Mantel in progress Stained

[bob nelson]

I don't have a good camera so it is hard to see the stumps I carved in or the detail of the oak leaves and acorns or the depth. Anyways still have to put on a top and bottom. I used a cherry stain on the mantel. Coated it with a urathane which I ended up buffing it out. I didn't like how it looked like plastic. Just above the boat I carved in a sitting area with a lookout top right. The bear when I started it my son said it looked like a polar bear so I think I changed the look by making the ears shorter hope it looks right. I learned alot with this piece. I used the message board for help which I got .The more I look at it the more mistakes I can see which bugs the hell out of me but thats a learning experience I guess .Anyway enjoy
Bob

[Greyhair]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

To me it just looks great. I would be happy to have it on my fireplace. Great work.

[twilli227]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Bob, you should be proud of a job well done. Don't we all see the little things in our own work?

Todd

[papasar]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Your right Bob. Too many mistakes. Just pack it up and send it to me.
That is one nice mantel!
Bill K.

[Mr. Chips]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Great mantel Bob.
A carving to be proud of.

Randy

[Dan Wegiel]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Hi Bob,
Its fantastic! Beautiful detail and wonderful scene, thanks for sharing.
Dan

[Josef]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

You are being way too hard on yourself mate. The mantel looks fantastic, especially considering the problems you faced earlier. The bear, animals, trees...everything looks spectacular!. I would be proud of that achievement if I were you. Well done. Joe.

[Magicman]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

I think it looks just plumb beautiful, and if you don't want it I'll take it. If I had carved that I would be so proud I would'nt know what to do..
Super Job!!
Larry

[SlowMover]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

It is still one of the nicest looking relief carvings I have seen here on the forum yet. Of course you can see things you would have done different..you have been looking at it for about a zillion hours...it's time for new eyes, I can even pay the postage if you need me to so you can ship it to texas...I got a fireplace right here with an ugly mantel...we could fix that!!!!

Congratulations on a SUPERB piece..I mean that!!

[[email protected]]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

A proud and beautiful piece Bob, It is one for the art books. I would love it on my mantle any day. fred k

[Sharon of the Dell]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

I only have a wood burning stove but I could find some place for it! Be proud, because it's awesome.

[mrgrouch]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

you may be too hard on yourself, but that's not necessarily bad, you learn so much from your mistakes. and if your carvings look so great with so many "mistakes" i can't wait to see a carving you are satisfied with.

really nice work

cheers

[Old Codger]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Bob your mantel carving is gorgeous! It's going to look great above any fireplace...wish I had a fireplace to put it above! Darn... Be sure and send more photos when you finish it and mount it so we can see how it looks...bet it's going to really be especially nice! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kenn

[jimmy joe]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

That is a very fine looking relief carving . I would like to see a little bigger pic of it and it would be great to see it mounted . Great job !

[Ron T]

Re: Mantel in progress Stained

Bob, that is a carving to be truly proud of. As the other have said, we are our own worst critic. You have done a superb job designing, carving and finishing the piece. If there are things to learn from it, you will and then do better on the next.