Woodcarving for beginners

Wood carving is a kind of decorative and applied art, which at one time received widespread and special popularity in the territories of modern Russia. Practically in every region of the country their traditions of cutting out ornaments, patterns, figures of people and animals on wooden surfaces were formed. Wood generally refers to the favorite materials of the Russian people. Perhaps the "roots" of this love go deep into history and are lost somewhere in the times of pagan beliefs, when any natural objects were given a sacred meaning, and the trees were generally considered the "genus", that is, the progenitor of things, the personification of Mother Nature. Anyway, the wood is really very "warm", cozy, home-made material, which is also environmentally friendly. At the moment there are a lot of ways of processing wood, but the traditional carving is located a step above any "industrial" techniques. Cutting ornaments, paintings, figurines, craftsmen put their soul into their work. We will not be able to teach how to give a piece of ourselves to the created product, but we will acquaint you with the basics of working with wood, which will be useful to any novice carver.

The history of origin and development

Wood can rightly be considered one of the oldest materials used by man. Even at the dawn of time, people understood how affordable and simple wood processing can be. She began to attract everywhere for construction. The art of carving is closely intertwined with a separate type of architecture - wooden architecture. People never suppressed their inner desires to surround themselves with beautiful things. This striving for beauty often became the impetus for the development of art in different directions. The thread is no exception. As usual, at first all the best was put on the altars for the deities whom they worshiped at that time. The Shigirsky idol is considered the most ancient example of the art of woodcarving. It was found during excavations near Yekaterinburg. The product is a figure-cut column with thematic drawings on the surface. According to scientists, this idol was created in the middle of the VIII century. Made a column of larch (contrary to the common misconception about oak). In addition to Shigirsky idol there are also later finds decorated with carved elements, but the technique of those masters was primitive and coarse. Modern man would rather call them distinctive than beautiful. Here, the influence of poor instruments, which were used by the masters of those times.

And now we will make a big jump in almost ten centuries and move on to the XVI century, when the first artels of carvers began to appear. From the field of rituals and paganism wood carving gradually moved to everyday life. They began to decorate items of poor furniture and wooden dishes with fancy patterns. Technique has become more graceful, thanks to an expanded set of special tools that masters began to use. In addition to the usual wood, even the roots of trees and a burl (kind of growth) were used. With their bizarre, irregular shapes, they evoked abstract associations and pushed carvers to create original asymmetric household items. Artels massively decorated temples, cathedrals, palaces and houses of wealthy citizens. Most household utensils (from the chests to the spoons) were covered with decorative patterns. Since even the middle class tried to decorate the houses, a separate area appeared called house carving. Many samples have survived to this day. Most of them became official monuments of art. In parallel with the house thread, a more complex technique appeared - a voluminous one. Relief decorations required great skill from carvers, but the result was worth it. The carvings were decorated with chests, chairs, toys, stands, gingerbread boards (analogue of trays), spoons, snuff boxes, caskets, headboards, platbands and shutters on the windows. Although a couple of decades ago, this art form was in decline, gradually the traditions of the old Russian woodcarving are reviving. It is not for nothing that they say that everything new was simply forgotten well.

Types of thread

Wood carvings are classified into the following subtypes and directions:

• Volume (sculptural). The image (marked) is completely or partially separated from the background. The technique is similar to the bas-reliefs.
• Flattened. The image stands out from the background, due to the deepening of the latter.
• Prorizna (openwork). Refers to the pass-through technique. Background in the product is removed completely. Previously, they were often used to design icons and paintings as frames.
• Contour It is considered one of the simplest techniques. Often used by beginners for practical training. Contour thread is a pattern that is formed by the intersection of shallow lines. If we compare it with the art of sculpture, then the closest analogue of this technique is ankre or coylanaglyph.
• Geometric. As well as contouring, it refers to simple techniques that even a beginner can do. The pattern is formed from various geometric shapes and their weaves. Despite the apparent simplicity, works due to the play of light are transformed and look very beautiful.
• Relief. In the product there is practically no flat plane. Each element of the pattern with different heights protrudes above the surface. There are two subtypes of thread: high-relief and low relief. In the first case, the image appears almost half the volume, and in the second only a couple of centimeters.
• East. It is characterized by an abundance of elegant ornaments, obtained by intersecting straight and curved lines. Flowers are often featured in drawings.
  The above techniques are classified as basic, but the list is not limited to them. Much less commonly used are carving techniques with a matched and padded background, hewed cutting.

