What does it take to make an ornament? A piece of wood, a gouge, some oils, a copper hook, beeswax, and a little imagination. Here’s how it goes.
Start with a Blank
Almost any small piece of wood can become a decoration. As mentioned elsewhere on this site (Giving Wood a Second Chance – The Linden Wood Studio), even a discarded chair can provide inspiration and material to make an ornament. I often make blanks from basswood. Then I roughly sketch some guidelines.
Rough Out the Design
Next, I just chip away what is not part of the plan. This is not an exact science, and plans can change moment to moment. But that is the fun of it.
Refine the Details
This is the time when even I am not sure what will finally appear. But I like the discovery. No surprise in the artist, no delight in the viewer, I say. There are times when I am carving a face that I almost feel I should say “Well, hello there.”
Bring the Ornament to Life
Every piece, from an a 5-inch bauble to a 24-inch St. Nick figure, gets a sealing coat of stain and linseed oil.
Then the color stain and final touches give the piece its unique personality. After a while to let it dry, I polish the ornament with beeswax and it is ready for a hand-hammered copper hook. Copper makes a beautiful hook and has been favored by metal workers for millenia (https://www.thoughtco.com/copper-history-pt-i-2340112).
And Finally, Hang the Ornament Up!
That’s it. Now repeat, with modifications, of course.
The more the merrier!