Chip Carved See-Through Ornaments

While it’s possible to cut the pieces to their final shape after carving, it’s easier to cut the blank to size first. I usually mass produce blanks, and then transfer the pattern onto the project. To transfer the pattern, I usually draw directly on the wood with a soft B-lead pencil.

Carving Safety

Holding a small thin blank safely can be a challenge. I created a jig to hold the blank as I carve, especially when I’m making the pierced cuts. Cut a piece of 3/8″ (10mm) thick plywood to 6″ (152mm) by 12″ (305mm), and cut two 1/2″ (13mm) by 1/2″ (13mm) by 3″ (76mm) cleats. Screw or nail the cleats to the plywood at a 90° angle to each other, with a small gap at the point to allow the chips to escape. Hold the carving against the cleats as you carve to keep the sharp blade away from your body.

Carving the Ornaments

Start with the largest chips first. When you carve the largest chips, the knife applies the greatest pressure on the walls around the chip. Do not try to remove these chips in one cut. Instead, make a series of cuts with the knife blade held at a consistent angle.

Finishing the ornaments

Erase any pattern lines and sand lightly to remove any smudges. Apply a thin coat of clear finish such as Deft. Paint the ornaments as desired; I use water-soluble wax crayons thinned with flow medium. Apply the paint with a #5 round brush and a #4 flat brush. Wipe up any slips with a damp cloth. After the paint dries, apply another coat of clear finish.

For a natural finish, add a few light coats of clear finish, but not enough so the finish looks glossy. Then, apply a tinted wax. I mix clear finishing wax with a small amount of brown wax, and apply it with a medium stiff brush. Remove the excess wax with the same brush. The wax imparts just enough color to accent the carved design.