I wanted to carve a couple of coasters using the free chip carving patterns that I have designed recently. By combining those patterns in a very simple way I got the chip carving coaster design that I am very pleased with.
I found that carving two coasters at the same time is more convenient as it easier to hold a larger board while carving. The size of the basswood board is 8×4″ (20×10 cm) Width: 1/4″ (6 mm). I only use one chip carving knife with the project.
The work is in progress — still need to “plant” some trees and “build” an air balloon on the left coaster. I will update this article when I finish the project.
UPDATE Feb 19, 2017
I finished the coaster with walnut oil. Oil finish makes the wood grain very visible. I like it as the grain reminds me clouds and hills.
I am proud that this project won the second place in chip carving category in Tri-Valley Wood Carving Show and Competition in Pleasanton, CA in 2016.
Trying to figure out how to do sharp chip carving photos. Well, need more practice:
Please let me know if you like this chip carving coaster design. Thank you.