Where can apply

Wood carving is widely used in interior and landscape design. Although such products most closely match the ethnic Russian style, the beautiful work of the master can organically join the Scandinavian, eco, eclectic, Provence (generally any kind of country music), modern, classic and even fusion. The interior uses either carved household items (chests, caskets, inkpots, coasters, furnishings), or decorative details that play exclusively the role of decoration (cornices, frescoes on certain areas of the walls, edging of arches, doors). Arbors, benches, platbands, gables, gates and wickets, fences made using wood carving techniques are used to decorate the exterior of the house and the adjacent territories.

The choice of material for work

When choosing wood should pay attention to three criteria:

• Weight. The heavier the bar or board, the stronger the finished product will be. This rule applies to all types of wood.
• Humidity. Do not use raw wood for work. Sooner or later it will dry up, and this is fraught with the deformation of the material, which can affect the thread.
• General state. The more growths, knots and deformed fibers in a bar, the more difficult it is to work with such material. Such defects do not allow the master to move tools in the right direction, as they will constantly “stumble” on obstacles.

If the wood cutter stockpiles independently in the neighboring forest, then the material must be dried. It is advisable to carry out this procedure in the summer, since the tree should lie for 1-2 weeks outdoors. If the workpiece has impressive dimensions, then this period is increased to 1-2 months. You can not leave the material on the street in the rainy season. There will be no sense from such a procedure, since with a high level of humidity in the environment, the water from the micropores will not disappear. After street drying, wood is brought into the house, but is not placed next to the heating devices. Moisture will be removed within a week. Digestion technology is suitable for small workpieces. They are put in a container with water, which is heated and boiled for 2-3 hours. This ekpress-method allows you to quickly "squeeze" the remnants of moisture from the micropores of the wood. After the procedure, the blanks are given a "rest" in the house for about a week.

Basic craft tools

To get the job done, there are few skills and abilities, you also need to use high-quality tools. Nicolo Paganini may have compensated for his ability to play the violin by playing on one string, but this legend refers to exceptions to the general rule. The standard list of woodcarver tools includes:

• Board for carving. Superimposed on the work surface to protect it from damage. It is used only in cases where the master has no permanent place to work.
• A set of chisels. These carpentry tools differ in the form of pointed steel tips, but we'll talk more about them in more detail.
• Knives Along with chisels are actively used for cutting patterns. There are several subspecies of knives, differing in both appearance and functionality. Knives, cutters and knives-shoals differ only in the cutting angle of the beveled blade. The latter does not do the flat carving technique. Bogorodskie knives got their name in honor of the region, where local craftsmen actively used them to work on traditional toys. Usually sold in a set. There is one subtype of this type of instrument - "Tatyanka". A characteristic element of these knives are elongated handles. They allow you to maximize the transfer tool pressure tool. Used in the so-called "power thread".
• Stichel. It looks very similar to a chisel, but has a characteristic mushroom shape of the handle. It allows the master to cut the thinnest lines.
• Scotsmen. The tool is usually used to work with spoons, which is clear from the name. However, it can be used in other techniques, if it is necessary to make a neat hole in the tree in the handicap of a circle or semicircle. It is a steel plate on the handle. At the end, it is either half-rounded or looped into a ring.
• Lekalo. Used as a stencil for transferring the drawing of the image to the workpiece.
• Nichrome wire. It is used only for burning individual elements of the image during fine work with details. Requires compliance with safety regulations. If the wire is heated, it will easily burn through the top thin layer of wood fibers.

And now let's take a closer look at the varieties of chisels, which can rightly be considered the main tool of the carver.

Types of chisels

Depending on the features of the blade and the scope of application, the chisel is classified into the following types:

• Straight lines Have flat blades. The tool is used to align individual areas of the workpiece or to clean it at the preparatory stage of work.
• "Kosyachki". The cut angle of their blades varies from 35 degrees to 70 degrees. Widely used in geometric thread.
• Clucarses. They are considered a variety of semicircular chisels. Used to process the background and cut out large convex figures. They have a curved blade, vaguely reminiscent of a “cup” of rose petal.
• Corners (geismus). The gutter-shaped blade leaves characteristic grooves on the workpiece.
• Semicircular. As a rule, these chisels are used for bulk threads, but can also be used in plane-relief techniques. Tools differ in a radius of a bend and length of an edge. On the workpiece with their help make concave circles and lines, the depth of which is adjusted by changing the pressure on the chisel.

