Polynesian sign carving

[yaksplat]

Time for this year's post Disney trip carving. I was trying to find something that I could make this year for each of my sons for Christmas. This year we stayed at the Polynesian and I really liked the look of the carved signs for each building.

So that's what I'll be making to go under the tree this year. One sign for each of my sons rooms. Wood has been purchased and the designs have been completed in Photoshop. I'll post pictures as the work progresses on the signs.

 

[yaksplat]

Completed carvings

 

[NYwdwfan]

Awesome idea. That Splash Mountain sign was really cool - can't wait to see the progress on this one.

 

[yaksplat]

Completed the initial sketch and final design in Photoshop.

I'm still messing around with the colors. White is on the original, but I was thinking that a light blue might look nice on the lettering. Not sure yet...

I'm no Photoshop wizard, but all I really need is an outline that I can transfer onto the wood. So this isn't a really clean drawing, but for my purposes it'll do.

 

[yaksplat]

I've finally had some time to work on this and have some updates

So, after printing out the drawing from Photoshop, I trace the whole thing using an embossing tool and carbon paper. This will transfer the image to the wood.

That leaves a nice outline to work with. Otherwise I'd go nuts trying to get thing laid out properly. The sign then gets cut out for carving.

 

[yaksplat]

Then the carving starts.

 

[yaksplat]

And one finished carving. I still have two others to carve for the other two boys before I start painting them.

Once the carving is done, I sand the surface to remove any leftover lines.

 

[P_Radden]

Awesome Project!! I look forward to seeing it when you get it finished. Keep up the good work!

 

[Tuvalu]

My son would have LOVED this for his room! What a great gift!

 

[yaksplat]

I've decided that i'm never going to make three of something again. The first one was fun. The second was a bit tedious. And the third was downright annoying. Once you do something once, your hands want to do something different. Or at least mine do...

I noticed that the links to my pictures were getting all screwed up. Hopefully I've fixed them.

Anyways on to painting.
Initial background coat:


Then the surface gets sanded so the foreground is painted on raw wood and not a dark color.



And without further ado, the final product.



The two older boys were happy with their presents, but the youngest, 4, was not at all. I don't think he understood quite what it was. A couple days later and now he can't wait to hang it up.

 

[jhastings74]

Awesome job! I love that you included photos of the process from start to finish. Thanks for sharing!

 

[NYwdwfan]

Those are so ridiculously cool. The amount of time, and work, that went into those - and to have them come out so amazing - those signs are going to be cherished by your boys long beyond this Christmas. Awesome job.

 

[Gabe1]

I've decided that i'm never going to make three of something again. The first one was fun. The second was a bit tedious. And the third was downright annoying. Once you do something once, your hands want to do something different. Or at least mine do...

I noticed that the links to my pictures were getting all screwed up. Hopefully I've fixed them.

Anyways on to painting.
Initial background coat:


Then the surface gets sanded so the foreground is painted on raw wood and not a dark color.



And without further ado, the final product.



The two older boys were happy with their presents, but the youngest, 4, was not at all. I don't think he understood quite what it was. A couple days later and now he can't wait to hang it up.

Awesome. Impressive!

 

[MinnieM123]

Outstanding work.

 

[ann0d]

AMAZING!!!! Great job!

 

[kevlightyear]

Well done!!!

 

[Juujuugurl]

Wow! These look awesome!