Sunflower breadboard on the drying hook

[Downeast]

Hi Folks,

I am lucky enough to have AutoCad and used it to advantage to come up with this pattern. The board is basswood with a poly finish over several coats of Tung Oil. It looks busier finished than on paper. If I try it again I might make the “diamonds” positive and the “swirls” negative. It may set off the sunflower better. The main problem I had with this one was the sunflower petal tips which are slightly rounded. The ones cutting across grain I had no problem with. The ones cutting with the grain would chatter. I know, practice, practice. I have to believe there’s a trick here, but I’ve yet to learn it. I did use a modified (narrower) knife for these. Anyway, what do you think? The more I look at this the more depressed I get by the resemblance to the BP logo. L

[papasar]

Your Right, practice etc. and pay attention to the grain.
You did a beautiful job. If there are any mistakes they don't show so keep them to yourself.
Bill K.

[pallin]

It's a beautiful design and you've done it extremely well.

[Thor]

That is so pretty. I like everything from the shape of the handle to the design to the finish. You did a wonderful job.
I didn't think about the BP logo at all. I hope that thought fades for you.
Christina

[CarverRog]

This is a wonderful piece! That is a very similar pattern to the one I used on last years large chip carving.

When you start to get chattering try standing the knife more upright, almost straight up and down and use the narrow blade knife like you did.

Keep them coming!

[Downeast]

Bill, Phil, Christina & Roger thank you for your kind remarks. I looked at your gallery Roger and you're right. And they both have about the same proprtion of positive amd negative features. Great minds think alike. :-) And thanks for the tip. I'm quickly learning that design is fully half the project time before the first chip flies. This one took me six weeks from conception to dripping finish. I got real antsy toward the end.

Wayne

[CarverRog]

For me the design process is 2/3 of the project time. When I design large a piece I sometimes will have a dozen sample boards of partial designs that I think might work. There is no one person that I know that is any better at design and the process than Wayne Barton. If design is what you want I suggest getting Wayne's books. Good Luck!

[Robert Cahill]

I have just recently started to read more about chip carving but have not tried it yet, But I am able to see that you did an excellent job and like Bill said if there is mistakes they don't show. I enjoyed studying it thanks for sharing

[paolo59]

I think you must be happy of what you have done. I like it. Could you please show a detail of the central part ? It looks very interesting

[SeaLeveler]

Beautiful work there,and the 6 weeks were well spent,it shows in the detail.No BP here.Tony