Posts Tagged ‘custom wood carved plaques’

Custom Inlay Inlace; Project – Sailboat

An owner of a refurbished sailboat desired the finishing touch to bring his project to completion. Thus, I was commissioned to design, carve, and inlay inlace a visual image of the name of the boat, “ Humming Bird “, on  existing Teak doors.

What is Inlay Inlace?

Used primarily by artists, craftmen, and woodworkers, etc.., inlace is a brand of solid surface material quite similar to Corian. The Polylite clear casting resin, may be used as clear or mixed with a variety of colors and textures  ex. inlace nuggets, granules, metallic dusts, stones, flecks, metallic dyes, etc..

Note; because the main component is resin, after sealer or varnish is applied, the end product will be very durable, long lasting, retaining the vibrancy of colors.

The photo gallery below shows the progression of this task. Pay close attention to pic # 3 the    ‘undercutting ‘ carving which is done to secure the inlay by encouraging the inlay to  lock  into place.

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Custom Carved Heirloom Photo Display Box

In America’s history, there has been an active interest in learning one’s genealogy and ancestors, as well as recording these via words, paintings / pictures; often displayed in custom woodcrafted heirloom boxes or frames.

There are many stories (the spirit of a single person, a single place, a particular occasion) woven together that have made and continues to make the most vibrant fabric of the American story.

Recounted By Mr. Thomas Johnson, the great, great grandson of Mr. Anthony Canavan … is such a story …..

Approximately 160 years ago the man in this picture, my great, great grandfather, Anthony Canavan, made the fateful decision to emigrate with his young family from County Mayo, Ireland to the Promised Land – The United States. He did it to avoid almost certain starvation from the Great Famine that was ravaging the Emerald Isle and causing a huge exodus of Irish to America.

According to  family lore, the passage across the Atlantic was rough with huge, rolling seas that caused part of the ship’s rigging to fall and blind his oldest son John in one eye (a fact that did not keep him from serving on the side of the Union in the Civil War years later). The ship eventually docked in Philadelphia where Canavan saw signs and placards warning “Irish and dogs keep of the grass.” A few years later the Canavan clan made its way west to Kankakee, Illinois where Anthony bought a farm and from which late one autumn night in 1871 he saw the northern skyline turned into an unearthly crimson hue — the Great Chicago Fire.

This picture, taken during the last year of his life in 1890, captures the determination and grit that emboldened Canavan to cross an ocean and forge a new life in a foreign country. The photo and a funeral prayer card are beautifully presented and preserved in a one – of – a – kind custom – made frame by Uri Misrachi with images of a farm and a plow carved into each side.

It seems only fitting that Uri, himself an immigrant to America, took on the job of creating this beautiful frame – an heirloom to be passed down to future generations – of the original immigrant of our family. We think Anthony Canavan would be well pleased.

Gallary: step by step

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Custom Carved Fireplace Mantel

Recently, I completed a commissioned project to custom carve an insert for a fireplace mantel. The client’s request was for the ‘Family Crests’ to be carved, flanked by a drapery motif.

Red Oak was the choice wood to keep continuity with existing paneling and moulding in the house. (Note: contrary to walnut, mahogany, etc., oak , with its distinct characteristics of grain and texture, presents its own set of challenges for a carver. To achieve a fine professional finish, extensive refining, including multi sandings, will be required).

An overview of the process is as follows:

1. the layout design of ‘Family Crests’ and drapery motif; approved by client.

2. to achieve a 3/4″ final background, I needed to start with a 1-1/8″ solid red oak plank.

3. to produce approx. 3/4″ background, I routed the background to approx. 5/8″-3/4″; this left 3/8″+ revealed, to carve the pattern.

4. upon completion of the carved mantel insert, to enhance and contrast the Crests from the drapery motif panels, I recommended the Crests be color stained (according to the existing colors of the Crests); the client approved.

5. following the installation, the piece was finished with stain, sealer, and finish to match the existing mantel and surrounding wood paneling.

Follow the progress in the photo gallery below..

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Custom carved plaque by ‘Uri Misrachi’

Looking back, the months of preparation for the ‘Summer of Color 2010’ were exciting. Both the volunteers and professionals worked hard in preparation and installation. Tourists and residents alike were dazzled. Now sadly, the colors will fade…..

To ensure the memory lingers, I decided to custom design and carve a wooden plaque to remind and delight the Massey Bros. Surprised, the Massey Bros., were grateful to receive this plaque.