This last week I set myself a tricky project. A carved medieval chest.
I was given the idea by someone I met who was into LARPing (Live Action Role Play), they are always after props and items to make the experience more real. He showed me some of the bits and bobs they have and I saw some chests in the background. I thought it would make a fun project and be a great source of material for an article in Woodcarving magazine (which I try to write for every issue at the moment).
To keep costs low I carved it out of some brilliant quality pine boards that I have.
What a mistake that was!
The wood just will not take fine detail. Luckily the design I chose (from a small panel in The Book Of Kells) was fairly plain and sweeping.
As well as doing this for a magazine article I also made a video on the process. Well two in fact, one on the whole build, including my thought process on making it and one (which isn't out yet) on just the carving, sped up set to music.
With all the trickiness of this project I was still really pleased with how it turned out. Seems to have the right feel. The wooden hinges are the extra touch, and one that made things even more complicated.
I still need to add some handles and a catch but I think it looks suitably medieval!
If you watch the video please could you leave a comment YouTube and click the like button - It helps other people find the video and I could really do with getting the watch hours up so I can monetise the channel (for the few pence I'd earn, but might be worth it one day!).
Let me know what you think!
How long do you think it took me to carve?
Kev, I saw this pop up in my feed yesterday and did not make the connection - I will certainly go give it a look! The chest looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's surprising me how long it's taking to put these videos together!
DeleteYou're in a league of your own with that creation Kev. Incredibly beautiful. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. Each project I try to get a little better if I can.
DeleteYour skills never fail to amaze me Kev, it's just lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you sue! As always you're too kind!
DeleteFascinating video. The chest is beautiful, I simply wouldn't have the patience or a good enough back to do the lovely carving. Thanks for showing us the process of putting it all together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment. I find if I tackle a carving like that a few hours at a time, with a good podcast or book playing then there is no chance of getting bored! Really pleased you like the video - I'm still not that great at putting them together so need to do some more!
DeletePlease do more videos, I'm learning a lot as I'm sure others are. Look forward to your next project.
ReplyDeleteAh thank you! I hope I can get my viewing figures up to make it worth while! I'm enjoying it but it slows everything down and takes a long time to put together, even with my rubbish editing skills!
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