Skylar's Unicorn
Custom Built
NEW email
UPDATED 9/7/03
Click here for newest pictures page 3
Skylar's Unicorn will be decorated with daisies, and butterflies, in pastel colors. Click on photos to enlarge. All stages of the process are photographed so you can watch as it takes shape. Weekly updates of this site, so bookmark this page, to watch as Skylar's Unicorn progresses, from this pile of lumber, to a graceful beautiful unicorn carousel horse.
It all starts with a pile of lumber. Note the creamy knot free texture of this wood. Linden Basswood the finest carving wood available. The choice of the Master Carousel Carvers.
Wood is clamped together taking grain direction into account to provide strength. joints are doweled for extra strength.
Corners are removed with a chisel then leg is further shaped with a rasp, and sander. All four legs will be shaped to this point before muscles, hoofs, and shoes are added.
legs are detailed, hoofs and shoes carved
Neck and body sides in clamps
Head and body ends in clamps. Traditionally to save ware on the carousel mechanism Carousel horses were hollow body, often referred to as "coffin construction". I attempt to in every way duplicate the construction of the masters as their horses are still in place after 100 years, the workmanship and quality is worth duplicating to create modern "heirlooms" which will pass down through my clients families for generations. For that reason the finest lumber (basswood) glue (Franklin Titebond II) primer (kilz) paint (Sherman Williams house paint) are used. Quality, there is no substitute!
head & neck block hollow area in body carving begins on the head
head begins to takes shape teeth & lips begin to emerge .
This week will be devoted to the face, what I consider the most important feature. In this case, as the unicorn is for a little girl, a sweet yet spirited look will be accomplished. This is achieved both with the eyes, and nostrils.
The major features are chiseled in the face. Final detailing will be done after sanding. The ears are not separated until the head is mounted to the neck. The head will be mounted to the neck at an angle to indicate a turn of the head, toward the rider. This week the neck block will be carved, and the body box glued up.