Carving

First page

I have always had an affinity with wood, loved the way it looked and felt in your hands. I did a few projects whilst still at school in the workshop. In my final year of high school I made a spinning wheel, which I still have. Sadly, now, it only gathers dust, I am unsure if it even works, but it still looks pretty impressive.

I only learnt to carve properly in 2011 during an online session with Jordan Straker. He was pivotal in my carving ability. I learnt so much from him, not only to carve but also to believe in myself that I could. As at the that particular time I was extremely unwell. It was literally in the midst of my lowest point of health and well being. So it was a vital step forward for me.

Jordan loves to carve and has perfected many unique ways to make them look amazing. He has done a few instructional videos, on gourds, but you can use the same methods on wood. They are available on Vimeo if you interested.

As with many hobbies I am constantly learning and improving and with that, my work changes and evolves hopefully for the better.

-My Carved Boot-

This is my first attempt at carving a 3D object. It was also done whilst at my lowest ebb, regarding my health. You would be correct in thinking that it took a lot of brain power. At the time, I didn't have much to spare and would constantly have to complete the lessons requirements over several days.

This was directly taken from my old bush walking boots. They saw many hikes and Australian bush. These boots had a lot of character and would make for an interesting subject.

When carving I added in as much detail as I could see and actually carve.

Once the boot was completely carved it was then ready for painting.

Trying to make it look realistic was a challenge, but having the real one in front of me was good, as I could always refer back to that, for both carving and painting.

I find that carving promotes the paint work as you already have the depth. But sometimes you still need to paint it, AND presentation is everything.

So after many weeks I had finally completed a project that took a great deal of concentration and skill.

I was extremely proud of my achievements, especially when my life had taken such a dramatic turn -for the worse.

It has been life changing, being able to carve and I am still learning and loving the craft. I can make it as difficult and complex as I choose. It is flexible enough to suit my needs while having a chronic illness. And I can take it with me where ever I go, even if it is only around the paddock!

Finished carving

In the raw, before painting.

-Carved Boot and Actual Boot-

"Pretty in Pink" Walking stick

This was a bit adventurous on my behalf as I really didn't think the pattern through before I started. That in itself is not unusual, however it really could of been a throw away if the wood was not as carvable as it was. (I think it it apple and it was great to carve). It took the delicate pattern easily with hardly any problem.

Video of "Pretty in Pink"on You Tube -

http://youtu.be/guISSR-OQ40

There are progressive photos on my facebook page.

This stick is for sale- Australian residence only

"Pansy" Walking Stick

Just trying a larger pattern of flowers on a stick, this time pansies.

I also had to make a suitable handle, as it wasn't a straight stick, as I found out after I had done all the carving ..... The things you learn along the way !!!

Video of pansy on You Tube

Half finished stick - https://youtu.be/SnZzVSRbitM

Finished stick - https://youtu.be/DVMwxfI7TsU

Also have put many progressive photos of individual projects on my dedicated project Facebook page - Theresas treasures at Derrymore. https://www.facebook.com/derrymore/

This stick is for sale- Australian residence only

-Valentines Hearts

The red coloured hearts are from wood that was the frame off pallets. Cut, carved & dyed then coated with a gloss polyurethane.

The one on the right is a piece of burl cut into a heart shape and some of the holes have been filled in using gold leaf to give a little more sparkle.

The far left heart & unfinished hearts are for sale -Australian residence only

-Duck- Walking stick

I found a piece of Cherry in the paddock and it just starred at me like a duck. so a duck it became. However, since it is out of Cherry, it has cracked. I have since learnt that Cherry has a tendency to crack and split so not a great choice for walking sticks.

So this one now just keeps me company in the workshop, along with a number of other incomplete and half started walking sticks.