- 1). Place the pattern on the pillar using a graphite pencil or graphite paper. Most wood carvers will place a pattern on the wood to help guide them during the woodcarving process. Patterns can be purchased or the carver may create his own pattern. Graphite is used as a transfer medium for the pattern because it can be erased from the wood with a regular rubber eraser and won't leave any marks or discoloration behind.
- 2). Remove the deepest portions of the relief first using a chisel and mallet. This sets the depth of the relief and will help the other layers to remain proportional. Change chisels as needed to meet the requirements of the different spaces that will be carved out of the relief.
- 3). Create a rough outline of the pattern and the different levels of the relief. Use a carving knife to smooth the rough cut edges.
- 4). Sand the relief with sandpaper to finish smoothing the lines of the relief. This process will require about as much time as the original carving did. All sanding has to be done by hand so that the pattern isn't damaged by over sanding.
- 5). Seal the carved pillar with a wood sealer.
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