Discussions on this forum are membership-run. I (Mary May) will monitor conversations and will try and contribute as needed. However, I can't guarantee that I will always have time to keep up with the discussions. Please feel free to contribute, as the only way this forum will be successful is if members get involved! I will also be the "judge and juror" with inappropriate, rude, or offensive behavior, so play nice!
The discussions on this forum can be read by anyone, but if you would like to join in and participate, please login or register as a Free Member.

Flower Carvings

Hello All

just posting a carving I did recently of a daisy - I love to carve flowers!  And also some daffodils in walnut (birthday present for my mother).  I do not belong to any carving group (sadly none in my area) so do please critique the carvings - I’m looking to get better and better and will not be offended.

Uploaded files:
  • 3DA61A21-11EA-4F02-8357-A6415F5C463C.jpeg
  • 4D3E0354-2322-49CF-869A-A2B60CB5FFA3.jpeg

Lucy,

I find your carving quite lovely and very well done. The only observation I have has to do with carvings in general, particularly with relief carvings. It seems to me that relief carvings as stand alone objects get little respect and tend to be thrown out over time. Consider doing one as part of  a larger, utilitarian project such as a jewelry or keepsake box, or furniture. Not that that stand-alone carvings aren't worthy of appreciation but people just don't seem to value them very much. If the concept of general woodworking projects don't appeal to you then consider a collaborative effort with a local woodworker. While the pieces are lovely on their own, I could see them being so much more appreciated  through the years when enhancing a more utilitarian object. I know as a woodworker and carver that I would be extremely proud to have a piece with such beautiful carving. Carvings such as theses could easily elevate the value of a piece that would have sold for a few hundred dollars to one that could fetch a few thousand. Have fun.

 

Hello Michael

Firstly thank you for your comments, and your kind words.  Your response is very much appreciated and I completely agree with you - carvings on a useful object would really endure.  If only I was a capable carpenter myself.  It’s given me the thought to ask at my local wood suppliers, maybe put up an advert.  An interesting direction to consider anyway, so many many thanks indeed,

Lucy

Lucy ,

Great carving. As to what Michael said I love the box idea, Ive been a carpenter for close to 40 years and I would bet if you had the box draw out and carved the sides , top, or what ever you wanted to  carve you could take the wood to a cabinet shop and they would be happy to put the box together for you, at a small price. and to be honest there is a good chance that they would like your carvings enough to make deals with you on other pieces that they are building. If they don't have a carver working thru them. some of the smaller cabinet shops just starting may be able to use you. Show them some of your work and you just may start getting all the carving that you want, plus if your just doing it on the side may be able to make a deal with them on  there left over wood from  there bigger projects. I loved building little boxes on the side and sold a lot of them thru different shops. when we got slow on work I used to get a lot of small pieces of wood  from different cabinets shops to build jewelry boxes for craft shows. If you live in South Florida I would be happy to help you put a box together, but the cost of shipping would not be worth it.  I'm sure a small shop in your town would love to help you.  Craftsmen are usually great people and if they have the time would love to help you out. Plus it would be good advertisement for them. that was my first carved box. i carved it first then put it together. doing one in walnut next.

Good luck

Rusty

Uploaded files:
  • 20190420_204032.jpg

Hi Lucy,

Very nice work - I am impressed by all of the carvings you have posted. They would be a worthy enhancement to boxes etc, as suggested. If you could include a small Robin or a Barn Owl among the leaves, that would add to the appeal of your work. You are probably familiar with the work of the North Yorkshire furniture maker who decorated his work with a small mouse, which became his signature, and made his pieces collectable. His descendants have carried on the tradition at his workshop & museum. Search for Robert Thompson mouseman.

Happy carving,  Robert