[irmsrus]

It was designed to be a scroll saw pattern (as i still would like to scroll it) I'd also like to attemot to carve it and make it a big inlay (fill the carving in with wood puddy or wood chips, only b/c im too poor to afford mother of pearl and all that kinda stuff) Its me and my girlfriend btw...

but anyhow heres the original portrait, and the pattern. I've never done carving before. (ordered a set of chisels which should be on their way here in the next few days...)

But i just recently did my first inlay (very simple compared to this) It is also attached.

Whats your input? Am I going too big too fast?

[Ashbys]

I think it will make a really great carving , but I would make a couple of suggestions.

First , do a first portrait of anyone else out side of a family member or someone close to you. This will do two things for you ,
first it will give you a basis to start with learing the basic cuts , the shadowing , the undercuts, and how to bring a face forward, but cutting back .
The reason not to use a family member is so you are not emotionally attached and you can look at the portrait with netural attitude, and can look at what you should have done , what could improve it and how to do it.
I think personally if your just starting to carve you should learn the basics. Before you try a project like this , you will be much happier with the results after you have an understanding of your tools.

The scroll saw piece is not bad , the inlay not bad , but the inlay work compared to doing a portrait like your considering is kinda like driving a car and winning the indy 500. might be related but just not the same

Ash

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Look up "inlace" , I believe woodcraft among others carries it, also a lot of the scrollsaw sites have it....all different colors and might be an interesting fill material.

[Callynne]

Going too fast.....I always say I'm too dumb to know I've taken on a project that's beyond me. The very first piece of furniture I refinished was a piano....the second an antique (rolltop) baking cupboard! Both turned out great but if I'd stop to think about either for more than half a second I wouldn't have done either one!

I think the secret to that kind of attitude is....you have to be too darn stubborn to admit defeat....that's definitely me, the more I can't do something the more determined I am to succeed. So.....my advice before your attempting this is.....make sure you are bullheaded and stubborn enough!

From what I've seen of your first project.....you'll do just fine.....and there are lots of very talented people here to help out with any questions you have.....not me though, that's for sure.....I don't have a clue about how to do what you're attempting but I'll say one thing, I'll sure be following your progress with great interest. You are going to share it as a work in progress, aren't you? Please!! Deborah

P.S. You two make a great looking couple!