Looking for a picture/drawing of a bear statue from behind (possibly facing forward) - from what I recall, it looked like a chainsaw-cut carving of a brown or black bear out of a tree. Could be B&W lineart of one and I recall the grooves of the "fur flaps" being very deep but symmetrical - not rough-cut and not rounded. Thinking of using it along with a drawn "cub" of similar look & feel for a tattoo. [more inside]
posted by bkdelong on Sep 1, 2009 - 1 answer

Where are there picture galleries of medieval wood carving (both in situ eg: misericords, pew ends, ecclesiastical accessories like baptism fonts, etc. and free standing figural carving like those of Tilman Riemenschneider, for example) online? [more inside]
posted by Chrischris on Aug 31, 2009 - 3 answers

I am making my newest child (6 months) a custom set of blocks. Please suggest an AWESOME font for me to carve the letters into them as. They will be various colors, each block one solid color, with the letter different colored, or possibly just black lettering (haven't decided yet, feel free to put this along with your suggestion). [more inside]
posted by JonnyRotten on Apr 10, 2009 - 22 answers

What pumpkin farms are there in the Bay Area that let you carve pumpkins on the vine right now, then pick your pumpkin up in October with your words/image healed over like this? [more inside]
posted by lulu103 on Aug 14, 2008 - 7 answers

I've always been fascinated by this book cover for Gödel, Escher, Bach. Anybody know how the woodcarving was designed, how it was made and how I could perhaps make one myself? [more inside]
posted by cog_nate on May 16, 2008 - 5 answers

Is this some sort of Japanese Torture Device? [more inside]
posted by tdischino on Jul 24, 2007 - 4 answers

I'd like to learn to sculpt. Where should I start? [more inside]
posted by agropyron on Jan 4, 2007 - 11 answers

Harvard students, staff, faculty & visitors: Where's the good lettering? I'm looking for recommendations for the best engraved lettering, printing, calligraphy and other lettering on your campus in preparation for an upcoming visit. The type of stuff I am talking about: like the inscriptions on the Harvard Gates, or the Eric Gill piece downstairs in the memorial chapel. Any suggestions? For that matter, any typographic or chirographic must-sees in Boston and Cambridge overall?
posted by luriete on Jul 26, 2006 - 5 answers

What is the best way to finish a soapstone carving? I have tried car wax, mineral oil and linseed oil - all applied with a leather sham, and all based on recommendations, but all unsatisfactory. I sand in gradations from 80 grit to 1500 grit but nothing that I do results in that smooth, shiny, almost translucent quality that I have seen in other soapstone carvings. I do all my carving and finishing by hand, no Dremmel or similar.
posted by arcticwoman on Jan 16, 2006 - 7 answers

I am told by my sculpting teacher that there is a mixture of shellac and a form of alcohol called 'alcosol' that is used to seal wood carvings. Does anyone know of this or another solution to dilute shellac with to seal wood? I have a carving that is very porous and needs a good sealer before waxing. I am anxious to get this finished. LAG
posted by lag on May 23, 2005 - 5 answers

I am just finishing a stone sculpture. First time at this. I am wondering what kind of hand finishers, grit, sand paper, wax, etc does one use for the fine finishing and polishing work. I am just about done with rasps. And, do you know what links are good resources.
posted by lag on Apr 11, 2005 - 3 answers

I am in search of a good sealer for a wood carving that was done with very porous wood. Before it is waxed I want to seal it. It is hard to find a good site for wood sculptor's
posted by lag on Jan 15, 2005 - 5 answers

I might take up carving/whittling. Do I need the myriad of tools? Where could I find good woods for this purpose? How hard is it to sharpen your own tools? Any book recommendations? Sites? [mi] [more inside]
posted by sciurus on Sep 3, 2004 - 7 answers