Here in Central Texas, the weather is beginning to feel like Spring with the days getting warmer, and various wildflowers and trees starting to bloom. Once in full bloom, the landscape of colors is as inspiring as it is beautiful. Since my wife and daughter were both enjoying Spring Break this past week, we decided to take a day trip to a
nearby botanical garden.
It was a great way to spend a day and take in the colors, designs, and patterns found in nature. The exhibit on orchids provided another source of inspiration with their vibrant colors and unique petal arrangements. As I was taking it all in I wondered how I could carve the patterns I saw or apply the beautiful colors to a carving.
Then I looked through the Pattern archive and past carvings and saw that nature has always
provided a wealth of patterns and designs for chip carving. There are patterns with intricate leaves, gentle curves of a flower petal, or the symmetry of a butterfly’s wings.
While I don’t know how or when I will translate any of the inspirations from this trip into carvings, I’m sure it will help spark new ideas when the time is right.
What are some of your favorite nature-inspired patterns/carvings?
No need to stop at carving out only one smaller chip. If the chip is large enough, I’ll sometimes repeat the process twice. In my video here (opens a YouTube video in a separate window), I actually make three passes inside the chip before making the final
cuts. The thinner the bit of wood you’re removing on the final pass, the easier it will be, which helps get better results.
Looking for your next nature-inspired project?
Take a look at these Double Tea Light Candle Holders with a Sumac or Butterfly pattern!
