How to Fulfill a Lifelong Dream

1

Conduct extensive research on how wooden carousel horses were created by 19th-century master carvers.

2

Collect a pile of basswood lumber in the back of the family SUV and begin by constructing a hollow, rectangular box for the torso (referred to as “the coffin method” of construction).

3

Create full-size anatomical pattern parts, copy them onto two-dimensional planks and cut them out on a band saw.

4

Use five dozen clamps to laminate about 65 separate pieces of wood to create the material necessary to carve the third dimension.

5

Take frequent pauses to learn new woodworking skills and techniques along the way.

6

Partially carve the legs, head, neck and tail the old-fashioned way—using gouges and a mallet—and attach to the torso, blending each before perfecting the details.

7

Apply four coats of acrylic gesso primer, then customize the animal’s features with three vibrant coats of acrylic color paints, faux jewels and gold-trimmed accessories for glitz.

8

Keep track of all 637 production hours in a carving journal as provenance for posterity..

9

Sit back and admire the 55” long, 58.75” high and 11.5” wide completed sculpture (which weighs about 225 lbs.). Name him Bandit and place him in the foyer.

10

Take satisfaction in the knowledge that a piece of “yesteryear know-how” has been resurrected and passed on to the next generation.