• From Wayne Heathfield on Carving a Small Sunburst - Episode 2

    Hi Mary
    Love the sun burst carving. Can't wait to try it. You mentioned that you used poplar in this carving and the problems with it.
    l like to know if you have ever worked with or carved in to elm. If you have what are your likes or dislike with this wood?

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    2014/07/25 at 11:12 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving a Small Sunburst - Episode 2

      Hi Wayne,

      I definitely would have preferred carving this in basswood.

      I don't recall every working in elm. Sorry. If there is anyone out there who has, please share your experience with it.

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      2014/07/29 at 12:05 pm
  • From Bob Easton on Carving a Small Sunburst - Episode 2

    When you mentioned poplar at the start of the first episode I thought, "That means they're going to paint it." We had to wait til the end to find out for sure.

    Me, I'd prefer unpainted ... but that would mean using a twisty grained faux-mahogany. 🙂

    It's always interesting seeing how you adapt to design styles and client preferences. Maybe we'll see the completed surround someday? Thanks for the lesson.

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    2014/07/24 at 8:19 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving a Small Sunburst - Episode 2

      Thanks, Bob.

      Poplar - it haunts me!

      I actually plan on filming the large center oval sunburst tomorrow. The end designs are similar to the 2 small side ovals, but the individual segments are actually fully curved and do not come down to a corner. This curved and hollowed segment style is how these are traditionally done.

      The client is aiming for installation in late August, so I will post a finished photo on my blog. If they aren't happy with it, I have a very plain fireplace surround that has been taunting me for 12 years (cobblers' shoes). It would have a happy home 🙂

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      2014/07/24 at 9:39 pm
  • From nick johnston on What videos would you like to see?

    I would LOVE to see videos on carving intricate acanthus leaves in an asymmetrical rococo or baroque style. They're easily one of the most popular designs and can be used as onlay appliqués to furniture, stand alone as elegant wall hangings, sconce, frames, etc. I love those which are highly intricate with a lot of scrolls and undercutting and how they often seamlessly incorporate subtle other elements from nature like scrolling shells.

    I love how whenever I go to a fine arts museum everybody else stairs at the paintings and I get lost in the intricate details of the frames and the exaggerated acanthus leaves of the styles mentioned are truly timeless and come up in countless works of art across all mediums.

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    2014/07/24 at 1:59 am
    • From Mary May on What videos would you like to see?

      Nick, I would LOVE to carve these! You made me smile when talking about the picture frames because when I was at the National Gallery, I did the same thing! What paintings?? Look at the frames! I plan on doing a lot more videos on acanthus leaves of all styles. The question ends up being - how long do you want the videos to be 🙂

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      2014/07/24 at 9:32 pm
      • From nick johnston on What videos would you like to see?

        The longer the better & the more the merrier! Baroque & Rococo please.
        (Maybe sneak in some asymmetrical shells on the inside of some of the leaves for a nice little bonus)

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        2014/08/04 at 1:55 am
        • From Mary May on What videos would you like to see?

          Nick,
          Have you seen the video on the Philadelphia Highboy Acanthus leaf? This has some elements of the style your are looking for (c-scrolls, etc), but will put it on the list. I would LOVE to carve these. Hopefully soon!

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          2014/08/04 at 6:40 pm
  • From Stephen Kanowsky on What videos would you like to see?

    You carved that exquisite shell in one of your pictures in your photo gallery. I would love to see that. A Corithin Capital is another piece I would love to see.
    You have been and continue to be a great inspiration to me when comes to carving. I have learned so much and will continue to learn from you. Thank you so much.
    Steve K

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    2014/07/19 at 10:46 am
    • From Mary May on What videos would you like to see?

      Thanks Stephen! Are you talking about the large shell that I was practically sitting in to carve? That would definitely be a LONG video! But it would be a great lesson... I will put the Capital on the list. So much to carve, so little time!

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      2014/07/20 at 10:25 pm
  • From John Kirby on Carving a Donut - Beginner Lesson #6

    I've just watched this video and it's answered a problem I've got at the moment!
    I'm carving the "Flat quarter turn" for a Church Handrail and am still thinking how to handle the inside curve.
    Your "Donut Video" has answered my problem in the change of grain area which I have anticipated and mused over. I'm now ready to have a go.
    The videos I have watched so far have passed my expectations and I am looking forward to extending my "free membership" so that I can study more of your excellent videos.
    Many thanks,
    John in Devon, UK. Aged 73 and still finding much to learn!!

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    2014/07/18 at 3:09 pm