"Triple H's Soft Side" is being gifted to a rather quiet Cast Member with a fun-loving
off-stage personality. Stephanie, thanks to info from her close friend Rod, we find out loves WWE, video games, Impressionist artists and craft beer.
Hearing the above suggestions, the ideas for the pieces of this carving came together quite easily.
Triple H is one of Stephanie's favorite WWE heroes. The photo selected made for an easy rough out.
So, the unique and subtle details will be the trick to get all the pieces to come together.
The photo is trimmed and traced onto the tupelo block.
So, the unique and subtle details will be the trick to get all the pieces to come together.
The photo is trimmed and traced onto the tupelo block.
The sketch is cut from the block and trimmed as a template. The piece is just over 1/8" thick. This template holds up better than the paper to give me the front outline.
The template is traced on the front, then the figure is coped out with the band saw.
Now for the profile. Once the side of the figure is reasonably established its back to the band saw.
The wooden template on the left will be utilized quite often for
overall figure sizing as the piece is reduced.
Next, the roughing with a course burr can begin.
Depending on the intricacy of a piece, the roughing stage can be somewhat more frustrating as the piece is reduced in bulk. Leaving enough wood in the right places must be well thought out. It helps to work the entire piece down to size then comes the detail.
Once all the arm, leg bands, wrist tape and face are clearly showing, the fun begins...
finish shaping and smoothing.
As for the rest of the pieces, the craft beer bottle was simple. The actual WWE belt is extremely detailed. It was decided to "KISS" the belt! (Keep It Simple Stupid)
The WW emblem was easy enough. The side plates are simply the initials of the recipient.
Holes and studds to secure the belt will be added.
Below are the six pieces that make up "Triple H's Soft Side."
At the bottom left is a Villain from "The Legend of Zelda" video game.
The poor fellow with a broken sword is about to be "stepped on" by Triple H.
However, the simple looking painting easel and frame took over three hours one Sunday morning!
Three or four prior easels found their way to the trash bucket!
Here are the finished pieces.
The bottle is stained and the label is from a photo printed on regular paper.
The Villain with a broken sword is "squished" beneath Triple H's foot.
Van Gogh in his place of honor.
"Triple H's Soft Side"
The piece measures 9 1/2"W X 8"H X 7"D.
Triple H is 7" tall.
(Note: Every carving this carver creates is a gift. The enjoyment of each project comes from selecting the unsuspecting recipient and the well researched and personalized suggestions that goes into each carving.
"Triple H's Soft Side" is the 81st carving since 2009. Except for but a few special request carvings, each carving was a complete surprise to the recipients.
I'd like to take a moment to send out a special thank you to all my unofficial "Sleuths" who can keep a secret and who make all this so much fun and deeply rewarding.)
