Wine Sign

Here is the design for the wine bar sign.

Thank you,
Kenneth

Signs

We are working on a few sign projects at the moment. These are not complete yet but when they are I will post the finished pieces.

Here is Juan carving a wooden sign for the San Diego Zoo proposal.

This is me working on a sign for a wine bar's tasting room.

All of our work is hand carved. And these signs are carved out of poplar wood. Poplar wood is a pretty good carving wood. Poplar is relatively soft and it keeps a sharper corner and doesn't dent as easy as basswood (which is a much easier wood to carve). Poplar paints and glues well. I wouldn't suggest it for outdoor use. Woods that are good for outdoors do to their weather resistance properties are Teak wood, Mahogany wood, or Walnut wood. Teak wood is around $25 a board foot in my area. Teak also needs special preparation due to it's oily nature it needs to be stripped of its oils with a solvent such as acetone and should be glued with a two part epoxy. But Teak has been used on boats for a very, very, very long time and it is very moisture proof. The other woods don't need any special preparation except for an exterior finish such as a lacquer or polyurethane.

Thank you,
Kenneth

Introduction

Hello All,

I'm a wood carver/artist located in San Diego and this is my Blog. I will be posting and discussing past, present and future wood carving, art and design projects on this blog. I will be explaining the techniques I used to achieve my results. I will also be answering any questions, and I'm open to any advise.

Background:
I've drawn since I was very little, so as far as I can remember I've had an appreciation for art and visual expression. This love for drawing has has helped me abundantly with all of my carving and art projects. I believe drawing or illustration is the foundation or starting point for all visual expression. Although I didn't take many art classes growing up I did read several books on the subject (I will add a suggested reading list at a later date). Although I did take several digital media classes and went to school for graphic design.

How I started:
I came to a point in my life where I longed to express myself in what I would say a more tangible way. Instead creating flat works I wanted to create something that could be touched and was functional. On my search I came across a woodworking magazine that featured a carved table in the shape of a flower and my interest was sparked. I began to research wood carving and bought a few books and began my journey. I decided to focus on relief wildlife carvings and I started very small. My first projects consisted of key chain holders and small wall art. I progressed to lamps and larger works.

Now:
I have teamed up with another carver and we are working on projects which range from frames to furniture to signs. We currently have a few pending jobs which is a blessing. I will post these along with pictures as soon as I can.

Where am I going:
Lord willing my goal is to progress to bigger and better. I would love to carve an entire wall with a wildlife scene. I have some lamp and box designs I would love to see come into fruition. And we'll just have to see what else happens.

Thank you,
Kenneth Birdine
kbdwoodcarving.com

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.