This is a brief introduction to "Carving a Country Scene."
This three episode lesson shows how to carve a country scene in low relief. Learn to trick the eye with perspective and create the illusion of acres of land at a depth of no more than 3/16" of wood.
- Lesson Contents: 3 episodes; template, tool list, and photo in Episode 1
- Type of Wood: Mahogany
- Size: 12"w x 8"h
- Tool List: 3mm v-chisel; 6mm v-chisel; #1, 10mm; #1, 18mm; #3, 3mm; #3, 6mm; #3, 14mm; #3, 18mm; #5, 8mm; #7, 6mm; #7, 14mm
- Skill Level: Intermediate
= More Lessons at the Intermediate Skill Level =
Nice
Thanks!
Can you use this information if you use palm tools? I have always admired your work and your attitude while teaching but I do not have the same type gouges etc. that you use.
Yes, palm gouges will work also. I generally recommend using the longer handled gouges for better control and safety. I would suggest purchasing one or 2 long handles tools just to feel the difference, but all of the lessons can be done with palm gouges also – as long as the curvatures match. But please be careful! I see more blood from using those!
I really enjoyed this lesson and carving scenes like this country barn is something I want to do more. I have one problem. Where I live there is only one wood carving supply store and they have a somewhat limited stock of wood. Especially when it comes to widths. Your template for this lesson suggest a 10″ wide piece of mahogany. The only thing they had in this width is basswood. Worked fine, however, next time I would like to use a richer grain wood like the mahogany you used. Can you recommend somewhere (online?) that is reputable and has a good selection of wood varieties?
Hello Mike,
I know there are online wood suppliers, but will need to do some research. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? Please comment if you do.
Thanks!
I have found one supplier, Wood Wind Hardwood. Very nice people but they do not appear to deal with smaller orders. I put in an order for two pieces, one cherry and one mahogany both 12″x8″ and never heard back from them.
Hi Mike,
That is pretty typical. Your best bet is purchasing from an actual supplier to woodcarvers, as they are used to dealing with smaller orders.
I suggest making friends with a local furniture maker. They always have small scrap pieces that they won’t be able to use, but are perfect for carving.
Happy shopping!
Hey Mike, try woodworkerssource.com they have a great selection of different types of wood and the delivery is very cheap.
Ocooch hardwood would have what you are looking for
Mary I am having some problems finding #1 10mm, #1 18mm, #3 18mm, and #5 8mm… I did buy all the carving sets from chipping away. Can you point me where I can get these? Thank you
Hi Dawn,
I tried to make those 3 sets from Chipping Away cover most of the carving projects, but there are always those that vary slightly as I worked through projects. You could substitute the #1,10mm and #1, 18mm with other flat chisels, like the #1, 14mm and the #1, 20mm (Found in the Additional Set 1 & 2). The #1, 14mm is the most common one I use. The #3, 18mm is also very close to the #2, 18mm which is in the second set of tools (Additional Set 1). The #5, 8mm can be substituted for the #6, 8mm that is in the Additional Set 2.
One thing you will realize as you work through projects is that the tools do not necessarily need to be exact. If I were to carve the exact same project next week, I would probably not use the exact same tools from one time to the next.