"Carved Garden Chair" - WCI issue # 38

[Lightningbolt]

Since I managed to grab a few seconds this weekend I thought that I'd post some pictures of the woodspirit garden chair from WCI issue # 38 on page 26 by author Jan Oegema. I've just about wore out that particular issue of WCI which was a good one!

As usual, there's a story that always goes with anything I carve so hang in there! The camp where I teach woodshop class has an annual fund raising event every September with a bunch of bluegrass music, chicken wings, and a closed bid auction. Well, since I have limited musical ability and since my diet won't allow me to partake of fried foods, then the closed bid auction is where I come in each year.

Last year I posted a chainsawed bear and two walking sticks that went for a total of $375.00. When I saw the woodspirit garden chair in issue # 38 I knew that I had to do it for this years auction. Actually I finished it more than a month ago and I'm just now getting around for a posting. Sorry for the delay.

I made it from some left over two inch thick white pine from some dining hall benches that I built a few years ago which had been donated to us from a local furniture company. Although the pictures don't show any underside or rear views of the chair, I did re-enforce the wood by laminating some maple pieces with dado notching into the seat and the back so it should hold up anyone less than the Hulkster himself!

Everyone was quite pleased with the final result as I wanted a very bold carving to jump out of the wood. I finished the entire chair with Sikken's Cetol 1, then only applied the Cetol 2 to the woodspirit carving which gave it a bold contrasting of colors. I then applied an outdoor polyurethane to the area finished with Cetol 1 for a complete finish.

Now the chair is stored away in a safe, secure, and undisclosed location (just like the vice-president after 9-11) until it's September auction day.

[Lightningbolt]

And a few more pics...

[chpster90bu]

You sure did a fine job on that chair, Dave! Nice work...Sure would look great in my back yard! That should bring in a nice piece of change at the auction....good luck! Bonnie

[snickerbocker]

I would love this chair in my yard.

[Colin-Partridge]

Dave that is an awsome job you did on that chair I can see it fetching a nice price at the auction. Really well done and nicely contructed. I also like you choice of stain. All of my carvings are finished with Sikkens Cetol 1 and second and third coats Cetol 23. Just for your info the Cetol one stands for 1st coat and 23 is second and third coats. I learned this from a Sikkens rep.
Here is a picture of a chair I did last year, little different construction but similar in design. You did well it isnt easy to put a face on a flat surface.
Colin

[knothole]

Dave the chair looks great you did a fine job on it, i`m sure whoever wins that bid will really enjoy that piece. I know I would...Bruce

[Lightningbolt]

Colin: Thank's for the info on the Sikken's which is good to know. That is such great stuff! Nice chair you have there too! Looks really strong... well, like it was made from a good solid log. The lumber in my chair was laminated together but I'd rather had some good solid timbers. I'd bet that some really creative variations could be made using this chair design on some thick slabs from the discarded sawmill pile. And yes, trying to get a woodspirit face in a flat surface is certainly a new kind of challenge!

I have a feeling that this won't be the last one either since when I first showed it off a second order was made!

[Joy]

I love that chair. It is on my "To Do" list. I hope mine looks half as good as yours.

[chuckt]

Well - not much to say other than to echo the previous comments. Great job! Really nice "pop" to the face & hair with the different Cetol 1 & 2. This one is on my "someday" to do list too. Keep up the fantastic work.

ChuckT

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's everyone for the kind word's of encouragement! The "practical" woodcarving projects have always been my favorite being not only just a carving, but also something that can actually be used instead of sitting on a shelf. The chair can be used in a lot of ways which makes this project all the more attractive... or at least to my way of thinking.

ChuckT: Thank's for signing my guestbook! I have always loved stopping over in Bear Mountain when hiking the Appalachian Trail. Can't remember the name, but there is this one pizzeria that I have spent a LOT of good times with friends, food, and drink!!