Post #430811 by Mr. Pupu Pants on Mon, Jan 26, 2009 1:50 PM

Dearest Robb, Palapala, 4WDTiki, you are all being waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too kind (but I sure do appreciate the nice feedback --thank you :) ).
I most certainly have no training in any of this (it's really more technique than talent). I've worked in film and video production and sometimes designed and put together sets --so that makes me think carefully about the placing of 'props' and design elements in an attempt to get the most visual impact. I've learned the contruction techniques as I've gone along on this project (and have the scars to prove it).

Palapala, in my view, all of this stuff is god given :)

4WDTiki, I used a router for the lines (even to outline the flowers). I then used the tried 'n true propane torch technique. I torched the wood to the point that the burned surface starts puckering and then I wire brush away the charred remains to get that nice 'rise' out of the grain (since the grain burns slower than the meat of the wood). Sometimes I'll do this twice.

Disneyland does this to some of it's woodwork but they more commonly use sandblasting to get the effect (ie--the beautifully textured wood railings and posts on some of the Fantasyland rides).

For the flowers, I got out the chisels and, using the routered outline, chiseled them out to give them more of a concaved carved look and texture to add a contrasting look. I stained the poles a dark brown and 'stipple brushed' a golden oak stain on the flowers for contrast and to make them look warm but slightly faded and aged.

On top of all that--a nice coat of satin polyurethane.

[ Edited by: Mr. Pupu Pants 2009-01-26 13:59 ]

[ Edited by: Mr. Pupu Pants 2009-01-26 14:00 ]