Wood Carving Repair and Restoration

Restoring an old wood carving. The owner of this ornament asked me if I could repair all the damage and re-finish it for her. I pointed out that the work would drastically effect it's value (estimated at less than £100) as it would no longer be original, but she wanted a nice piece for display rather than a tatty object stuffed in a drawer. Although the carving only stands at around 225mm (9 inches) it is exceptionally well carved and obviously not the usual run of the mill production piece. I was honoured to restore this and thoroughly enjoyed the process which was carried out over the course of a few weeks. 

The character, named Mr Pickwick, reminded me of a childhood obsession I had with the television programmes of Trumpton and Camberwick Green, both written and produced (along with a third series called Chigley) by stop motion puppeteer Gordon Murray in the mid 1960's. Brian Cant, a popular children's TV presenter narrated the action and all the music was written and performed by the British classical guitarist and composer Freddie Phillips. It gave me a good excuse to pay homage to these talented people.

Carved Love Spoon - Butterfly

The symbolism of butterflies is complex and multifaceted, revolving around themes of transformation, hope, joy, freedom, and beauty.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with oil and wax for a long and stable life. The Butterfly love spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide. Click/Tap an image for a larger view.

Hand engraved initials can be placed on the heart with additional details and a date placed on the back.

Carved Love Spoon - Phoenix

The Phoenix is an immortal bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. 

Associated with the sun, the Phoenix dies in a dramatic show of flames and combustion before obtaining a new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor. In this context, the Phoenix represents renewal or a major positive turning point in life.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with sealing oil and waxed for a long and stable life. The spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide.

 Click/Tap an image for a larger view.

Carved Love Spoon - Entwined Hearts

The heart symbol is often used to represent the centre of emotion, including affection and  romantic love. Two hearts entwined represents eternal love between two souls.

Hand engraved initials are often placed on each heart and a date or on the smaller heart. This design can be modified to include a number of small initialed hearts, one for each offspring.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with oil and waxed for a long and stable life. The spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide. 

Carved Love Spoon - Tudor Rose

The Tudor rose (sometimes called the Union rose) is the traditional floral heraldic emblem of England and takes its name and origins from the House of Tudor, which united the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

Flowers depicted on a love spoon represents true love and affection while the celtic knot sybolises togetherness forever. Hand engraved name(s) and date can be placed on the heart free of charge.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with oil and wax for a long and stable life. The spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide. 

Click/Tap image for a larger view. 

Carved Love Spoon - Dragon Protector

The Dragon is a magical legendary creature that appears in the folklore of multiple cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in Western cultures have often been depicted as winged, horned, and capable of breathing fire. 

On this love spoon the dragon symbolises protection and is guarding the two hearts -sybolising lovers- in the bowl of the spoon.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with sealing oil and waxed for a long and stable life. The spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide.

Carved Love Spoon - Stork

A stork symbolizes new life, birth, and family, largely due to the widespread European folktale of storks delivering babies, but also represents hope, regrowth, fertility, good fortune, and even peace and long life. In various ancient mythologies, they were seen as symbols of parental devotion, fidelity, and renewal. 

A new dawn sun shines on the stork with newborn baby. Initials and date can be hand engraved on the heart at no extra cost and further details placed on the rear.

This Lime Wood love spoon is hand cut, carved and finished with sealing oil and waxed for a long and stable life. The spoon measures approximately 250mm (9.7/8in) high and 63mm (2.1/2in) wide.

 Click/Tap an image for a larger view.