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Thread: AUGUST 2018 Project of the Month - "The Happy Country Hen Plaque"!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    Default AUGUST 2018 Project of the Month - "The Happy Country Hen Plaque"!

    Hello,

    The “Happy Country Hen” makes a charming decorative addition to your home decor! The sample pictured here has a “plain” woodgrain slat front, but I have included an additional slat version with a text area. The sample text version says “Mama’s Kitchen” as an example for anyone wanting to display it in their kitchen area, but you can edit/customize the text to say whatever you like.

    It also occurred to me that it would make a nice clock (see clock simulation photo below). You can use up to a 3.5" outside diameter clock insert (such as Clock Insert Model #15452 from klockit.com). Edit the “plain” slat project file by creating a cutout circle appropriate for the clock insert.

    The project uses just the 1/16" Carving Bit and the 1/8" Cutting Bit. No other bits are required.

    Main items you will need:

    1) The Project File(s) (included):
    • Hen_Layout.mpc
    • Nest_Box_Slats.mpc (plain)
    • Nest_Box_Slats-w-Text.mpc*

    *You can use this instead of the “plain” slats. Customize the text as you wish.

    2) Boards with the following dimensions:
    Hen Layout: 0.75" x 9" x 21"
    Nest Box: 0.5" x 5.5" x 22"

    NOTE: Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above unless using an appropriate jig.

    3) Dry florist moss as “nest material” a brass triangle ring to hang the plaque (or other hanging method of your choice)

    4) Sandpaper, stain and/or paint and clear finish

    5) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details. Optional tools: a small bench top belt sander

    Apply the finish of your choice. Here’s what I used on the sample made from Select Pine:

    • 4 coats of thinned Bulls Eye SealCoat (50/50 sealer and denatured alcohol). Sanded between coats.

    • Painted select areas with acrylic craft paints
    - Bonnet, Bow and Eyes: light blue
    - Beak: yellow/orange
    - Eggs, Bonnet dots and Brim: white
    - Nest Box and Slat Front: brown

    • Applied light coats of Krylon Clear (flat) spray to seal

    •Applied gray craft paint as a glaze - brushed on and wiped most of it off, leaving some in crevices to enhance carving detail. TIP: Moisten a rag with water and wrap around a finger to remove “target areas” you want to make lighter. I did this on the face, beak, bonnet brim and eyes.

    • Several light coats of Krylon Clear spray (gloss, then satin) spray, as final clearcoats
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails carvewright_machining-happy_hen550x413.png   belt-sand550x413.png   apply-craft-paints550x413.png   wiping-off_gray_paint_550x413.png  

    apply-final-clearcoats550x413.png   Happy_Country_Hen_Plaque_550x715.png   Happy_Country_Hen_CLOCK_SIM_550x715.png   Happy_Country_Hen_Plaque_430x430.png  

    Michael T
    Happy Carving!


    ═══ Links to Patterns & Resources for CompuCarve™ & CarveWright™ ═══

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Michael, wonderful and creative design. I can see how this also would fit into Thanksgiving as well.

    Very impressed on how every month you come out with a very cool pattern for the folks to carve.

  3. #3
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    Can see lots of possibilities using this months project.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by oscarl48 View Post
    Michael, wonderful and creative design. I can see how this also would fit into Thanksgiving as well.

    Very impressed on how every month you come out with a very cool pattern for the folks to carve.
    Thank you, Oscar!
    Michael T
    Happy Carving!


    ═══ Links to Patterns & Resources for CompuCarve™ & CarveWright™ ═══

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by SharonB View Post
    Can see lots of possibilities using this months project.
    Yes! Lots of possible uses. I intentionally kept the Hen model as a separate item in the MPC project layout for that reason.
    Michael T
    Happy Carving!


    ═══ Links to Patterns & Resources for CompuCarve™ & CarveWright™ ═══

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Nice project Michael. It should be a good seller for those who do craft shows.
    Steve

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by SteveNelson46 View Post
    Nice project Michael. It should be a good seller for those who do craft shows.
    Thank you, Steve. I think it will too!
    Michael T
    Happy Carving!


    ═══ Links to Patterns & Resources for CompuCarve™ & CarveWright™ ═══

  8. #8
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    Delighted with this project!! It has so many possibilities! I especially like the clock idea! Hoping folks post their finished projects! Thank you Michael!!!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by dbemus View Post
    Delighted with this project!! It has so many possibilities! I especially like the clock idea! Hoping folks post their finished projects! Thank you Michael!!!
    Thank you!! I am hoping to see photos from others, too - always “makes my day”!
    Michael T
    Happy Carving!


    ═══ Links to Patterns & Resources for CompuCarve™ & CarveWright™ ═══

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