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  Here are some photos showing the finish process on the cross and the assembly of the cross with the processional staff.    First, a water based pre-stain was applied to the cross. Then, multiple coats of dark walnut stain were applied to get the right depth of color. After the stain, three coats of polycrylic are applied over the stain to protect the finish. The four carvings on the ends of the cross are painted white and gold. The frames of these carvings are also painted with gold.  After the base painting is done, three more coats of polycrylic are applied and then the same stain used on the cross is used to create shadows and greater definition to the carvings on the ends of the cross.   We designed a custom turned and cut staff head to connect the cross to a brass pole. Here is the staff head before any finish is applied.    The staff head was finished with the same dark walnut stain used for the cross and then three coats of polycrylic were app...

   Here are some photos taken during the carving and assembly of the cross for the Christus Rex. The cross is made from poplar and will be stained dark before all is done to give a better contrast with the figure on the cross.   The vertical and cross bars are cut out and the ends cut to shape with a coping saw as shown in the last post . In this photo, I'm finishing she edges and surfaces with a hand scraper.   Lowering the background for the lamb carving on the left end of the cross bar.    Here is the nearly finished lamb carving.    Carving the chalice and host for the right side of the cross bar.    Now the dove is nearly done on the top of the vertical bar.   Carving the blessing had on the bottom of the cross.    With the carvings on the ends of the cross done, it is time to join the vertical and cross bars. I'm using a Japanese pull saw to make the cross cuts for the joinery.   The joint is cut and ready for a...

  Since the last post on the Christus Rex for All Saints, a lot of work was done on refinements and the hands are finally fitted.    The carving of the figure is now close to its final form.    After ripping the cross members to width, I cut the shape of the ends with a good old fashion coping saw.      Here the cross bar is just resting on top of the vertical with the paper pattern of the figure so we can get an idea of how it will look after they are joined together.   More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

Over the years, I carved a few of these Christmas ornaments that I designed.  

  Refining the hands, feet, crown, and halo of the Christus Rex carving for All Saints church.  Finishing up the feet with nail marks and added fringe to the end of the stole.    Finishing up the hands and preparing them to be inserted in the sleeves.   Refining the points of the crown and shaping the inside of the crown. Thinning and refining the shape of the halo. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

Since the last post for the All Saints Christus Rex carving, some progress is made on head and hands. Refining the face.   Detailing in the hair and shaping the top of the crown.   Defining the palms and fingers of the hands. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

 Here are some photos of the continued work on the Cristus Rex for All Saints. Forming the face Giving some shape to major hair movements Starting to shape the hands More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

 Below are some photos taken while roughing out the figure for the All Saints Cristus Rex.   The major forms are defined. Roughing in the movements in the chasuble. I think we are getting a good idea of the form of things. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.

   Here are some progress photos taken while blocking out the Cristus Rex carving:   Clamping the piece directly in the bench vise for the heaviest wood removal with mallet and gouges. Further blocking out on the bench (clamped with bench dogs and the bench vise.)  Now it is time to rough in some more refined forms. In order to have more control of the position of the carving, I'm attaching a threaded rod to the back that will allow me to attach the carving to an articulated arm. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.  

   Here are some progress photos for the Chritus Rex caving. Basswood cut out on a band saw for the body, arms and hands. The hands will be carved and inserted later to allow the wood grain to run the length of the fingers. This will give the fingers some added strength.   Prepping the surfaces to glue on the wood for the arms. This is done with a combination of hand plane and scrapers.   The arm sections are glued on. The glue must be clamped securely and allowed to dry and cure for at least 24 hours.   With the body and arms cut to shape and glued up, it is ready to start carving. Blog post regarding this carving will have the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.    

It occurred to me to count how many St. Ignatius statues I have made so far. The total came to thirteen. One original for the client to keep and twelve so far for them to give out. Just for fun, here they are: 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 - first copy 2010 - original