The Seaweed Tree Carving is Finished

I’m thrilled with the way this carving project turned out. It was fun to do, but even more fun to figure out how to do it. I took my inspiration directly from nature and it shows. It’s a wild thing and I love it – the way the branches and shadows intermingle and the way the stacked layers give it a 3D look.

This post is part of the Follow My Carving Series
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Stacking the Layers

In the previous post I shared how I made these little spacers.

Turned out that two stacked was just the right height for the hanger.

Glue It, Oil It

I glued the stacked spacers to both the face and back of the alder wood layer that would be in the rear, as I mentioned in the previous post.

Those spacers made it super easy to oil the alder. And man, did ever darken to a beautiful burnt sienna tone! I’ve never worked with alder and had no idea how it took oil. That gorgeous red tone was a lovely surprise.

The birch layer turned a warm honey, as I expected.

I was hoping for a deep contrast between the two and I certainly was not disappointed!

It took 2 light coats over a period of 4 days to saturate the wood.

The Last Step Made Me Nervous

I was very careful not to get oil on the top of the front spacers. And thought it best to sand the backside of the birch frame area a bit before gluing the two together.

While gluing the spacer stacks, I discovered that the Gorilla Glue sets up rather quickly.

I was a little nervous while gluing the birch. I would only get one shot, and I had to be quick.

I also had to be careful not to get too much glue squished out. It would be hard to clean now, with the double layers.

I used a cotton swab to apply the glue. That worked perfectly.

Layers and Shadows

I couldn’t be more pleased with myself for deciding to place spacers on the very back of the piece.

Bringing both layers off the wall casts more shadows.

It also makes the entire piece look more 3D and complex.

Home in the Kitchen

I had a beautiful carving hanging in my kitchen. It was the first thing I saw when I came in the door and gave me a smile every time.

It also thrilled my sister-in-law. And my brother bought it for an anniversary gift.

I’m delighted it’s in a place where it is so appreciated. But, I really missed having such a gorgeous carving to see when I came home.

Now the Seaweed Trees adorn that kitchen wall. I love it!