Mary, When you have a complicated commission such as this table leg, does the customer give you precise instructions or are you expected to know what the work should look like?
Hi Carolyn. That all depends. Often with period reproductions I have a more specific design to carve. These are often based on photographs that the customer supplies. I base all I need to carve from these photos and measurements from the customer. This can be quite difficult sometimes. That's why I often say "loosely" based on an original. Depth of carving is difficult to tell from photos.
It was a great journey, going through the phases and watching all the techniques you shared. Have a safe and fun vacation but don't leave us too long. Grin.
Hi Chris. Thanks! Having an amazing trip to Europe. It will be difficult to get back to reality. It's a good thing I love what I do! Makes it a lot easier getting back to work (or play).
Hello Alan,
I have not found that to be an issue at all. The only thing I have noticed is that sometimes when the tools are lying very near each other on the bench, they might get "attracted" to each other. But I have not seen this as an issue either.
Thank you for providing a series of workshops on line, which is greatly beneficial for myself as well as others I am certain! Your lessons are easy to understand and your craftsmanship superb! I have been carving for maybe 5 years but only on and off. I have always tried but had very little understanding of the classical carvings you have provided. I always wondered how one carves a flute...you have solved that mystery for me. Thank you!
I am designing and building, as well as carving jewelry boxes. Your lessons are what I have been in search of so a membership is quite a welcome sight. I most do chip carving.
I will continue watching your videos but am wondering, is there a manner in which after practicing one may render credit to yourself with regards to an apprenticeship? Is their a manner to show you our work?
Upon watching your videos I feel more confident to carve the more beautiful of carvings. I am going to be placing a Queen Anne Fan on top of a jewelry box which is my first here very soon. I will be using Poplar and Mahogany. Wish me luck.
I will keep commenting and writing as well as watching your valuable lessons, Mary! Thank you from a grateful heart!
Hi John,
A lot of the relief carving projects in my school can be put onto jewelry boxes. Have fun! I would love to see pictures of your work. You can put photos of your carvings on the student gallery, or contact me directly through through my contact page. You won't be able to link photos to the contact form, but after I respond, you can send photos via email. Thanks!
As I write this, you have shown us how to carve 5 of the 6 parts of this elegant leg. My initial attraction was to the sheer beauty of the entire object.
Yet, I realize that I'll never actually make a set of legs like this, nor recreate a replica of the dresser they supported ... by the as yet unnamed 19th century craftsman.
Instead, this leg is deceptive. It is a series that's much like a complete carving course on its own. I'm watching it, and learning immensely, not for the object itself, but for the techniques used in each of the sections.
My hope is that others look at it the same way. Be wary of taking a quick look and turning away because you won't ever build this kind of dresser. Instead, take a closer look inside each lesson and find all sorts of interesting techniques.
Thanks Mary, for showing so many techniques in one project!
Hi Bob,
Thanks for bringing that up! You are very correct in that there are so many different unique techniques to this entire project. You can also pick and choose what design you like and incorporate it into any project. You can even take some of these designs and carve it into a flat surface, rather than carving it on a turning. So much fun and so many possibilities!
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Go to comment2015/09/10 at 4:32 pm
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From Mary May on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16 - Introduction
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From John Evans on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16
Go to comment2015/09/05 at 7:01 am
From Mary May on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16
Go to comment2015/09/05 at 9:23 am
From Bob Easton on Carving a Grapevine, Ribbon, & Reeds on a Turning
Go to comment2015/09/04 at 3:16 pm
From Mary May on Carving a Grapevine, Ribbon, & Reeds on a Turning
Go to comment2015/09/04 at 8:58 pm