Wood carvings

Types of Wood Carvings

Wood carvings come in myriad shapes and sizes, each reflecting different cultures and artisanship’s evolutionary journey. Below is a rundown of some of the most common types.

• Relief Carvings

  This type of carving stands out and is pointedly executed on a flat background, where elements are raised in relief from the plane. Wood crafters use relief carvings to create architectural decorations, plaques, and other wall hangings. Common themes include floral patterns, animals, and scenes that are carved in high, low, or bas relief.

• In-The-Round Carvings

  Unlike relief carvings, in-the-round carvings are three-dimensional sculptures meant to be viewed from different angles. This method is used to create figurines, statues, and busts. Because the entire piece is sculpted, these creations often show more detailed work and a wider range of motion.

• Carved Furniture

  Incorporating carvings into furniture has been a long-standing tradition. Carved wooden furniture includes ornate leg designs, floral motifs, and other architectural details on cabinets, chairs, and tables. Such pieces are elite and are ever used for both functional and aesthetic applications.

• Wooden Utensils and Tools

  Functional items like spoons, bowls, and serving dishes are often carved from wood. These pieces are designed to be used in everyday life yet have engraved designs to add beauty. Carving tools such as whittling knives and chisels are in demand among enthusiasts and professionals.

• Totem and Figurative Carvings

  Coming mostly from indigenous cultures, totem poles and figures represent clans, tribes, or significant events. They are usually carved from large tree trunks and stand as symbolic worldwide representations of cultural beliefs. Figurative carvings are smaller and replicate religious figures, animals, or mythological characters.

• Marquetry and Intarsia

  Though not strictly carvings, both techniques include cutting and fitting wood pieces into designs. Marquetry uses veneered wood to make pictures or patterns, while intarsia involves different wood pieces to create a mosaic-like effect. Both methods offer unique, eye-catching wooden works, especially for furniture and wall art.

• Bowls and Vessels

  Woodworkers specialize in hollowing out wood to create bowls, vases, and similar containers. An assortment of techniques, including lathe turning and handcarving, are employed. The end result is not only useful but also gives a natural appeal to homes and eateries.

How to Choose Wood Carvings

Selecting hand carved wood home decor requires consideration of many factors to ensure buyers get quality and appropriate pieces. Below are the fundamentals that come into play when choosing such carvings.

• Type of Carving

  Carvings differ depending on the article, be it decorative, functional, or sculptural in nature. In-the-round carvings would be ideal if looking for a three-dimensional sculpture. On the other hand, relief carvings would suit if preference were for wall hangings and architectural accents.

• Wood Type

  Different varieties of wood boast unique properties and appearances. Softwoods like pine and cedar are easy to carve but may not last as long. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and mahogany take longer to work on but are tremendously tougher and more attractive. Each wood type adds a distinct texture and color to the carving.

• Artisan’s Skill Level

  The carver’s experience impacts the quality and intricacy of the piece. Renowned artisans practice superior craftsmanship, producing masterpieces with fine details and innovative designs. Although these pieces may cost an arm and a leg, they possess a significant value primarily due to the name behind them.

• Durability and Maintenance

  Buyers should seek durable carvings suitable for their environment. For instance, outdoor carvings should come from weather-resistant wood, such as teak or redwood. One should also consider the maintenance level; treated or sealed pieces have little moisture sensitivity, while untreated ones may need frequent upkeep.

• Size and Scale

  The size of the carving should correspond with the existing space and the overall room décor. Large sculptures serve as the focal point, whereas smaller pieces complement other accents. Proper proportioning ensures that the carving neither overwhelms nor underwhelms the environment.

• Cost and Budget

  Wood carving prices vary substantially depending on the wood type used, the artisan's experience, and the complexity of the design. Although these pieces may cost an arm and a leg, they possess a significant value primarily due to the name behind them. Carvings made from more common woods, such as pine, will be cheaper than those made from expensive hardwoods, such as mahogany.

