[dmatias]

Hi all;
Well I am almost finished my village and decided you might want an update on how it is coming. So, here it is. I just have to do some cleanup and varathane it.

Hope you like it - and be nice Hi Ho!!!!!

[JIM QUILICI]

Deborah,
that is a great carving, something to be proud of.
Jim

[Thor]

That is wonderful. I very much enjoyed seeing it.
No clue as to how you should finish it.
Thor

[dmatias]

Thanks for the kind words. One gentleman here suggested a frame to go around the carving, but I kind of like it like it is. What say you?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good job carving! "there was a crooked man that lived in a crooked house, wears a crooked shoe from stepping on a crooked mouse!" no, thats not it, what was it now? Be nice? I am always nice! lol....not sure I would stain that, but couldn't say unless I could see it up close.....if you stain it, seal it first! minwax prestain sealer..several coats!

[Tom H]

That scene is well designed and well carved. It also evokes all kinds of feelings when viewing it. Maybe that's why it will be so special....I think paint would detract from the feel of the carving....Tom H

[Thor]

I was a framer for 19 years....so my opinion is just one of many ways to do it, if you even choose to frame it.
I would do a floater frame. That would space it from the frame by an inch or so by placing or floating it on a complimentary wood, then frame that wood very simply. I would not introduce new color, just shades of the same hue....a bit darker or lighter.
I think presentation is important, and making it look more grand by framing it "simply" would really show it off.
It is a really special piece.
Thor

[chuckt]

Wow Deborah!!! That is WAY cool!!! I absolutely LOVE those Storybook style homes and architecture and you've totally captured that feeling in this village. I want to LIVE there? Any homes for rent? I am moving in. ;-)

Seriously - that takes the whole gnome home thing to a whole other place. Looks like its from a Harry Potter scene to me. I LOVE it. Now, as to how to finish it - I'll leave that up to more knowlegable folks to address. I like it just the way it is with a clear finish of some sort. But it might look nice stained darker too. If it were me I'd be too nervous to try anything other than a clear finish.

Really awesome job!!!

ChuckT

[bird carver]

Deborah I think it's fantastic, it's difficult to do buildings that are straight let alone doing what you have done. I think you should seal it but do it in a clear flat matt finish. Wonderful job! bird carver
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[gene messer]

Deborah .. That is excellent .. What a wonderful relief .. The whole carving is very stylish and I love the leaning home's .. Looks storybook ..

Great job ..

Gene