Each master in the set has his own "pets" tools, which he uses most often. Usually such touching attachment develops over the years of work, when the carver has already developed his individual work style. Beginners can only fill their bumps by trial and error until the perfect tool is found.

Precautions when working

While cutting on wood, there is always a risk of damage to the hands of the master, and fingers for the carvers are the main tool of the work. All the fixtures are sharp enough and only one awkward movement is enough to cut the skin, or even to cut something important. Therefore, we should not ignore the safety rules that are not so difficult to observe:

• The work surface must be stable. Professional carvers have special workbenches for this purpose. Beginners often work at ordinary tables that can sway.
• You only need to cut it from yourself. By the same rule, matches are set on fire.
• Lighting in the room should be directed to the work surface. On the table should not fall shadows. Otherwise, the work will have to be very close to the part, which is fraught with damage not only to the fingers in case of excess.
• Workpieces that are processed must be secured with special fasteners.
• When sharpening tools, be sure to use safety glasses. After the process can not check the sharpness of the blade on the fingers. Any unwanted bar will do.
• Accuracy - the key to successful work. Each tool must be in place (preferably in special organizers). Thus, the master will eliminate the risk of the chisel or knife falling to the floor with subsequent damage to the legs. It is also necessary to timely remove chips from the working surface. Otherwise, there may be an overwhelming desire to do this during the cutting processes. One awkward movement while working with power tools can result in a catastrophe.
• When working with power tools need to pay attention to the wires. You can not let them curl, because in such "balls" is easy to get confused.

Also, it is not recommended to place heating devices near a workplace, to set fire to candles, to smoke. Chips are highly flammable, therefore any contact with fire should be limited.

Master class geometric thread

As mentioned above, the geometric thread is considered one of the most simple, therefore it is ideal for training beginners. To work requires a minimum set of tools. During the cutting process, only accuracy matters. Elements of the picture should have a clear symmetry. The images themselves consist of repeating zones, which form a single elegant composition.

Technology and sequence of geometric thread

The basis of the drawing in the technique of geometric carving is based on various simple shapes: circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, trapeziums and rhombuses, which are complemented by straight and broken lines. Contrary to the misconceptions of ordinary people, ready-made compositions are devoid of angularity and rudeness. The play of light and shadow emphasizes the relief of the image. Plots, as such, the geometric thread has not. She conveys the mood and vividly demonstrates the skill of the author. The finished product can affect the complexity and subtlety of the work, and sometimes adheres to the principles of laconism, which does not affect his perception. Very often, the composition is based on traditional Russian ornaments, which were previously considered “talismans” against evil forces. The process of working in the technique of geometric thread conventionally divided into stages:

• Preparatory. It includes the manufacture of blanks (blanks) and the rough alignment of its surface, that is, the removal of defects, chips, embossed elements.
• Work on the composition using knives.
• The final stage. Final processing of the workpiece: grinding, impregnation with special compounds, varnish or paint.

After drying, the carved craft can be used for its intended purpose.

Required Tools

To work in the technique of geometric thread will require a minimum set of tools:

• Pencil, compass and ruler (curve) for drawing up an exact picture.
• Two types of knives: "bong" and "feather" (a type of Bogorodsky knives).

The first type of knife is used to cut straight lines that form angular geometric figures, and the second for “grooves” with soft curves.

Creating a design sketch

Masters, whose hands are full, put patterns directly on the blank with a pencil and compass, ruler. For beginners, it is better to first draw a sketch on paper or use ready-made drawings that can be easily found on the world wide web. Patterns are printed, then applied to the blank and cut around the contour using carbon copy. When the drawing is completely transferred to the blank, you can start cutting out the composition.

