I received a number of emails this week that got me thinking about one of my favorite things about chip carving: making unique, handmade gifts. After the holidays, it's easy to overlook just how special it is to create something with your own hands, but every time I start a new project for someone, I feel that familiar
excitement.
From deciding what someone might appreciate, to choosing the pattern and finish, there's a real sense of anticipation. And once you start carving, the process takes on a life of its own! Sometimes a little 'character' pops up and you adjust as you go, but that's all part of it. The best part? Seeing the reaction when someone receives a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them.
Just a quick reminder that no matter what you carve, always sign your
work. Years from now, it’ll mean a lot to whoever holds it in their hands.
Since I asked you to share some of your chip-carved gifts last week, I thought I’d show a few of the ornaments I gave away this year. My daughter joined in and added color to the designs using colored pencils. It was a fun way to collaborate and is something we both enjoyed!
It's never to late to share pictures of your latest projects! 😉 Send them to troy@mychipcarving.com.
January's Monthly Project
6" Candle Dish Plate:
Modified Gothic Leaf and Fan Pattern
Give this Geometric pattern a try! I think you'll enjoy carving it and love the finished result! The Large Desk Coaster is 4" x 6" and is made from 3/4" basswood. Adhesive cork included!
Order a Candle Dish Plate with or without a Pattern applied.
NOTE: If ordering a plate with a pattern applied, please be sure to select a pattern from the drop-down list.
Here are pictures of ornaments I did this year. The first was my favorite and I did it the most. The Dala pig was sent to my brother who hosts a pig roast every year, the roastee being a pig he raised.
I did put the date on the back of each
ornament.
Ted
Happy New Year, Ted!
I think they all look great, but I understand why the first was your favorite. Thanks for explaining the backstory on the pig ornament. I knew there had to be a story there. The snowflake on the pig looks pretty detailed for the size - well done!
A Wine Glass Holder is a Great Gift!
Elegantly display a bottle of wine with two wine glasses for yourself or your guests. Carve rosettes on the top, an ornamental pattern, or a pattern of your own creation!
The Rosettes shown are taught in the Rosette Carving Course.
We've spent the past week and a half getting our youngest married as well as celebrating the holidays and a family reunion.
This wedding plate was a big hit at the reception, and a favorite gift of our son and his
bride.
I was originally going to use Cedar gel stain, but found it dried up when I opened it, so I use Cherry instead. The result was a blessing, as it matched the wedding colors perfectly!
Looking forward to a great new year of carving!
Jon
Congratulations Jon!
I hope you've had some downtime to recover from all of the activities!
I can see why the plate was a hit and a favorite of your son and his new bride. You're right, the Cherry stain looks great and matches the roses on the sign, so I bet it did match the wedding colors.
Happy New
Year!
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Have a great week, !
Mia just before she started zooming around the yard too fast to get a clear picture!
The snowflake on the pig looks pretty detailed for the size - well done!
