Stain highlights grain of this tactile wood sculpture

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARY RASCH

Icame across a piece of artwork that made my heart swoon. I tried to make my own version and wanted to share it to inspire those of you who might be one with your woodshops. I love the end grain, the ease of the project, the use of colorful stains, and the unique final product. I chose Douglas fir because it showed its rings well and the growth was thick between each. A note about safety: Although this project isn’t geared for the littles, depending on your older child, it might be something that is doable for those who are working their way through shop class. As always, please take every safety precaution for yourself, and anyone who might be working with you. Please ensure careful supervision if you are allowing your teens to help. It’s a great project to make together!

Materials

4x4 Douglas fir (length depends on size of final project)

¼-inch plywood

Saw (necessary only if backing needs to be cut down)

Planer (optional)

Miter saw

Safety glasses

Wood glue

Multiple stain colors

Staining rag

Paint can opener

Instructions

1.Decide what size of wall art you would like to make. I made a 17.5x31.5-inch wall hanging. I would suggest keeping your piece big enough to see the change in stain from one side to the other, but not too big. The bigger the piece, the heavier it gets.

2.If you happen to have a planer, you may want to use it on your 4x4 to make the corners crisp, as they often come rounded. This will help the pieces to have fewer gaps at the corners when lined up.

3.I decided to make wedges for each unit to give the piece dimension. Put your safety goggles on and begin by swinging the blade to make a 22.5 degree cut.

4.Swing blade back to 90 degrees and cut again. Continue this cutting pattern. Note: When making a cut, keep the blade down after completing the cut and let the blade come to a complete stop before lifting it up. You will have less chance of the piece launching across the room.

5.As you get more pieces cut, place them on your ¼-inch plywood board. Start in the middle and work your way out, turning the pieces in different directions. It is fine to have a hanging overlap on the edges. Note: 4x4 beams are actually 3.5x3.5 inches. If you have planed the beam down, it may be slightly less.

6.Count up how many pieces you have and divide this number by the number of stains you would like to use. The number you get is how many pieces you will stain each color.

7.Stain each piece. I love how well end grain pieces soak up the color, providing a strong, rich color. Let each piece dry.

8.Set up the pattern as you desire. I wanted to have a gradual shift from the dark stains to light. I also didn’t want a wedge to be placed in the same direction to any piece next to it. It took some arranging and rearranging to find what I liked best.

9.Glue each piece in place and allow plenty of time to dry.

10.Since this is a heavy piece, you’ll want a durable hanging mechanism attached to the back of your artwork. I used two eye hooks and picture wire to provide a robust hanging structure.

11.Be sure to find a stud when hanging this artwork, as drywall won’t be strong enough. Pick your perfect spot, search out a stud behind the drywall, hang your piece and step back to take in the satisfying scene.

Mary Rasch is a Duluth artist and mother of two. Her book, "Fleece Hat Friends and Playful Hoodies," is available on Amazon.