Added dimensions

[Kragax]

Does anyone do anything to add depth to their projects. I was working on a walnut shelf with a grape/leaves theme. I thought Id carve out the leaf parts to add some dimension to the piece. Needless to say I now have to make that piece over again. I have some carving experience but this did not end well. Is there anything else I should try? Or just stick to veining? I just seems so flat to me.

 

[Lucky2]

Kragax, your right, I add usually add depth by using veining. But then again, if the veining doesn't give me the effect I'm looking for, I will sometimes round over the edges of the veining lines. It takes quite a while to do this with the veining lines being so fine, but it gives it the look I'm going for.

Len. 

[jollyred]

If you could tel us what went wrong, we might be able to help with a solution.  I would guess you had problems with the thin wood breaking while carving.  The answer to that is to use thicker wood, or very shallow carving.  Using razor sharp tools is a given.  Scroll saw projects tend to have a lot of short grain sections, and care needs to be taken to not break these off.

[Kragax]

I was using a small detail "scoop" to dish out the leaves. This is in 3/8" walnut and to get the carving right I had to cut cross grain which is not bad, on a larger piece. This didn't work out so good but I have another piece of walnut so I can replace the bracket. Then I learned about relief scrolling which has taken me in another direction. Thank You for trying to help. I love this place.

 

[Paladin]

instead of carving, what if you used a dremel?  I'm thinking maybe a cone-shaped tip or something run along the veining lines?

[Kragax]

This was scooping out the leaves and allowing the vein area to stand proud. Don't know if any powercarver would leave it smooth enough and the leaves are small, never be able to sand in there but, heck, it was a good experiment

 

[Roberta Moreton]

Wood burning might help.