Carved Green Man Planter

[Wood spoiler]

This started out as tool practice in hollowing.

It started out as a Plane Tree Trunk (Tulipwood - I think?)

Having turned it I came back to find the base severely cracked from drying. I chucked it to one side and carried on with other things.

I moved it a couple of weeks ago and the cracks across the bas had closed themselves. It had stayed pretty much in the round. One inclusion had cracked. I treated that to a dose of CA

Having turned it down again I thought it was crying out for a bit of my carving practice. Conscious of some sage like advice about becoming a "one trick pony" I wanted to try something different with different techniques to those previously employed. I remembered the Green Man, the face looking through the Oak Leaves. I set to and had a go and welcome observations on the finished effect.

I put a walnut foot onto it to finish it off. I was a bit disappointed at how light part of the Walnut came up, but that is the joy of working in wood.

It stands 10" tall and 7.5" wide

I sealed the finished thing with sanding sealer then Beal Buffed it. In the abscence of comment on how to use the Bristle brush, I worked some microcrystalline wax into the carved area and worked it over with the new Chestnut Bristle brush.

So what do you think of it?

 

[stevebuk]

stunning Colin, well done.

Could i just ask please, with carving how do you know which area's to leave high and which to take away, if thats not a stupid question..

 

[gus3049]

I have a crick in the neck from trying to see it sideways.

The walnut foot looks nice to me and the carving (in spite of the fact that I'm sure I can see a leaf or two in there somewhere) looks extremely well done. The one thing I have found when using the power tools is that the edges just don't look as crisp as when using 'proper' carving chisels. However, I rather like the slightly soft look it produces.

If being good a something makes you a one trick pony then so be it. I can't imagine who could have accused you of such a thing though :lol:

 

[Wood spoiler]

stunning Colin, well done.

Could i just ask please, with carving how do you know which area's to leave high and which to take away, if thats not a stupid question..

Thanks for the kind comment.

As to stupid question , in my opinion the only stupid one is an unasked one. If you don't ask you don't find out.

The process I go through may not necessarily be what "proper" carvers might do, as my process has all been trial and thankfully not too much error. I transfer the image to the work and then cut the lines using a very fine cutting tool. I then enhance the cut with a small ball cutter. I then worked away at the deepest cuts in the face and I tried to cut in sweeping directions that appear to be following the natural flow.

Having got the main gist of the design it is a case of working across the details. The leaves I cut following the curves of the leaf.

Hope this helps

 

[Wood spoiler]

I have a crick in the neck from trying to see it sideways.

The walnut foot looks nice to me and the carving (in spite of the fact that I'm sure I can see a leaf or two in there somewhere) looks extremely well done. The one thing I have found when using the power tools is that the edges just don't look as crisp as when using 'proper' carving chisels. However, I rather like the slightly soft look it produces.

If being good a something makes you a one trick pony then so be it. I can't imagine who could have accused you of such a thing though :lol:

Sorry about the crick in the neck. I put them all the right way in photo bucket. I think it is a "feature" pf the forum software to stack them as is now. If you click on a piccie it will take you through to my photo account.

I have got hold of a reciprocating carving tool to give a more traditional carve but not tried it in anger yet .... For another day

Glad you appreciated a few leaves

 

[MickCheese]

I love the carving. I really like the way it is framed in the grain.

Mick

 

[mikec]

That is brilliant Colin, the carving really adds another dimension to the piece.

Love it

mikec

 

[gus3049]

I do prefer it this way Colin. Probably more stable too.

 

[Wood spoiler]

That is brilliant Colin, the carving really adds another dimension to the piece.

Love it


mikec

I love the carving. I really like the way it is framed in the grain.

Mick

Glad you gents like it. It would be a bit bland without some detail as the wood lacks much grain - but then that was why a fiddly bit works

 

[Doug B]

That is excellent Colin =D>


Cheers.

 

[Wood spoiler]

That is excellent Colin =D>


Cheers.

Thanks Doug

.....

Whilst it is very nice to receive applause, I am open to constructive criticism please feel free to make observations etc. It all helps the learning curve

 

[PsyMan]

Thats fantastic, How much liquid, lets call that liquid....uh... beer (for want of a better liquid) would it hold just out of interest?

 

[Wood spoiler]

Thats fantastic, How much liquid, lets call that liquid....uh... beer (for want of a better liquid) would it hold just out of interest?

That's a tricky one

Best guess about a gallon. At least a night out's worth, but sadly it is destined to have a plant stood inside which will make the bear a bit earthy!