The Sanding: The 80 grit sanding is the final phase of the carving process as it removes the nicks and gouges from the carving tools, and finishes the shaping of the weave. The 120 grit further eliminates and smoothes out any scratches or dings. Finally, the piece is sanded with 220 grit. With each consecutive sanding, the grain of the wood becomes more and more visible. The 220 phase is when each grain line becomes sharply visible and distinct and the carving is fully ready to accept the oil finish.

Oiling: My blend of linseed oil, tung oil, and carnauba wax seals the piece, brings out the grain and the color. The oil is a natural finish, so the wood will dry out during periods of low humidity. I recommend rehydrating the wood with the product known as Orange Glo, although any quality wood oil will work. If you prefer a more matte finish, oil only occasionally, if you prefer your wood carving glossy, you can oil more frequently.

The Wood: The beauty of Western Red Cedar is the varying color of the wood. Some pieces are dark, some light, and some vary from one tone to another within the same piece. The true color is never known until that final step of Oiling. The carvings you will see on the website are not the ones you will receive if you chose to order. What you get will depend on the boards that are in stock. If you desire and request something (for example) dark, I will pull the darkest board I have, but it will not necessarily be as dark as (for example) walnut would be.

Western Red Cedar is the species from which roofing shingles, decks, and gazeboes have traditionally been made. It is resistant to mold, moisture, and insects. The oiling process also helps to block out damaging uv rays of the sun, so my carvings can be hung outdoors. Please be aware, that even with the oiling, the carving will eventually gray out, as any cedar will, if it is placed in direct sunlight.