[squbrigg]

Finished this Celtic Cross today, and it was fun carving it. The wood is Mahogany, and I used both power and edged tools both on it. The background in the cross is burned, not sure why I tried that, but it really works for me. I believe it makes the design stand out much more. It stands about 9" tall. (not sure which background I like, so I posted both)

Bob

[Claude]

Great carving, Bob - and the green background looks best.

Claude

[Kenny_S]

I agree with Claude, great piece and even though I like Blue, the green appears to show the Celtic Cross the best.

[mark yundt]

They are both very nice,,the green for Celtic, of course! But for some reason,,Oh NO,, here we go again,,, Doug Ridley revisited!!!! I lean towards the blue (Man,, why did I have to say that????) probably because the blue has much more symbolism in a spiritual way. In most Iconography the blue stands for the divine,,appropriate for a cross. In most paintings Jesus is wearing blue garments next to his body,,showing divinity,,,but he "takes on" a red robe,,symbolizing His humanity,, whereas,, Mary,, wears red garments,,she is human,, but "takes on" a blue robe,, showing her divinity. Especially considering it is a "Royal" blue adds even more interpretation as well as a Sublime expression to the whole piece..it's much "richer" if you will... well let the fun begin,,LOL.... I'm not saying another word,,,, I promise!

O.K. I lied,, sue me,, but I've been sitting away from the 'puter looking at them,,I think the blue looks soothing,,calming,,inviting,,and yet more expensive looking as well,,,Rich ,, I had said before,,yup,, that's it,, I'm sticking with it , and that's my final word,,,, I think,,,,,maybe,,,,yup,, that's it.

[Irishman]

I've been trying to get around to carving myself one of those for some time Bob. I know your not new to celtic knots but did you use a pattern for this particular piece? I must get myself a resource on celtic knots and start practicing...any suggestions.
Your CC turned our really well Bob.
Patrick

[squbrigg]

Yes Patrick, I used a pattern. Though I can't remember where I found it. Perhaps it was one of the crosses in Susan Irish's collection that I purchased some time ago, she has some beautiful designs. Sorry, but my memory isn't what it was. Thank you for the kind words.

Bob

[Irish]

Beautiful carving and the burning really added a perfect accent.

Susan

[Mark N. Akers]

Bob:
Fantastic job on carving the cross,job well done.

[Thor]

Hi Bob,
You know I love knotwork. I have to ask, since I've seen other knotwork you've carved, is this relief carving? or did you scroll the shapes of the knotwork out and then carve them before you attached them to the cross?
Either way I really like the results.
Oh, and I like both background colors. Each one has its merit, and I wouldn't begin to pick one over the other.
Thor

[Doug Ridley]

I agree with Mark. I like the blue much better.
Doug