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 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 on May 16, 2008 - 5 answers

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

I'd like to learn to sculpt. Where should I start? [more inside]
posted 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 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 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 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 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 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]
posted on Sep 3, 2004 - 8 answers