Did not see a forum for carving, so I though I would just post here in Woodworking.

 

This is my latest carving ' "The Lord's Prayer" - done for a friends mother-in-law.

 

Carving is approximately 13 x 16 - basswood.

 

There is a total of about 15 hours of just carving - letter-by-letter.

 

I start by creating a pattern in Photoshop, then reverse the image and transfer toner onto the wood using a transfer tool (heat).  Once transfered, I begin carving.  The wheat stalks are actually burnt and shaded.

 

Once carver, I put about 4 coats of clear poly on the carving, once dry, I begin staining.  Once stain is dried I put another 2 or 3 coats of clear to seal.

 

Edited July 26, 20187 yr by IrishWoodCarver

This just blows my mind!

Gorgeous!

As always, beautiful work Bob.

The detail on the wheat heads is fantastic.

The live edge really compliments this piece.

Thanks for sharing.

I've tried doing this and thus am really fascinated by your mastery.  I assume you're using a gel stain in the carving depressions?  Do you wipe back the excess, or sand it off?

2 hours ago, PeteM said:

I've tried doing this and thus am really fascinated by your mastery.  I assume you're using a gel stain in the carving depressions?  Do you wipe back the excess, or sand it off?

You are absolutely correct - gel stain.

 

After putting 3 or 4 coats of clear poly, ensuring it gets into the carved lettering, I simply slop on the gel stain as shown in the picture above, then wipe it off.  There is a slight fild of stain that remains across the board.  I have in the past did a light sanding to remove, but what I found to work even better (for me anyways), is to take a clean cloth and slightly dampen with print remover and lightly wipe off the board, trying to not get down into the carved lettering. 

 

Then after the stain dries, I apply another 2 or 3 (sometimes more) coats of clear until I am satisfied with the finish.  The picture above was after the stain was applied, but no additional top coats were applied at that time.  I have since added 3 additional coats.