How Do You Carve A Feather Pattern In Wood?

Wood is a natural medium for carving and a feather pattern, with its long and delicate lines, makes a good first carving project. Follow your feather pattern and you'll soon have a block you can use as a wood stamp or for decorative purposes. Choose your wood with care. New wood carvers will appreciate the soft surface of basswood or aspen for their first projects. You can purchase blocks at a hobby and craft store or ask your lumberyard to cut a piece for you. Photocopy a real feather to carve a realistic pattern or use a drawn pattern. If you photocopy, adjust the contrast of the image to show strong defined lines. Place a piece of carbon paper face down on your wooden block. Trim the excess so that the paper is the same size or slightly smaller than the face of the block. This prevents wrapping the carbon paper over the edges and staining the wood. Place your feather pattern, right side up, on top of the carbon paper and tape both papers down securely. Use your pencil and ...  more