Surface Embellishment

Surface embellishment is a way to add visual interest and value to your work.  It can be used to differentiate good work from work that is truly remarkable. Imagine opening a cabinet door and being greeted by a burst of color or delighting in the texture of a carved drawer front. Consider the visual impact of ebonized legs supporting a table top or the discovery of the gilded interior of a box. These are all examples of ways that embellishment can be used to enhance a project. These techniques can be used on furniture, turned objects, boxes, and more. They can even be used to transform a cheap, mass-produced item into a lovely, thoughtful gift.  In this 1-day action-packed technique class students will learn a variety of ways to embellish their work. In between demos there will be plenty of time for hands-on practice of the techniques.  Students will be encouraged to play and explore as they learn to take their work to a whole new level of WOW!   

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

• Ebonizing

• Pyrography (wood burning)

• Gilding

• Creating textures

• Fun with fire! (AKA torching your wood)

• Unexpected use of color

• Color with texture

• Texture with gilding

• Ebonizing with pyrograph

• Whatever combo your heart desires!

Recommended student tool list:

• Note taking supplies

• Ear and eye protection – required for use of equipment

• Water bottle

• Wood burner and various tips if you have one

• Small brass brushes (cheap from Harbor Freight)

• Plumber’s torch and lighter if you have one

• Variety of sharp carving gouges or Dremel tool with carving burrs or Foredom tool with carving burrs

• Drawing tools like circle templates and French curves

• Hair dryer or heat gun (nice to have but not required)

Class fee: $170

Materials fee: $70

Class size limited to 10

Kelly Parker bio