Letter Carving

Chris Pye

Gilded letter carving by Chris Pye

September 17-21

The art of letter carving has wide applications, from signing a piece of fine furniture to sign making, and as a decorative element in furniture and other woodwork. In this workshop, participants acquire an understanding of good letter design and layout, as well as the carving skills necessary to tackle any lettering style.

Beginning with simple tool cuts, Chris leads students through a series of informal exercises covering the basic skills needed to carve the full Roman alphabet—the classic style of capital letters with which we are familiar today—as well as other styles, such as Gothic and Celtic. Each student will complete a sample "Welcome" sign, and those who work quickly and burn the midnight oil will have the opportunity to carve others. Throughout, Chris focuses on correct tool sharpening and efficient carving techniques: incising the clean flowing lines which are the mark of good workmanship.

From his studio in Herefordshire, England, Chris Pye works on a broad spectrum of commissions, including lettering, heraldry, furniture ornamentation, architectural carving, and sculpture. A Member of the Master Carvers Association, clients include HRH the Prince of Wales. Chris has some 35 years of experience as a carver, and is the author of seven books. Among the six from GMC Publications Ltd. are Woodcarving Tools, Materials, and Equipment, Volumes 1 & 2 (1995, 2002), Lettercarving in Wood (1997), Relief Carving: a Practical Introduction (1998), and Woodcarving Projects and Techniques (2007). Fox Chapel Publications put out Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual in 2010. In 2011, Chris launched a video-rich instructional website: www.chrispye-woodcarving.com.

Open to novice and intermediate carvers.

Tuition: $695

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