Designs of Wood Carvings

Wood carving designs appeal differently based on the general cultural setting and the intention behind the work. The popularity of certain patterns results from ancient traditions or contemporary artistic perspectives to go beyond the ordinary. Below are some of the popular designs.

• Geometric Patterns

  Regular shapes like squares, triangles, and circles create a rhythm and flow in wood carvings. These designs are mostly found in furniture, panels, and architectural elements and are done through incised lines or protruding shapes. With their structural appeal, geometric patterns fit modern minimalist styling.

• Floral Motifs

  Commonly used in relief carvings, floral motives have served as a crucial source of inspiration for wood artists. They range from vines and flowers to leaves and buds, used to adorn various pieces. Both intricate and simple designs convey natural beauty and contrasting lively and serene pieces.

• Animal Figures

  Animal-themed carvings range from realistically detailed sculptures to stylized representations, such as figures of cats, elephants, or mythic creatures. These come in handy in in-the-round carvings and functional articles like carved wooden nightstands and toys. They also embody the cultural significance that animals sometimes serve as symbols of various values.

• Figural Carvings

  Figural carvings depict people or human forms and have been popular desire since ancient eras. They include religious icons, mythological figures, and everyday scenes. They can be all-embracing or abstract and vary in complexity. The skill level and wood type usually determine their size.

• Ornamental Borders

  Ornamental borders include carvings made to fit the edges of furniture, frames, or architectural details. Commonly used patterns are leaves, scrolls, and lace-like designs. These borders add a touch of elegance wherever applied and are primarily used in classically styled interiors.

• Traditional Tribal Designs

  Many indigenous cultures incorporate symbolic layouts, including totems and scrimshaw, into their carvings. Such motifs represent clan or family identities, stories, and other significant cultural components. The subject matter varies from one culture to another, serving as acculturation containers and artistic expression.

How to Store Wood Carvings

Proper storage extends the life of hand carved wood decor, preserves its beauty, and safeguards it from potential harm. Storing these pieces requires knowledge of the various materials used to make them, their susceptibility to moisture and light, and the specific environment where they have to be stored. Below are the fundamentals that come into play when storing wood carvings.

• Use a Controlled Environment

  Wood carvings should be stored in a cool, dry space with stable temperatures and humidity levels. Ideally, the humidity level should be somewhere between 30% and 50%. Keep the area away from direct sunlight, which can cause the wood to fade or crack over time. Do not place the carvings near heating or cooling vents, as the air flow may dry them out.

• Protect from Dust and Insects

  Dust accumulation can tarnish the carving’s look and detail, and pest infestation can damage the wood. Use soft, breathable dust covers or bags to shield the carvings. Regularly inspect the storage area to ensure it’s free from insects like termites or moths that may eat into the wood.

• Proper Shelving and Stacking

  Display or stack wood carvings on sturdy shelving units or storage boxes. Ensure each piece has enough space around it to avoid contact with other items. If stacking, place lighter items on top to prevent crushing and use padding, such as bubble wrap or foam, between layers.

• Separate Delicate Pieces

  If there are multiple carvings, store delicate or fragile pieces separately to avoid breakage. Use wrapping materials like acid-free tissue paper or foam to cushion intricate items. For smaller carvings, consider using plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent loss or damage.

• Use of Original Packaging

  If the carvings are acquired from the manufacturers and come with packaging in the course of purchase, such packages can be used for storage. The original boxes and padding materials, such as bubble wrap or foam inserts, protect the carvings during transport and storage. Return the items to their original packaging until they are used again...

• Regular Maintenance

  Occasionally check the stored wood carvings for signs of moisture, damage, or deterioration. Apply a thin layer of wax or wood oil to keep the wood condition intact and prevent cracking. Re-oil or re-wax pieces as per recommendation.

Q & A

Q1: What wood is commonly used for carving?

A1: A variety of woods are used to make wood carving art, but favorite ones include whiteman, basswood, butternut, oak, and maple. These types have pronounced grain patterns, easy to carve, and provide a sturdy finish, making them ideal for detailed and long-lasting carvings.