I wanted to share with you my latest project for this month which is a candle dish plate. When I first began chip carving the thought of carving a candle dish plate never interested me as I didn't think it would be useful or in demand. However,
when I noticed my teenage daughter and her friends taking an interest in candles, I had to change my mind about it. 🤔
I thought this would be a great opportunity to carve something that my daughter would appreciate and use. Finally, I found something that would pique her interest in my carving projects. Instead of scrolling past the candle dish plate patterns, I stopped to take a closer look and
found several patterns that I enjoyed carving.
My daughter loved the candle plate and found it very cool, so that's a win for me. Although it didn't inspire her to pick up a chip carving knife, she is always interested in seeing my latest project!
What kind of projects do you enjoy carving for kids, grandkids, or as gifts in
general? I have already received some monthly project ideas from readers that I think will be appealing to all ages, and I would love to receive more suggestions!
Made up entirely of 3 corner chips, it is fun to find the variety of shapes found in the carved and uncarved areas. I finished it with 2 coats of clear matte acrylic spray and then applied a Candlelight gel stain to the entire plate, followed by a Georgian Cherry gel stain on the larger carved areas. The center is 3" in diameter.
Do you want to carve one for yourself, or as a gift??
Wow! Those coasters are beautiful and detailed. Way to go Doug!
Chip carving is definitely my favorite happy place. I use a lap board and sit in an easy chair to carve. Due to issues with my back, a traditional position in a regular chair is too uncomfortable, so I've learned to adapt. I use a bright light with a metal
housing that directs the light on my work without being a nuisance to others watching TV in the same room.
This setup and hobby has been a blessing over the past couple of years as a caregiver for my mother-in-law in the evenings and weekends. As an Alzheimer patient, she needs constant companionship, and carving allows me to have something productive (and enjoyable) to do while sitting with her.
Have a great
week!
Jon
P.S. Because sitting in an easy chair puts my board on a slope, I've made spots for my knife and chips, so they don't slide off the board while carving. The turntablecomes and goes as needed - it's not attached.
I'm glad chip carving is such a blessing to you! It's a great way to spend time with others because you can easily take everything you need with you.
Whenever I have a pattern with some unusual cuts, I trace a couple on scrap wood and give it a try. Safety first, I always say. Before I do any project though, I always make sure my knife is scary sharp. A not so sharp knife can ruin a project from the get-go no
matter how good your technique is. Enjoy an awesome day!! Dar
Thanks for the tips Darlene! A scary sharp knife is a critical piece to a successful and enjoyable carving. Thanks for the reminder!