"Wow! That’s really good. Did he create the pattern with individual accents available or combine patterns from various sources?  I like it all except the color treatment on the medallion at the bottom.  I can see what he wanted to accomplish.  I wonder if choosing to color the pattern in a different way would have given it better presence.  This not a criticism but an observation and thought.  RS"  

Troy's reply: 

"Appreciate the kind words and observations, Ron! I found the "Love Birds' pattern in Wayne Barton's Chip Carving Patterns book and the side accents I found on another plate pattern in the same book. I scanned the patterns and used Inkscape to bring it all together and add the lettering. As to the medallion, it was the one part that I'd likely do differently to give it more definition. With the blue flowers on each side, I was trying to add some color variation while still leveraging the same color palette. Thanks again for the feedback."

"Great job Troy. Lettering is a challenge. Troy has lettering skills I wish I had. LW"

"This is the sort of thing I aspire to. There may be a few flaws, but you have to look hard to find any. It will be awhile before I attempt such a project as I’m still working my way through the practice exercises in your course.

Can you tell us a little about Chips? JT"

I'll handle this one. 

"Chip is a 4 year old Labradoodle. He has become my close companion as well as the MyChipCarving Mascot. Any attention he gets is warmly returned. While we were away a friend who loves dogs house sat and watched after Chip and Bethany's dog, Freckles. When we got home it was clear the Chip had grown fond of Tyler. When Tyler was leaving,Chip followed him out to his car and slowly came back to me when called. He's very loving to whoever kindly cares for him."

"Thanks for sharing Troy's carving with us. I really like the way he left the love birds a lighter color.  Do you know if they were painted with a whitewash or just left clear wood? JG"

Troy's reply: 

"Thank you Jon for your feedback and supportive words! Coming from someone who is so well acquainted and accomplished with the pattern - it means a lot - your carvings are beautiful!

The wings were painted with white acrylic mixed with an acrylic pearlescent mixing medium. The bodies were also an acrylic paint (Arteza brand - Arctic Blue) mixed with pearlescent medium. I used a #4 Round paintbrush to paint the bodies using a light touch, which I found did a good job applying a thin, even coat. It was my first time using that type of brush for that purpose, and I was very pleased to discover it worked quite well! The pearlescent doesn't really show as well with light colors, but I still like the slight shimmer it gives off. After painting, I applied a gel stain, being sure to remove most of the stain from the valleys, and yet, trying to leave just enough to accentuate them.

The white paint was Arteza - Titanium White. I roughly use equal parts paint and pearlescent medium. Depending on how solid coverage is desired, it may take two passes to achieve a solid covering. I've used boiled linseed oil on some of the relief carved ornaments. It does well at allowing you to build up layers of diluted paint resulting in a rich and warm finish.

Here are pics of the stained wine bottle holder. I first stained the entire thing, and then added the red and gray. I had to make the red a little heavier to try and keep it a consistent color between the rosettes. I used silicone brushes to apply the red and gray stain. I like how it came out overall, but not sure I'd do it again on this particular project.