I used to do a lot of wood carving, chip carving in particular. This is a style of woodcarving found in traditional folk art around the world. Geometric patterns composed of 2, 3, or 4 sided pyramid shaped chips are carved out of the surface, usually with a single knife. Each chip comes out as a single piece. It can be used to decorate large building surfaces as well as more intricate pieces such as boxes or art frames.

The Process

first cut first cut - cut inward and with the grain

cut 2

final cut

first chip out

more cuts

swallowtail

typical knife grip

butternut frame and chip carving knife

My Work

Here are some samples of my carvings. Most of these are carved in butternut. Not all are chip carvings — there are celtic knot style as well as some relief work.

altar table altar table - 1 panel out of 4

celtic knot detail

chip carved frame

chip carving detail

chip carved wall cross

chip carved wall cross

chip carved frame

floral frame

carved frame detail

carved frame

chandelier