Butternut Brooches

I have been getting requests to carve more cameo and rose brooches. I added a new style rose, as well as a horse head design. These were carved from wormy butternut. I begin by cutting the blanks out of 5/8" stock with a band saw. Then I clean off the saw marks and shape the brooch with a belt sander. I transfer the design to the wood using graphite paper. I start with a v-tool to outline the design and use a #3 gouge to lower the background. I use various other gouges and veiners to define the carving. I then hand sand each brooch beginning with 150 grit, progressing to 220 grit and finishing with 320 grit. I apply several light coats of Deft lacquer satin allowing each coat to dry. The grain in butternut really pops when you apply a finish. Finally, I attach a pin back with epoxy and sign the back of each piece with a wood burner.

Rose Brooch

If you follow along, you might remember a cameo brooch from a couple of years ago. Here's a link in case you missed it Cameo Brooch. I have been asked to come up with another brooch, this one with a rose. Here is the result. Carved from butternut, it measures 2 1/2" x 2". I attached the pin clasp with two part epoxy. Applied three light coats of Deft Satin lacquer and finished with a coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax. I really like the grain in this piece.

Cameo Brooch

I've been commissioned to carve a cameo brooch for a friend that is a re-enactor at Shoal Creek Living History Museum. She wants it finished natural. I chose butternut for the beautiful grain. It is carved from a piece originally measuring 2 1/2" x 2" x 5/8". I finished it with a light coat of satin polyurethane. I apply a coat and then wipe off all I can. I just don't care for a glossy look. Hope the customer is happy.