This three day carving class will focus on low-relief and incised techniques historically used in decorating arms, furniture, and other small period items. The workshop will give students an opportunity to study historic design principles, explore different carving methods, and learn how to utilize a small, budget-friendly selection of tools to achieve professional results. Students will learn proper sharpening techniques, practice drawings, and then carve those designs. For practice, the instructor will supply “try stocks” (blanks of wood shaped like a musket butt stock) or students can choose to carve on a board of maple, walnut, or cherry.
Even in challenging times, people have always decorated their everyday wares–household tools, firearms, instruments, furniture, and so on. Carving was nearly always found on civilian arms, as it didn’t use additional materials and labor was the cheapest part of production. Within regions, often within specific communities, particular styles of arms and their decorations evolved to become distinctly “American.” In New York, a unique combination of Dutch, French, and English influence can be found in carving and overall styling on guns manufactured before and during the American Revolution. Students will learn these various influences and try their hand at the design and carving process.
Students may bring their own unfinished "in the white" flintlock projects, with prior approval from the instructor. Students are encouraged to bring their own small furniture or houseware projects such as small stools, chairs, or boxes. Materials for carving will also be provided.
Note: A 4-8mm, 60 degree V parting tool chisel is required for use in class and is not included in the course fee. Students who already have one should bring their own. Please contact us if you would like the instructor’s recommendation. The instructor will provide additional chisels to share.
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
This three day carving class will focus on low-relief and incised techniques historically used in decorating arms, furniture, and other small period items. The workshop will give students an opportunity to study historic design principles, explore different carving methods, and learn how to utilize a small, budget-friendly selection of tools to achieve professional results. Students will learn proper sharpening techniques, practice drawings, and then carve those designs. For practice, the instructor will supply “try stocks” (blanks of wood shaped like a musket butt stock) or students can choose to carve on a board of maple, walnut, or cherry.
Even in challenging times, people have always decorated their everyday wares–household tools, firearms, instruments, furniture, and so on. Carving was nearly always found on civilian arms, as it didn’t use additional materials and labor was the cheapest part of production. Within regions, often within specific communities, particular styles of arms and their decorations evolved to become distinctly “American.” In New York, a unique combination of Dutch, French, and English influence can be found in carving and overall styling on guns manufactured before and during the American Revolution. Students will learn these various influences and try their hand at the design and carving process.
Students may bring their own unfinished "in the white" flintlock projects, with prior approval from the instructor. Students are encouraged to bring their own small furniture or houseware projects such as small stools, chairs, or boxes. Materials for carving will also be provided.
Note: A 4-8mm, 60 degree V parting tool chisel is required for use in class and is not included in the course fee. Students who already have one should bring their own. Please contact us if you would like the instructor’s recommendation. The instructor will provide additional chisels to share.
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
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