TIP: Holding the Knives
Written by Wayne Barton
For carving, you’ll hold the cutting knives one of two ways . . . Position #1 First Grip Position. To begin, sit down in a chair without arms (the chairs),and hold the workpiece on your lap. Grasp the knife in your right hand (or left if you’re left-handed). Place…
TIP: Swirl Plate
Written by Wayne Barton
This pattern is carved on a basswood 10″ scalloped rim plate. The strong geometric design is derived from deep cuts and sharp ridges. It has a dynamic visual energy created by contrasting elements within the whole. Starting with the rosette, the eye is drawn first to its strong, straight-line movement…
TIP: The Letter Z Pattern
Written by Wayne Barton
This is a simple but striking design. It combines lettering with some interesting geometries and postive imaging. This carving was done a small basswood box lid measuring 5″ X 7″. Note the extra flair within the oval complimenting the letter Z. Carvings like this are quick and fun to do.…
TIP: 5"x 5" Box
Written by Wayne Barton
This pattern was carved on the lid of a small box measuring 5″X5″. So often the traditional route of carving a rosette within a square such as this is taken. Here, the square is emphasized with a diagonal cross. The use of the familiar three cornered chip sets out the…
TIP: "The Prince" Pattern
Written by Wayne Barton
This plaque entitled “The Prince” is carved in butternut 18″x12″x1″. It was used as the cover of Wayne’s third book, “New and Traditional Styles of Chip Carving”, which introduces the concept of positive imaging. This particular piece intertwines geometric shapes creating circles, ovals and triangles that are filled with contrasting,…
Live Demonstration by Wayne
Written by Wayne Barton
Watch Wayne demonstrate his Chip Carving techniques on a large basswood plate. Footage was taken during an American Woodworking episode.
Wayne's Carving Tips
