Posts Tagged ‘Wood Projects’

Custom Carved Wooden Box

Recently, I was commissioned by a client to design, build, and carve a wooden box. This was to be a special box; a unique box; a box of heirloom quality; indeed a treasure box for cherished dreams.

It was to be a gift with the receivers initials. A date of completion was set….

What would be a more harmonious design for such a task than a ‘book’ box. For it is through a book, one may travel the world over, visit the past, sojourn in the present, and dream of the future. Thus….

The first part of my journey was to select and purchase the wood (fine Honduras Mahogany); then to fabricate the box  ( by art, skill, and labor).    

Art:  The design and layout, and hand carved (no laser).

Skill:  Simulating the binding and paper; hidden dowel joinery through the stars covered with gold inlay. Solid brass hinges, lock, and screws finished with an acid antiquing process. Contouring the wood to the likeness of the pages, finished with an electric pencil and a blend of whitewash. 

Labor:  To cut and match the wood grain and, ultimately, putting it all together, to finish with a special blend of oil.

Below, is a visual walk through of the process from design to completion.

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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 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.