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(March 2006) posted on Sun Mar 19, 2006

Sculpting a high-relief applique

By Francis S. Lestingi

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With deepest apologies to Joyce Kilmore and God, it is possible to sculpt a high-relief, dimensional, appliqué. Replicating trees with this method is the highest form of flattery; read on to learn this technique, which can beautify any sign panel.

Making a template

First, I needed a good tree rendering; a dramatic silhouette is preferable to a conventional, symmetric shape. A Google.com search yielded more than 250,000 images. Fortunately, I found an attractive oak-tree drawing within the first 500 listings. I printed, scanned and outlined the image using Adobe Illustrator® on my Mac® G4 computer.

Then, I printed the outlined tree onto high-quality tracing paper using my HP LaserJet 2200d printer. Because laser printers deposit carbon particles onto a substrate to reproduce images on paper, it's possible to transfer the artwork to a piece of mahogany or HDU by applying heat from a heat-transfer pen or household iron.

Next, I cut out the silhouette using a scroll saw with a spiral blade. A saber saw can accomplish the task, but a spiral blade moves the panel in any direction while cutting. This is especially helpful when navigating many small arcs and curves.

Carving time

After I cut out the silhouette, I was ready to carve around the edges and trunk. I secured the cutout to the workbench by first covering the tabletop with newspaper, using a few zigzag beads of yellow carpenter's glue. Next, I applied glue to the cutout's back, and I pressed the silhouette onto the newspaper.

This technique provides excellent adhesion with minimal glue. Alternately, the cutout could be attached to a piece of wood as a base and secured to the bench's top with a clamp. The latter approach would facilitate orienting the cutout in any direction desired. Removing the cutout is quick and easy with a flexible, metal, paint scraper.

The only required chisel carving is on the trunk and edges. To detail the tree trunk, I made a pencil sketch of an actual tree and placed it upon the silhouette to serve as a guide. Next, I tapered the tree's entire edge and sloped it approximately 60°.