A blog devoted to Richard Bordwell and Michael Bordwell. Two wood carving artisans known as The Whittler and Chip.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Cattail Clock

This beautiful clock was created by my father as a gift to my mother.  Mike constructed it from walnut and added the workings and glass.  The clock had a lovely tone and had to be wound with a key once a day. It would chime the hour and then a subtle chime on the half hour.

Unfortunately my brother and I hit it with a ball and it fell from the wall, never worked again.  Whoops.  Yes we got in big trouble but it stayed on the wall to this day.

Mike created many panels and carving in various clocks, especially grandfather clocks. One I remember in particular was a grandfather clock that had a male deer jumping over a log on each side.  I believe this was sold from Krauss Furniture in Amana Iowa.  If anyone has seen this clock I would love a photo to add to the web site here.


Horse in a Barn Door

This was one of those pieces my Dad and Grandfather often did.  They were in my parents house and grandfather's house and because you saw them so much they became invisible.  I was recently sitting at my mother's and realized I never added the piece to the web page.

This is one my Dad created.  It was carved in basswood I would guess then painted with oils.  I don't think many wood crafters mix media like this but it was something Mike and Richard did often.

I've also included some detailed shots for a closer look at the work that went into this.  Notice the wood grain carved into the door from and the wooden walls and beam in the barn background.  The latches and square nails were also carved.  Even the stack of straw in the background has texture.

Really an amazing relief carving.





More Boots This Time From Josh

Joshua sent me a few shot of the boot he owns.  Seems pretty similar to mine.  Really great example.  Thanks a lot Josh.