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- Cut a 45 degree angle cut around all outside edges of leaf
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- With a #5, 6mm, hollow out each individual lobe
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- With a #5, 6mm cut out small area under leaf
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- With a #3, 6mm lower down leaf next to center vein
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- With a v-chisel, cut along edge of vein
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- With a #3, 6mm and #5, 6mm, make little v-notches at each leaf seration
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- Lower down background up to edge of leaf – make sure the “egg” is still a nice round “egg” shape
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- Continuing to made outline cut (if this gets too fragile, cut with a v-chisel first)
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- With gouges that fit the profile edge (#3, 6mm & #5, 6mm) make a vertical cut around outside edge of elaf on the line
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- Laying out template of acanthus leaf on corner
Here is the process of carving a very simple acanthus leaf on the inside miter of egg and dart molding. These are used to make a nice transition at the corner. Sometimes they are very complex and detailed, and sometimes they are just barely an image of an acanthus leaf. But it is definitely a way to tell if something is hand-carved or not.
Generally, the leaf intercepts the egg about half way, or a little over half way – so that the leaf gently flows over the egg. This is where you may have to adjust the width of the egg and dart design to make sure it does not end up having the acanthus leaf overlap at the dart.
I generally carve these leaves before the corner is joined, and do any adjustments later. The main reason for this is it can sometimes be awkward to carve into a corner – especially more detailed leaves. Since the actual mitered corner is not carved (at the vein), there should be no reason why that edge does not join cleanly.
Another reason I have not carved this leaf after joining it is the size of it would not fit on my workbench.
It’s funny looking at the photos. You can tell I use my workbench as a note-book. I don’t even realize that I have phone numbers that I jotted down quickly as I am carving. Looks like I might need to erase some, or poor Dawn might get some phone calls (can’t even remember who she is).
A very nice detail!
I assume, and might be wrong, that the mirrored partner on the adjoining fame piece does not have a vein.
THANKS for the step-by-step.
Bob,
actually both leaves are identical, and they do both have a vein line. Sometimes this is quite thick, as in this example, and sometimes very thin. I will post another photo when it is put together.
If your first carving does not come out the way you wanted, don’t be discouraged and quit carving. This is a new hobby for which will take time and practice to master.
Very good advice – it can get frustrating if it doesn’t come out exactly as you want it the first time. Don’t give up! It took me many attempts on practice pieces to get the egg and dart correct when I first started. The most difficult thing is to make them all look the same.