I’ll explain more about the PTT in a few weeks. 

 

For now, let’s look at what is involved in drawing a pattern directly onto the surface of the wood. 

 

When I first started chip carving in 1985, pre-computer days, everything had to be hand drawn. I’d studied some drafting in school so I knew how to use a t-square, compass, french curves and other drafting tools needed to draw practice patterns, rosettes, borders and other designs. 

 

Even with years of experience under my belt, I probably spent more time drawing than I did carving.

 

When I first started MyChipCarving, I created some videos on how to draw patterns. Check out this video on how to draw a rosette.

One sizable challenge when it came to drawing borders around a box or a frame, was being able to get it centered so the ends and corners fell in the place they should be.

 

I’d start in the center and work out but making it balance correctly took some math and trial and error. Sometimes more error than trial :-) Just thinking about this brings back to mind all of the many changes I’d have to make on my patterns to get them just the way I wanted.

 

Imagine with me, hand drawing this pattern, lettering and all.

 

Drawing the letters required some artistic skill and a smooth hand. Each curve had to be reproduced one after another. Sometimes I’d use a metal washer if it was the right size. Other times it was a french curve or template. If I didn’t like drawing, I never would have learned how to chip carve. 

 

AND remember that every hand drawn pattern was one and done! To use a similar pattern again means re-drawing it from scratch. 

 

When drawing Christmas ornament patterns, I’d make tag board templates to speed up the process. Making the template took time and the results were marginal when compared to drawing each one individually. Phew, I’m glad those days are behind me. 

 

All this to say, if you enjoy hand-drawing your patterns, by all means keep doing it. I won’t insist that you stop doing something that brings you pleasure. 

 

If you’re not familiar with drawing and drafting and would rather spend more time carving than drawing, then this pattern application is definitely not for you. 

 

Next week I’ll share with you another method to apply patterns - Tracing.

 

Stay tuned!