There's a good selection of EZboard products in stock that are on SALE. Discounts up to 50%!
The SALE list is attached to this email. 😃
❓ Part 2: What chips do I remove ❓
Last week I gave you 3 Tips to keep in mind when chip carving a pattern.
Tip1. Don't over carve the pattern. Tip2. Remove different size chips. Tip 3. Remember, shadows create interest.
Tip 1 has to do with positive and negative space on a carving. Positive areas are those uncarved spaces and negative space are the areas where you remove a chip. It's best to have a good balance between positive and negative space to accentuate the design and your carving.
To help you understand the difference between positive and negative space, Wayne Barton shares a good visual in his early book, The Complete Guide to Chip Carving.
The same pattern can be carved two ways, one positive and one negative, and the results are totally unique with a completely different feel. Keep your eye out for this distinction when you see patterns and carvings.
I searched in the Video Archive for "positive" and 9 different videos came up having to do with Chip Carving Positive Images.
Here are a couple of examples found in these videos.
Positive image leaves on the top of this pencil box.
Comparing the same pattern carved as a negative image (right) and positive image (left). The difference is remarkable!
Recently I carved this small Refrigerator Magnet.
When I looked at again, in light of Tip #1, I wondered if the rosette was over carved? Rather than carve another one with more positive space, I opened this picture in my photo editor and "covered" some chips to see what it looked like. Here's the side-by-side comparison.
I think it makes a HUGE difference when the 8 points are left uncarved! With positive space the viewer's eye is drawn to the 8-sided rosette. All negative space (on the left) with the exception of the border, leaves you with a center rosette that has nothing to focus on. It's just a maze of chips.
Do you agree?
With all this discussion about pattern design, positive and negative areas, removing different size chips, and carving rich shadows, I think it's time for another Pattern Contest!
