starting a new project - A red rose for my mom

[Bluebird]

I am writing these lines for the second time... lost my post of the first attempt! grrr

Some people asked me to share progress pics as I go on this new one. It is my first attempt at making a rose, so bear with me, this may end up being a longer journey then you think

All the pieces of wood are cut and fit together. I taped pieces together to increase stability as I adjusted the fit between pieces. The rose (and the buds) are made of bloodwood(red), bubinga (dark pink) and cherry wood.

This is a Lucille Crabtree pattern that I modified to get 2 rose buds in the composition rather then just one.

The thicker pieces of wood are 1 " thick. I used shims underneath certain parts to make them even thicker (1 3/8").

I just started some rough shaping, and I don't know why, but this time I am going from the thickest piece to the lowest as I felt more comfortable that way.
Don't hesitate if you have questions/comments. I am sure I can benefit from eveyone's experience

[jim_mex]

Great Henri!" -Yippee! - we got you to bite the WIP bullet. I'm going to enjoy this one!

A couple of questions please?

How wide is the rose? it looks pretty big from the photos

When you finish this tell me if you think it would have been better going even thicker than you have. It seems to me that you might be in for a challenge to stop this from looking a little flat although knowing how skilful you are I'm sure you'll find a way

Keep the photos coming please - they are great!

[Wood Dog]

Yippee.....got my coffee, slippers and another WIP to learn from. Thank you, life is good. Carry on Henriette.....don't rush, just hurry up.

[Janette]

secret....Lucille used a bandsaw on those really thick pieces and sanded up to the line. shhhhh don't tell anyone

[jlyn069]

Henriette,
That rose is looking beautiful. I appreciate the WIP photos so much and the explaination of what you are doing. I can't believe how much I am learning from this group.
Jackie

[Anneh]

Henriette,
Can't wait to follow this thread! And to see the finished project! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing with us!
Anne

[jim_mex]

secret....Lucille used a bandsaw on those really thick pieces and sanded up to the line. shhhhh don't tell anyone

Janette -I promise NEVER to tell!

PS - Now I can see where an oscillating sander is a must have toy!

** A cutting tip ** for scrollers who don't own bandsaws or prefer to cut thick on their scrollsaws.

A while back I bought some No 2 FD-HD blades from Mike's Workshop - advertised as "The Blade That Could" for very hard or thick wood. This morning this post got me curious and as my bandsaw is currently out of action I thought I'd try these blades out on some 1 7/8" mahogany stock. At a nice slow and easy speed they are very controllable and work a treat!

Here's a shot of one of these monsters compared against a #1 FD-UR blade which I've been using to cut my magpie project. Slightly different eh!

[Bluebird]

Originally Posted by jim_mex

How wide is the rose? it looks pretty big from the photos

When you finish this tell me if you think it would have been better going even thicker than you have.

@Jim... yes this is a large project. It is heavy too! I 'll need a super hook to hang it on the wall! It is 24 " wide by 19" tall.

As for thickness, I am hoping that I will have enough thickness to shape it and give it a nice 3D look... I can't remember how thick Janette went on her rose. I guess I better find that post!!!

[Bluebird]

Originally Posted by Wood Dog

Yippee.....got my coffee, slippers and another WIP to learn from. Thank you, life is good. Carry on Henriette.....don't rush, just hurry up.

You made me laugh WD! Can I join you with my slippers & coffee too? I'll be back in the shop tomorrow to continue the shaping process!

[jim_mex]

Thanks Henri -for the info.

That sure is a biggie! I guess if you get stuck for hanging it you could always turn it into a great door panel!

I'm really looking forward to seeing your progress. Have fun!