In the meantime though I was trying to figure out how they make their pieces, since they are all hand carved and hand painted! I don't know the first thing about making such intricate carvings so I decided I'd buy a wood burning pen and see if it would do the trick! And it does!! So I went out to our local craft store and got a little piece of unfinished wood, found a "simpler" design I liked on their website, drew it out on the wood, burned the design in and then did my best to paint the piece and seal it off with semi-gloss polyurethane! The painting was the hardest part for me! I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things I make, especially if I'm going to give them away (which I knew I was going to do) so I'm still not entirely happy with the painting job but it's as good as I could get it having no painting experience. So I have some work to do with teaching myself some painting skills before I make my next one!
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Oh my gosh Nic, it came out sooooo goood! I love it and I'm amazed it looks just like the "sticks" ones! I think you got me hooked, I want to try one too! I have lots of ideas for designs, especially now after our honeymoon, haha. Maybe we can set aside a "crafting day" soon and you can share your method with me - and I'll share some painting tips (though it doesn't look like you need much help!).
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks!! That's a great plan! I've already decided the next one I want to make for myself! I have to start sketching and see if it will even work since it involves the dogs! haha
ReplyDeletethat is really beautiful, nicole! i too have lusted after those pieces in just the shop that i think you are referring to in NH. what's next? a table? :)
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