A while back I had posted some photos of my buffet/dresser in process. With this came a few comments from my readers saying that they like to see these types of photos and would actually like to see more in process photos. I don't know if that just means for the buffet, or in general. So, in hopes to try to keep all happy, I am posting a little about one of my current projects and the processes and changes that occurred.
The photo above is of the pine board that this project started with. I had this board just lying around from a temporary piece of furniture that I had made to set our TV on. Therefore, this board has hole drilled in different places on one side. That added an unusual aspect that I had to keep in mind as I started the design process.
Some of my sculptures/wood art start out on paper and make there way to life after the design has been finalized. That, however, was not the case with any of the pieces that came out of this board. At times, I find that I need to work directly on/with the board when I'm inspired if I actually want to get around to finishing the project. Thinking about a process can sometimes dampen my desire to complete, or even start on it. Therefore, I drew out all of my general shapes for guides on the board and cut the smallest shapes first. This helps provide a more accurate final cut as I can choose which to cut first and maintain a maximum grip range for movement of the material during the cut. Once the inside shapes are cut, I will take the outside material off to create the outside, or boarder shape.
Here you can see a little of the drawing showing thru in the photo after all cuts have been made. After all the cutting is done I then do my sanding. I have seen some people who sand there material first and then cut. I, also use this method for some of my substrates that are very rough or in a natural state. The size of this material/project, plus the fact that I was starting with a finished lumber board made pre sanding unnecessary. Usually the sanding process requires more than just sanding, it is a pre-finishing process and therefore can take a large chunk of my time. I try to get all of my edges smooth by sanding, using gouges, wire brushes, whittling knifes, and even some handy Jem's specialty tools. These can be very crudely made. I mean, man... I learned from those "good 'ol boy's" in Georgia, and my neighbors in Chile. So, you know they're well made.
If, as in this case, I am going to be painting images on top of the carved/shaped piece I don't fret if some of my pencil drawings are still visible. I just make sure that all drawn lines are gone where I will not be painting. This is so that you don't see hints of guide lines thru the stain and clear-coat.
Since this piece was not a commissioned piece and was also extra material I had lying around, I chose to paint with a new (to me at least) method. I used my paint pens. After starting, I chose to stick with light, sketchy coats and give a more unfinished/rustic? look. From my standpoint I don't find it too bad, but I would like to know what you think.
As it goes many times, you're happy to see the piece finished, and then it happens. In my case I got to anxious and thought the paint was dry, but... alas it wasn't and started to run. So, there I went back to the cutting table to adjust (save) the piece. In the end, I had to cut off a chunk and re-sand new
cut edges and re-stain. Once all was done, this is how it turned out. My final piece.
I actually am using the chunk that I cut off for a small wall hanging and will show it here soon.
Check out my Flickr for some more photos.
You can check out my buffet/ dresser posts below.
