I've gotten several calls over the years like this...
Me: This is Marty with MyChipCarving. How can I help you?
Caller: I saw one of your carvings online and I really want to carve a box with my fiancee's and my name and our wedding date on the top. What box would you suggest I carve?
Me: First let me ask you, 'How long have you been chip carving?'
Caller: I haven't started yet but I'm sort of
under a time crunch to get this box done.
Me: Can you tell me when you need to have it finished?
Caller: It needs to be done before our wedding which is 1 week from Saturday.
Me: If you want to do a good job on this box, you really need to learn
chip carving technique first and THEN learn how to carve letters and numbers. I don't think you'd be very happy with the results if you try to carve this box for your fiancee without learning the basics first.
Guest: Oh, okay. Thank you. Goodbye.
I never want to set someone up for failure. These callers have good intentions. And while chip carving doesn't take long to learn, one week isn't enough time for anyone to successfully chip carve letters and numbers if they've never picked up a knife before.
During last Tuesday's live Platinum Member Webinar, I showed everyone how to carve the BoltonLight font found on this month's project.
When you look at this font, it shouts peace, beauty and joy. Different fonts send different messages to the reader.
The
BoltonLight font is fairly easy to carve. During our one hour meeting I was able to carve all of the lettering while explaining the process.
Here's some of the fonts I'll show you how to chip carve!
Chip carving Letters and Numbers will add a whole new dimension to your work. Personalizing plates and boxes along with carving sayings and quotes on a variety of
items will bring you great satisfaction and the recipient great joy!
🥇 Melanie's 1st Chip Carved Plate! 🥇
Marty,
I have been enjoying learning to chip carve, and want to say thank you. This was my first attempt at a plate project from applying the pattern, carving, and staining and finishing. I can see plenty of opportunities to improve, but I learned so much by just trying what I've learned.
Thank
you, Melanie
Melanie took on a challenging pattern for her first plate. And she found success! She's been a Platinum Member since April, 2023. It's clear she's worked her way through several Courses to reach this point. Her finish is even and without any blotches. It was one thing I noticed right away. The leaf shapes around the edge are not easy to carve without any chip out. For her first go, well done!
Melanie
demonstrates what you can accomplish in just a matter of months. Thanks for sharing, Melanie!
Jon is the most recent graduate of the Certified Chip Carving Instructor Program. He was diligent in completing all the lessons and took all critique I offered to
heart. He resides in UT and already has his first class scheduled. I know you'll be pleased if you get the opportunity to attend one of his classes.
Jon: Thought you might like to see more of my "Block Print Finish" projects and others. I'm getting better at using the photography tips I learned in the course, but feel like I still have a ways to go.
Thanks again for a wonderful course!
This picture includes three newly completed projects:
- A Pennsylvania Dutch plate, patterned from a printed
clock face our son brought home from Pennsylvania. The finish is what I'm calling my "Block Print Finish" - stained after carving, only on the top surface. (Jon rolled on Royal Mahogany Gel Stain)
- A wedding plate (the project I finished last night) for our daughter and son-in-law (their Christmas gift this year!)
- The Graduation Certificate frame. The design of the frame includes elements from my favorite chip carvers: Marty
Leenhouts Wayne Barton Tatiana Baldina Jon Gledhill :-) (My part is the finish I'm developing)
Me: Now that I think back, I added a crackle finish on an EZBOARD sign using latex paint. It would do the same crackle on wood. Paint hide glue on the wood surface in uneven amounts. More hide glue equals more crackle. Then top coat latex. The hide glue sucks the water out of the paint causing the crackle finish. Give it a try sometime
Here are Jon's comments on the CCCI Program Evaluation form.
From the very beginning I have
been impressed and pleased with the progressive steps of this course. Marty not only covers the necessary carving skills, but also covers the skills need to be a good instructor. This course has not only sharpened my carving ability, it has made me much more confident about being able to provide and present a worthwhile, organized format whether teaching one-on-one or to a large group.
Kathy graduated from the CCCI Program not long ago and she's been putting her skills to good use in Texas. She too did excellent work throughout the entire course and
I'm encouraged and pleased to see how she's applying her talents.
Congratulations, Kathy!!
Here is a picture from the finishing table of some things I’ve been working on.
And a picture from my class. I was waiting to send a better picture from my class but I can’t seem to get everyone together. We meet on Tuesday mornings at my church for about 2 hours. I have 4 regulars in attendance that are progressing very well. Others stop by from time to time but more for visiting and curiosity than learning.
I
can’t thank you enough for the instruction and encouragement you have given me. The enjoyment I receive from chip carving keeps me smiling all the time.
Kathy Roberts
Carl's been carving some LETTERS!
Marty,
First pic is my latest, newest granddaughter. I have used Chevron border a lot, this is the first time for this particular corner detail, which I really like. It's not my best quality letter work, but it's been a while, so the rusty rube got the best of me.
The other two are my Son and younger daughter, both with
unique borders. That's the only picture I have of Samantha's. I was right proud of working out the details on that border as it was a few years ago when I was just really getting into chip carving. I don't recall sending Clay's and Samantha's before, though I might have.
