Since the beginning of the latest lockdown, like many people I have struggled to develop my work flow in my new surroundings. I have finally got used to working in my living room with my paints, gold leaf and drawing equipment and then carving in my shed.
I have finished the commissions that I received before Christmas and over the last 2 weeks I have been pushing my online presence on Facebook in order to generate some new commissions. I am pleased to say I have had some new house numbers to carve.
Before I can carve the house names and numbers I have to spend some time drawing the designs on the stone, obviously this is more difficult as my customers are at the end of an email not in my studio. I draw a few drafts to pin down what they want and then once they are happy I can make a start.
The first thing I need to know is stone type, generally Welsh slate or Forest of Dean sandstone, then size and whether they would like sawn or natural edge. I have a good selection of stone in my studio-now in my shed to give my customers some choice, this may seem a lot of work but trust me the finished piece is worth the effort.
Here are some designs that I have drawn not all have been chosen but this is the starting point. I have some of these carved now but not painted/gilded yet and I also have one piece that I can’t publish yet as it’s a Wedding present.
[See image gallery at www.catseyecarving.co.uk]These are some of my completed commissions including some in between photos.
[See image gallery at www.catseyecarving.co.uk]I have some new commissions to get on with this week as well as ordering some stone but everything takes longer at the moment because of the pandemic. It’s very cold outside in my shed at the moment so that is quite a big factor in my work schedule but I have warm clothes and a good heater so I can spend a few hours out there.
Obviously I am looking forward to getting back on with the War memorial but the piece of stone is outside my workshop.
If you have an idea for a commission please feel free to get in touch and we can have a chat about what you would like.
Take care and stay safe
