what to do with wood piece

[rdatelle]

Hi guys and gals. I have this piece of wood with the bark around it and not sure what to do with it. It's been in my workshop for a couple of years so I figured I might as well try to make something out of it. It measures 10" high by 7 " wide. I was thinking something religious or some type of portrait. Any ideas. Thanks.

 

Edited June 24, 2016 by rdatelle

[Bill WIlson]

I would probably look to use it as a decorative backer of some type, rather than cut fretwork into it.  My fear would be that fretwork, cut into all of the radial cross grain in that end cut, might not hold up well. 

[Hawk]

I had a similar piece of wood hanging around for a couple of years. The wolf is actually a portrait pattern that I inlaied into the blank. The wolf head is walnut.

 

Chris

 

[rdatelle]

Chris , how did you get it into the wood . Is it cut into it.

[Hawk]

Delete, duplicate post

Edited June 24, 2016 by Hawk

[Hawk]

I stacked the walnut on top of the basswood. Made darn sure my saw blade was 90 degrees, used the smallest blade I have (don't know the size for sure, but I need a magnifying glass to see the teeth) cut thru both, then glue the backer on and drop the walnut in like a puzzle.

[rdatelle]

Thanks Chris. That's a good idea.

[bandaideman]

I have used these for animal portraits that seem to look best with the bark. I have not tried an inlay great idea Chris

[amazingkevin]

Thanks Chris. That's a good idea.

 

I stacked the walnut on top of the basswood. Made darn sure my saw blade was 90 degrees, used the smallest blade I have (don't know the size for sure, but I need a magnifying glass to see the teeth) cut thru both, then glue the backer on and drop the walnut in like a puzzle.

 

 

Chris , how did you get it into the wood . Is it cut into it.

You folks have great talent i wish i had ,Excellent work

[Lucky2]

Ralph, what's the rush? Just because you've had it for a couple of years, doesn't mean that you have to use it now. You could keep it a while longer, then you might find the perfect pattern for it.

Len

[rdatelle]

That's good Len, if I keep it any longer I might use it for fire wood. LOL.

[stu]

Just wait the perfect pattern will jump out at you I have a few burls patiently waiting stu

[WayneMahler]

I have used these for wildlife scenes. They have a special look to them and sell well for me.

[rdatelle]

Chris, another question for you. I'm looking at your picture and wondering how did you get the small pieces of the face cut out. I don't see ant drill holes. Did you cut those out like a puzzle piece and then glue them back in.