Woodcarving Illustrated | holiday 2009
40
Create colorful holiday ornaments
with basic techniques
By Jim Sebring
Step-by-step photos by Jody Sebring
Dress up your Christmas tree with handcarved
stars! The stars are ideal for highlighting garlands
or wreaths and make perfect stocking stuffers.
Carve the stars from a solid piece of basswood
or butternut. To add interest, create laminated blanks
by gluing together several thin pieces of colorful
hardwood. The contrasting layers will be exposed
as you carve the star.
I use an Automach reciprocating carver for the
hardwood stars. I secure the blank in a homemade
jig and use a ¾" straight chisel. If you are carving
laminated stars without the aid of a reciprocating
carver, use softer woods, such as cedar, basswood,
or butternut, which are easier to carve.
Use spray adhesive to attach the paper pattern to
a piece of stiff plastic, such as from a blister pack, to
make a template. Cut the template carefully with a
hobby knife and a straight edge to keep the size and
angles accurate. Cut out the center so you can mark
the chip carving lines on the blank.
Securely clamp hardwood stars in a vertical
position before carving the points. Stars made from
soft wood can be hand held, but be sure to wear a
carving glove. I carve hundreds of stars each year
and developed a holding fixture to speed production.
Instructions for creating the custom holding jig are
available at www.woodcarvingillustrated.com.
Star
Ornament
Carving
a
www.woodcarvingillustrated.com
41
Glue up the blank. (Optional) I use three dierent colors of
wood. Sandwich the center layer between two matching pieces
of wood. Then use a third color of wood for the outermost layers.
Make sure the grain runs in the same direction on all of the pieces.
Spread TiteBond II wood glue on both of the sides to be glued
together and clamp the layers together overnight.
1
Transfer the pattern to the blank. Use a square to mark
lines perpendicular to the direction of the grain. Make sure the
top point of the star marked with an X runs with the grain of the
wood. The grain runs from the point with the X toward the bottom
of the star. Trace around the perimeter pattern with a pencil.
2
Trace the center star. Align the X point on the pattern
with the X point on the blank. Trace the center star design on to
the blank. Flip the blank. Keep the template face up, align the X
points, and trace the center design on the back of the blank.
4
Cut the blank. Cut the V-shape from between the bottom
two points. Cutting straight across the bottom points provides a
at surface to support the star during drilling. Use a #56 drill bit
and drill a hole in the center of the top point for the hanger loop.
Cut the remainder of the star outline.
3
Carve the center. Use a bench knife or chip carving knife.
Make angled cuts from the lines down to the center. It may take
several cuts. The cuts converge at the center of the star, which
should end up about ¼" deep. Carve the center on both sides.
Then draw a centerline around the perimeter of the blank.
5
Make the stop cuts. Securely clamp the star and use a
small hobby saw. Make a stop cut at each intersection of the star’s
points. Angle the stop cut from the centerline along the perimeter
of the star to the edge of the chip-carved design in the center.
Make the cuts on both sides of the star.
6
star: carvinG tHe ornament
star: preparinG tHe BLanK
Woodcarving Illustrated | HOLIDAY 2009
42
MATERIALS:
• 5 each ⁄" x 3" x 3" contrasting
colors of wood (laminated star)
• ⁄" x 3" x 3" basswood, cedar, or
butternut (solid star)
• Deft lacquer or finish of choice
• Tightbond II wood glue
• Eye hanger
• Sandpaper, 220 grit
• Cyanoacrylate glue
TOOLS:
• Chip carving knife
or knife of choice
• Straight chisel and mallet or
reciprocating power carver
with straight chisel attachment
(hardwood star)
• Saw of choice (to cut blanks)
• Hobby saw (to make stop cuts)
• Safety glove
• Drill with #56 twist bit
materials
& tools
About the Author
Jim Sebring lives in East
Stroudsburg, Pa. He has been
carving in the tramp-art style
since 1995. His work has been
on display in many historic
venues and at the Northeast Woodcarvers
Roundup in Honesdale, Pa.
X
Grain
1
2
2
3
3
X
5
5
6
6
4
X
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
X
Begin carving the points. Follow the suggested cut order
and direction to avoid breaking o the points. Clamp the star and
use a reciprocating carver or mallet and chisel for hardwood stars.
Use a knife for soft wood stars. Hold the blade at an angle so the
center of the point is highest. Make cuts 1, 2, and 3.
7
Finish carving the points. Flip the blank over and repeat
cuts 1, 2, and 3 on the reverse side. Continue making the cuts in
the order and direction suggested below. Turn and ip the star as
required. Some of the cuts may feel awkward, but it is the best
progression to avoid breaking the points.
8
Finish the stars. Sand the at planes of the points with a
piece of sandpaper glued to a at piece of wood. Glue the hanger
loop in place with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. Apply two light coats of
Deft lacquer, sanding lightly between coats.
9
Star
ornament
pattern
Progression of cuts
for hand carving
Progression of cuts
for power carving
ONLINE BONUS
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Plans for the star holding jig
are available on our website.
