Edmond McKamey: Ornate
Mirror Frame
email: eomckamey@hotmail.com
Basswood. June 2003
Height: 45in. Width:
22in. Depth: 41/2in.
(top) - 21/2in.
(elsewhere)
The design was originally developed by a "master" woodcarver & friend/mentor of many years, John Kompolsek, a Moline, Illinois USA resident, originally from Slovenia.
After carving was complete, the entire frame (back and front sides) was "water-gilded" via 23K gold leaf.
I can strongly recommend two excellent books:
-
Practical Wood Carving and Gilding by William Wheeler and Charles Hayward
- Practical Gilding by Peter & Ann Mactaggart
as well as a thorough search of the web for information.
Author's Images & Notes of the Work in Progress.
These are full pictures - please allow time for them to load.
I modified the design slightly and began assembling the basswood stock necessary to accommodate the design.
Each half (right/left) of the frame was first jointed and then glued up...
... and the pattern traced on same.
Each half was then band-sawed separately to allow access.
Next, the two halves were glued together.
Some of the still surrounded areas were drilled out and saber saw used to remove as much wood as possible...before carving proper actually began.
Normal woodcarving steps (setting in, grounding, bosting & modeling) were completed.
I held the work on the bench via steel bench dogs and/or adjustable clamps and a piece of carpet-padded plywood carefully applied down over the frame's surface(s).
I used a piece of foam padding between the frame and bench when necessary to protect surfaces already carved. .
Here is the completed frame with a mirror reflection of my wife.
Gilding "ornate" objects is a particularly challenging process.
Some Other Gilded Frames by Edmond McKamey
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