Surface embellishment is a way to add visual interest and value to your work. It can be used to differentiate good work from work that is truly remarkable. Imagine opening a cabinet door and being greeted by a burst of color or delighting in the texture of a carved drawer front. Consider the visual impact of ebonized legs supporting a table top or the discovery of the gilded interior of a box. These are all examples of ways that embellishment can be used to enhance a project. These techniques can be used on furniture, turned objects, boxes, and more. They can even be used to transform a cheap, mass-produced item into a lovely, thoughtful gift. In this 1-day action-packed technique class students will learn a variety of ways to embellish their work. In between demos there will be plenty of time for hands-on practice of the techniques. Students will be encouraged to play and explore as they learn to take their work to a whole new level of WOW!
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
- Ebonizing
- Pyrography (wood burning)
- Gilding
- Creating textures
- Fun with fire! (AKA torching your wood)
- Unexpected use of color
- Color with texture
- Texture with gilding
- Ebonizing with pyrograph
- Whatever combo your heart desires!
Recommended student tool list:
- Note taking supplies
- Ear and eye protection – required for use of equipment
- Water bottle
- Wood burner and various tips if you have one
- Small brass brushes (cheap from Harbor Freight)
- Plumber’s torch and lighter if you have one
- Variety of sharp carving gouges or Dremel tool with carving burrs or Foredom tool with carving burrs
- Drawing tools like circle templates and French curves
- Hair dryer or heat gun (nice to have but not required)