Cutting patterns

You need to start with soft details (circles, petals, smooth lines). For work use a knife feather. It is clamped in the hand between the palm and the index finger. The thumb is set aside and leaned against the workpiece. He will serve as a support. The bent index finger will be a regulator of the force of pressure on the tool and its angle of inclination. From this will depend on the depth of the "grooves". Помните, что резать нужно "от себя". Сначала обрабатывают одну часть композиции (слева или справа зависит от ведущей руки), а затем болванку переворачивают и продолжают вырезать вторую часть узора.

Теперь в дело вступает нож-косячок для работы над треугольными элементами. Этот инструмент держат иначе. It is clamped between the index finger and thumb, like a pencil, but at the very end of the handle, closer to the blade. The "heel" of the knife is forced into the workpiece at an angle of 45 degrees, but not at the very edge of the figure, but with a slight indentation. It needs to be done so that the groove has “gentle” edges. "Grooves" with such a relief look more beautiful. The edges of the triangles must converge. By the same algorithm, cut out the remaining elements of the picture. Spent pieces of wood should be in the form of pyramids, then the work is done correctly.

During the cutting process it is easy to check the sharpness of the knife. If the chips are pulled in a continuous “ribbon”, then the tool is sharpened well. If it crumbles and falls off in pieces, then the knife is not suitable for cutting. Even sharp tools during work must be periodically turned. For these purposes, use a piece of natural leather, which is applied a small amount of any polishing paste based on chromium oxide.

Grinding and impregnation of the finished product

To smooth the roughness of the edges of the "grooves", the surface of the crafts should be slightly sanding with sandpaper. Then the product is impregnated with a special composition. Some cover crafts with lacquer, but most craftsmen prefer the waxing process (wax mastic) or coating the surface with oil. In this case, the hack will acquire a light, natural shine. Usually use flaxseed, dandelion, mint, seven-herb oil. These same compositions are great for soaking dishes. The craft is thickly lubricated with the agent, after which the oil is “rubbed” into the wood. Now the product should dry. It is best to put it on the street to dry in the sun. Some put the product near the battery or use a hairdryer in order to speed up the process.

Master class molds for printed cookies

To make a mold for printed cookies, you first need to cut the workpiece. The width and length of the blank depends on the size of future confectionery. You can rely on generally accepted standards and measure the usual anniversary or coffee cookies bought in the store. As for the choice of wood, larch, beech, and oak are suitable for this purpose. The blank is cut out of the board using an electric jigsaw. Next, it is fixed on the working surface and transfer the prepared sketch of the image. All the details of the composition on the cookie should be convex, respectively, the background does not need to be processed. A set of tools for work varies depending on its complexity. To cut it was easier, you need to select the source image, drawn with semitones. Then the master will be easier to navigate with the depth of cutting elements. Inscriptions, unpretentious landscapes with trees and birds, animals, flower arrangements, "bouquets" of ears are often chosen for printed cookies.

Cutting plates

Plates, as a rule, have an irregular shape. The contours of the product emphasize the bends of the letters, so you will have to tinker with the blank, cutting out unnecessary fragments in certain places. Letters can be drawn by hand using a pencil and ruler, or you can download a ready-made inscription from the Internet. It is very simple to make plates, therefore the variant is ideal for beginning carvers. To work enough kosyachka knife and Bogorodsky set "Tatyanka". After cutting the plate is ground and coated with stain. When the composition is dry, the grooves are additionally emphasized with a second layer. The inscriptions on the plates for the bath complement the clouds, oak or birch leaves, ladles, basins with brooms. For the street, they use a beautiful, even font and neat curls along the contour, since here the drawings will be inappropriate. In the same way, you can make an original sign for a trade shop or a beer, for example.

Conclusion

One eminent sculptor once said that the composition - the most difficult in art. There are no general rules for its compilation. Comprehend the algorithm for constructing a composition and develop a subtle artistic taste in oneself only by observing nature. There is nothing more perfect than the natural system of elements. This advice applies not only to sculptors, architects, or artists, but also to woodcarvers. First, during training, beginners use ready-made drawings to get a hand and acquire the skills necessary to create high-quality works. However, in the future, everyone tries to take tentative steps in the field of the artist, where skill alone is not enough. It will require the ability to subtly feel the balance in the composition, which has been produced over the years. Only having learned to combine skill and artistic taste, a carver has the right to be called a master, creating products "with the soul."