass wood when I wanted to start my project(have located a great local source since...LOL!) and tried with some success carving laminated poplar from the local big box store. I recommend bass wood.


OH....Hi All!!!!! I appologize for not taking the time to enjoy this wonderful community for most of the spring and summer. Learning new skills at work and I neglected to come here for my relaxation and to increase my knowledge of this wonderful hobby and lifelong craft.

Welcome to our little piece of the "Web" Thud. I don't recall any challenge brought up here about carving that someone couldn't atleast point you in the right direction to get an answer. Again welcome!

Chahlie

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by thud

Hey folks! Thanks for the welcome, and for the replies, I greatly appreciate it! Yes, in person, the pieces did basically look like the painted areas were outlined. I wonder if they teach kindergarteners to ask $2k for an end table done like that. *heh*

Thanks for the nod about little shavers...that is a great site and I have picked up some great tutorials/answers there, and their beginner's kit looks like it'd be just what I need to get rolling with wood carving. The link to incised carving was very helpful as well.

Is it best to learn to carve my fingers, I mean wood, by starting with basswood? Or is there a better "starters" wood to go with or... what should I avoid at all costs?

Avoid at all costs....NOT wearing a glove! lol

[Eddy Smiles]

Thud... In lieu of carving you could get the same effect by woodburning.... I work using this technique quite a bit. This link is a dragon that I woodburned and painted using watercolors but I usually use acylics.

http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...seup-email.jpg