Hi Mary,
Love your videos and your instruction style. I noticed the templates I've printed are all 8 1/2"x11", standard print page size. However, the dimensions of some pieces are greater than this size. Can you tell me how you go about enlarging the template to "full" size?
Hello Mike,
All I do is either take it to a photo copy center and enlarge it to the correct dimensions, or you can also sometimes print it at a larger percentage. This may have to be trial and error to get the correct size, or if you have a proportioning wheel, it will give you the exact percentage to increase it to get the correct size. Many photo copy places have these proportion wheels available.
I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Happy carving!
I would like to add a note on Pfeil chisels, I've used their palm chisels for years doing gun stock carving and love them. How ever their full size tools the handles feel rough. I sand them with 220 gr and sanding block to keep the edges sharp, then round the end and tang end slightly, follow with 320 gr. and 400 gr. then use 600 gr. folded over and wrap around the handles and smooth over the sharp edges. this is followed with walnut oil, about three coats. and after each carving session. Their feel is sooooo sweet you woun't want to put them down. It is a little work at first but makes a big diferance in their feel.
A quick note on Hirsch, they have very solid tangs and ferrals, and can hold up to a beating, their only down side is the heavy lacquer on the handles, lacquer and varnished tool handles will give blisters after prolong use, walnut or linseed oil is the best finnish,
notes from an old bear
Mary, love your classes, I,m almost finished with all the free projects, working on the camelia flower now, each takes 6 to 8 hrs. but coming out nice.
will be signing up soon to continue on.
Wow, not only in the instruction, excellent as always, but in the history at the end of part 2. Especially in Feb 2017, more people should learn about the Angel Oak, its history, and what it represents. Well done Mary!
Thanks Chuck! That was Caleb's contribution (my son and also video editor). If you have not had a chance to see the Angel Oak, it's an amazing experience.
Hi Hunter,
I am going to do some lessons soon on carving details on faces. A carving of an open hand is coming up soon also! My suggestion while you wait - look at your own face in a mirror and study the very subtle nuances of shape. It's fascinating once you start looking. Then you will begin to look at everyone and study their faces. But don't creep them out by staring too much 🙂
From Mike Eifert on Carving a Dragon and Acanthus Leaf Design
Go to comment2017/02/18 at 3:26 pm
From Mary May on Carving a Dragon and Acanthus Leaf Design
Go to comment2017/02/18 at 8:22 pm
From Mike Duncan on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2017/02/13 at 2:18 am
From Mary May on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2017/02/13 at 8:50 am
From Chuck Chapdelaine on Carving a Live Oak Applique - Episode 2
Go to comment2017/02/12 at 2:47 pm
From Mary May on Carving a Live Oak Applique - Episode 2
Go to comment2017/02/24 at 10:13 pm
From Mary May on Carving a Live Oak Applique - Episode 2
Go to comment2017/02/13 at 8:47 am
From Mary May on Sharpening a Veiner Gouge
Go to comment2017/02/08 at 11:56 am
From Hunter Hoskin on Carving a 3-D Hand
Go to comment2017/02/05 at 12:40 pm
From Mary May on Carving a 3-D Hand
Go to comment2017/02/06 at 12:16 pm
From Hunter Hoskin on Carving a 3-D Hand
Go to comment2017/02/07 at 6:32 pm