Reference sources for simple carving patterns for furniture elements?

[Mike Allen1010]

I'm interested in building a chest of drawers and incorporating some simple carving like shell's/fan's or perhaps a run of natural elements like leaves, vines, maybe some egg and dart molding etc. along the bottom skirt.

I am a beginning Carver and I'm sure it will take lots of practice before I'm able to carve anything that would be worth incorporating into a furniture project, but it helps me to have a goal/example in mind.

I would appreciate any suggestions about reference sources (books, websites etc.) with patterns of simple carved elements that I could use to help lay out the carved elements?

I'm also looking for some examples of how to incorporate simple carving into an overall furniture design that all fits together as a total composition. I'm sure if I started from scratch myself, I would likely end up with a hodgepodge of design elements that look cobbled together.

I have seen some beautiful reproduction, early American furniture inspired by original pieces exhibited in museums or auction catalogs -- are these worthwhile places to look for inspiration? Any suggestions about specific sources?

Any at all advice, suggestions etc. are much appreciated!

All the best, Mike

[Brian Kincaid]

I would like to see some more examples too.

-Brian

[Mike Henderson]

For classical carving, two books I like are the following:

Carving Architectural Detail in Wood, by Frederick Wilbur
Carving Classical Styles in Wood, by Frederick Wilbur

Also, for some shells and a fan, take a look at the carving tutorials on my web site. If you want to do Townsend style shells, the 2003 journal of the SAPFM had instructions and templates. It appears that back issues of the journal are still available.

Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Hi Mike,

Thanks very much for the advice! I ordered a copy of Wilber's book you recommended and have also downloaded a copy of the shell carving tutorial that you graciously posted on your website.

I really appreciate you generously sharing your time and expertise to educate beginning carvers like me!

I ordered a few Pfiel which just arrived. I probably don't have everything I need here for the shell but it should let me at least get started. I am very much looking forward to attempting with my first carving! I'm sure I will muck up the first couple attempts, but I'm really hoping to be able to include at least one carved shell in my next piece of furniture.


BTW, in my online research I ran across some photos of a beautiful Townsend chest you built with some fantastic carvings. If I'm ever able to produce anything half as good as yours I will be thrilled beyond belief!

Thanks again -- all the best, Mike