My First Chip Relief Carving

[koolau]

Just started out carving today, and chose a relatively easy design to do as I knew there were going to be mistakes. And trust me, there were.

Ive attached the stained photo, and will seal it tomorrow. (the prior photos are in the "introduction section")

Any tips or advice would be warmly welcomed, as I'm kind of winging this and seeing what kind of trouble I can get myself into.

Thanks

Oh, and don't mind the white dots in the stained picture...my husband was making a mess near by with the table saw. Luckily, the white cleared up when I hit it with the air compressor.

[Bill Whig]

If it was to be a learning exercise, it looks and sounds like it came out great. If it has a further purpose, I can't tell how well it will meet its goal from the picture. As a fellow-newby, I'd say you have a great first project!

Bill

[koolau]

I'm going to make it into an ornament or something... It was definitely a learning exercise though. I figured with the mistakes that are bound to happen from not knowing darn near a thing I'd not work it up to be something important.

Perfect mistake that happened was breaking off a tip of a cut But, I figured out how to avoid that...or so I think.

Thanks for the comments though, I think this is going to be something I really enjoy for the long haul.

[Mottles]

I think it's a wonderful first carving nothing like just getting in there and doing it. Sure we make mistakes, but that's part of the learning process. We all pay our dues.
Nice job,

[Steve Reed]

Very nice chip carving. Not to be critical, but next time you might try a lighter wood or stain. Chip carving relies on shadow for the design to stand out. It you feel like you must use stain, I would recommend using a light wood (basswood, aspen) shooting it a number of times with Deft or another poly, then using a gel stain. Wipe off all you can. This will keep the stain in the cuts and make them stand out more.
Again, just my thoughts, and not trying to to be critical, only helpful.
Happy Carving!