[MelNM]

Hi all this is a relief inspired by my buddy Mottle's idea of carving Kachina Reliefs. I didn't undertake a big as project as her's though. This is the Sun Maiden Kachina, she is a little different then the original, I put about 20 hours on this project. I haven't decided whether to paint it or not, hope to get help from you folks on that.

A Friends Insperation

[Mottles]

Hi Pal, beautiful, I love it!
I'm so pleased I could inspire you to do this relief.
Don't paint it! Either finish with Danish Oil and Varnish or an Oak Stain and Varnish. I think it will be most effective with out paint.
Kathy

[MelNM]

Originally Posted by Mottles

Hi Pal, beautiful, I love it!
I'm so pleased I could inspire you to do this relief.
Don't paint it! Either finish with Danish Oil and Varnish or an Oak Stain and Varnish. I think it will be most effective with out paint.
Kathy

I'm going to have to check out the Golden Oak stain, I only been to home depot twice this week, the basswood has some dark streaks in it do you think the stain will help dampen it some? Been having to attack the swamp cooler literally. Thats been my other project this weekend, now its nice and cool and my wife likes me again.
Mel

[Iowa Carver]

Mel nice job on the relief carving. It looks great!

Corey

[Mottles]

Gosh Mel, not sure...I don't see the dark stains (don't look that noticable in the image) a problem. Someone told me regarding my relief dark knot. "Just shows it's real wood". Don't worry about it!
Kathy

[hruukki]

Looks good -
I agree, don't paint it. Staining might look OK though.

Henri

[Ron T]

MelNM,

What a terrific relief. "She" looks so serene, yet the flowing robe gives a feeling of gentle movement to the piece.

[MelNM]

Thanks guys, I think I will just leave it natural, I will check on the stain though, sounds like a good idea.

Kathy do you have any pics of carvings where you have used the Golden Oak stain on a carving.

Ron and Hruukki I checked out your carvings and website beautiful work.
Mel

[Irish]

Mel! To think that I knew you when you were just starting out and to see where you are at in such a short time ... fantastic work.

I love the doll carving but the ground area and borders really give the carving that finished touch. Great texture work and the relaxed feeling to the lines is perfect to give an aged hand crafted feel.

Very, very, very nice. I'm with Kathy, a little Danish oil would just add the right touch of finish.

Susan

[Kenny_S]

Mel my friend, totally different than what I am use to seeing you carve. Nice work. Yeper, Danish oil for sure!