Classic Carving Patterns
Mahogany Chest by G. Kelly, 1999

These fantastic photos were send to us by G. Kelly, we deeply appreciate his allowing us to share them with you.  His chest is created from African Mahogany with hand forged ironwork. Gary does all the woodworking, carving, and even has an original oil painting inside the lid.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Side Motif: Rembrandt Tulips,
page 35
Lid Corner Motif: Rembrandt Tulip Pane, page 53

"I am a retired research physicist who spent the last 15 years studying machine based intelligence and chaos theory.  The information I learned while studying  mind/brain and chaos theory were extremely helpful in my other passion which is reproducing the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh.

I now live in Brigham City, Utah and am a member of the American Woodcarvers Association. I had an interest in Mayan archeology and the panels carved by the Mayans in Central America and have reproduced several of the panels from Yecheclan.

Five years ago I felt that my skills needed developing in the area of carving classical styles but there were very few books available on classical carving and patterns. When I found "Classic Carving Patterns" by Lora S. Irish it was an answer to a prayer. I bought 5 copies giving them as gifts and tearing them up to scan and use the patterns in the reproduction furniture I make.

Since I am a paraplegic I get the job done using whatever technology is available to me. The majority of the carvings are done using power/rotary (dremal) tools and carbide, ruby, diamond, and sapphire burrs. I use carving gouges when it is appropriate and have over 140 different profiles and sizes. I prefer to carve classical patterns be it floral or animal (particularly mythical subject matter) and find the patterns available from www.carvingpatterns.com to be the best in quality,subject matter and usable information (topography)."    

I rely heavily on others (I hire high school students interested in learning the arts) to help me move, glue up, and assemble the boxes. 

The hardware requires special recognition in that I work with a master blacksmith named Lee Grange in Fruita Colorado to make the hardware. He has the forge and tooling required to work the iron."

                     G. Kelly

WOOD CARVERS SUPPLY, INC.
"The best pattern resource we've seen for relief (flat) carving. Contains 144 original patterns based on traditional themes. Each is illustrated first as a line drawing for transfer and again to show shadows for depth when carving. Includes: acanthus leaves, alphabets, column capital, classic cornices, borders, classic shell, lion, oak and acorns, patriot's wings, roses, traditional eagle and flag, vine and berries. Also covers planning, placement, transferring designs and basic design principles."