Feilding Intermediate 'Give it a go' programme.

Boys concentrate on the fine sections of their MDF carvings. The tools are very sharp ( I import them from Japan. There are 9 different blades in the series). I emphasise the need to keep both hands on the handle or a least behind the blade!

Carving tools.

The set of 7 carving tools for woodcut or lino come in a plastic box.
The blades are stainless steel,with wood handle. There are 2 x knife blades, 2 x gouges, 2 x v tools and a chisel. All of these tools are helpful in carving relief.
I import these from Japan.

Japanese Carving Tools

The tools are very sharp and have been made by heating two different steels together (sword steel)there are 7 different tools in the set from Japan and 2 custom made tools that have been manufactured for Homeprint.

Ricarda and Merla WWOOFers from Germany

Ricarda's sketches and carvings are at the proof stage, ready to be inked up and printed. We realised the lovely little image of the outline of New Zealand was carved as you would see it in a map, BUT, it needs to be in reverse for the relief print to have the correct orientation.
I told Ricarda to keep the little carving and make a new one for the printing plate.
The results of the printings were great. Mementos to share with many other friends and family.

Ricarda and Merla, woofers from Germany.

Merla has sketched ideas on paper, drawn onto MDF, then carved with the Japanese carving tools using a bench hook for safety.

Carving MDF

I teach using 2 hands on the Japanese carving tools, they are very sharp and it gives you much more control. All students have different ways of holding the tools to present the blade at the correct angle and the appropriate pressure to cut. Keep peelings off the MDF as you proceed.