My Carving Process

Step 1:

My carving process starts with some sort of divine intervention.

If I see an animal, great picture or painting of something, the wheels start turning. I will search for images or sketch silhouettes.

Step 2:

Finding, buying or cutting a piece of wood. Sometimes if I have a great piece of wood, this is the first step

(trying to match an image that looks awesome on a piece of wood)

Then, transfer image to wood with

carbon paper (this may be drawn and erased, depending on image location

on wood)

Step 3:

Trace the carbon transfered image with a ulta thin sharpie pen.

This is because when I carve with the Dremmel, I look thru a hole in the side of the Dremmel collar. The carbon lines are

difficult to see when sawdust starts piling

up in the collar.

Also, my old eyes ain't a good as they

used to be! It also gives a "pre" carved image on the wood.

Step 4:

I usually set my bit depth on the back

plane of the image or scrap wood.

Then start plowing out areas.

I have a plexiglass jig I use if the area being carved is larger than my

Dremmel collar.

Step 5:

I coat the surface with sand and seal.

This protects the wood from paint that leaches into the pores (less sanding).

For all wood (except driftwood), I slop on

paint in all carves crevices. I use a syringe

with watered down paint for the extra small cuts.

Step 6:

Sand any excess paint. Make sure there aren't any paint spider lines around the cuts. Several sandings before perfection.

The add any coloring if needed.

I try to keep it to 1-3 colors.

I have a very poor eye for color

(my wife can verify this!)

Step 7:

Touch up as needed. Varnish to protect.

This may be sanded and varnished again,

depending on what looks good.

Finished Product!

Step 8:

Post on my page and hope somebody likes it enough to buy!

Tapov Wood Design