[martyslc]

Originally Posted by doris

.... all i want express is, that basswood can have pure wax finish, or with an oil plus wax and look great...

Any idea where I might find an example of this? Or what oil and wax I need to accomplish this luster and I will try more samples. Weeee, more samples

-Marty

[Ashbys]

You might like to check this workshop by Ian Norbury.

Hints and Tips

It tells you excatly why wax is not the best of choices.

Ash

[doris]

my mary poppins, and my homage to mucha carvings are examples showing what i refer to ...i used tung oil, and fluid clear wax in those. if i want more shine i use clear briwax.

[martyslc]

Originally Posted by Ashbys

You might like to check this workshop by Ian Norbury.

Hints and Tips

It tells you excatly why wax is not the best of choices.

Ash

Awe inspiring site thanks so much for sharing it Ash!!!!

[Ashbys]

Marty ,

My pleasure. There are other great sites, linked on the left, if you get some time you should look at them , they are amazing and Fox Chapel is great for listing them.

Ash

[martyslc]

I spent some time today cleaning the carving up as well as getting rid of fuzz. I still need to detail the mans coat, her dress neck line, etc.

http://martybess.fileave.com/P4033638.JPG
http://martybess.fileave.com/P4033639.JPG
http://martybess.fileave.com/P4033640.JPG
http://martybess.fileave.com/P4033641.JPG

I think a deep/rich bronze as suggested: http://martybess.fileave.com/picture1.jpg

Or maybe this if it's possible: Sell Herdsboy - Chinese Handicrafts House - China

I don't have a clue how to do either one of these finishes or if it's possible on basswood so any help/suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Still don't know if I sand or try to carve out the dirt. GRRRR.

Thanks for you help! This carving has allot of sentimental value to me.

-Marty

[Just Carving]

Marty,

It looks good to me--I can't see the dirt but then you're right on top of it. I stick by my using Dawn and a stiff bristle plastic brush--like a denture brush. Worked for me--however, next time, I might try the Ivory bar soap so I can limit the amount of water and soap on the carving.

Bob L

[Ashbys]

much cleaner Marty .

Looking forward to what you do. It is a great piece.

Ash

[markken5889]

Hi Marty - absolutely beautiful carving!!! Reminds me of the Willow Tree figurines. They seem to use a wash of colors (acrylics would work) that is very subtle, yet adds alot to the figurine. You still wouldn't need to paint facial features, as your carving implies more detailed features VERY nicely. You also might consider Tung Oil, as Doris states, or even Boiled Lindseed Oil, both of which will darken the wood some, and make whatever grain shows in the carving just pop!

Great work - very impressive and it'll be fine whatever you end up choosing!! good luck with the rest of the project.

-Mark

[martyslc]

Hmmmmm, good thing I took pictures because the right hand on the guy looks weird. I'll need fix it.