A common lesson you learn when growing up is how to share with others...and it is an important lesson!
But sharing doesn't have to be just about toys, advice,
food, clothes, tools, etc. I want to encourage you to share your work with others, too!
I have to admit that I haven't always been good at sharing my carvings with others (and still can do better at it, if I'm being honest). I started by giving out ornaments to family members at Christmas, along with an occasional Confirmation Cross, and that would was it. Then my church started an Artisans group to create different artwork to
be sold for charity just in time for Christmas. I was the only carver, and when the time came to sell the items, I was surprised to find that all of my carvings sold! I never thought others would be that interested in carvings, but they were - and I bet others will be interested in your carvings, too!
That doesn't mean you have to start a business (or buy one either), but just know art is made to be shared, so go ahead and
share what you're working on with others...you might be surprised at the reactions you receive. And I bet your friends will be impressed!
January Project
Picture frame with 3 Corner Chip pattern
Take a quick look at this months project, a 5x7 picture frame with a 3 corner chip pattern.
I liked the
balance of positive and negative images.
I am hoping you can answer a question for me. I recently purchased the double tea light votive holder. The holder is three pieces of wood glued together. Are the sides and top carvable or would the seams cause a problem when trying to carve these areas. I thought I would ask you before I possibly mess up the wood.
Thank you,
Terri
Here was my
response:
Thanks for the question - it's a good one. The ends and the top are carvable, however the ends will be a bit trickier because they are end-grain and because the grain direction will likely change at the seams. The top will be a bit easier because it's edge grain and mostly in the same direction. I did a quick search in the pattern archive and could only find one double tea light project where the ends were carved, the others only had the
sides carved, and maybe some of the top. I've carved the end grain on the wine bottle holder projects and it is harder than the face and edge grain, and definitely requires a sharp knife, but that project doesn't involve any seams.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Ed's a master clog carver!
Ed shared with me pictures of his latest work - a pair of bridal clogs!
They are absolutely beautiful. He confirmed that carving the non-flat surfaces is a definite challenge. Well done!
What are your latest projects? I'd love to see them! Send them to me at: troy@mychipcarving.com
