Gothic Bat Candle Tray and Charms

Wow Sheila, this is stunning! perfect for Halloween time. Very delicate looking. I am a bit concerned about the contact points of the bat to the rings, looks a bit too fragile? Maybe make them a teeny weeny bit bigger? Otherwise I think you scored big on this one!

Erwin, Jacksonville, FL

-- Erwin, Jacksonville, FL

Thanks, Erwin. It is really fun to make.

As far as being delicate. . . you would be amazed at how sturdy it is. You could probably throw it like a frisbee and it would be fine (kind of kidding, but kind of serious too!) The bats are connected at five points – the top of the wings, the tips of the wings and the tail. This makes them extremely stable and you really don’t need to have a large area that it connects to. My partner questioned me when he saw the drawing and wanted me to make the spots thicker where they touch, but I didn’t listen (I am stubborn!) and he does see now that I was (dare I say it???) “right” You just need to cut carefully and not overshoot when you turn at those points. However, if you would feel more comfortable making the places wider, by all means it is OK. But it really isn’t necessary. You need to trust me on this :)

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"

That is beautiful Sheila.
Your tight craftsmanship is awesome.
And the results are really impressive.
I bet people on your gift list can’t wait for Christmas to roll around!

-- Eric

Lovely, Sheila and I’m sure the red eyes will be stunning. As for ebony. I’d go the sanding sealer and wax route, but that’s just me. Its so dark that practically any finish will be OK. Oil tends to darken things, so if you come across lighter streaks in the Ebony its often good for relieving that. All I could advise against is a gloss finish.

-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com

Thanks, Martyn! You were one of the ‘experts’ that I was going to ask! :D I was afraid to put any polyurethane or spray on them because I didn’t want them to look hazy. I am heading for my crystal drawer now and hopefully I will have some red ones small enough for the job. I did see some very faint light streaks in this piece, but they were very tiny and shouldn’t show at all. I like the oil too, as you know. I rarely use high gloss because it shows every flaw and I think detracts from the wood. I will update when the eyes are in place.

Sheila

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"

scrollgirl,
Very nicely done! I can certainly see from the Bats themselves where the Gothic look eminates. It does appear to be a delicate cutting as well. The overall appeal is two fold for me such as Delicate/Gothic. Seems to be an oxymoron and I Love Jumbo Shrimp! I see where the drilling process was a very time consuming part of this also. The use of the Oak and Ebony really helps with the diametrical oppositions being conveyed here. Congratulations on a very interesting design and thanks for sharing.

Sincerely,
Ken McGinnis

-- woodbutcher north carolina

Very impressive, Sheila!
The base is beautiful… and a little scary!
Ellen

-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

Sheila, I wonder if this is acheivable using a scroll saw?

Its Escher’s Angels and Devils

-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com

Is that a challenge?? :)

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"

That would be cruel. Just kidding.

-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com

Very well done love the detail of the bats.

Exquisite detail and design. Very unique and beautifully done. Impressive looking piece. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

This is very beautiful, Sheila. My wife would love that. Maybe, before it’s over, you will get me to try my hand at scroll sawing.

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau

Sheila this is awesome! I love it and know my husband would love one! I checked your website but don’t see the pattern listed. Will it be available soon? I would love to make one of these for my husband for this Halloween. He is a BIG halloween/horror/vampire fan and I’d love to give him one to put on his work desk with a candy jar.
Keep up the great work!

-- "The Noblest Art is that of making others happy." ~ P.T. Barnum

Thank you so much DocHamm. I love Gothic things myself and I think they can be displayed all year long. Here is the link to the product:

Gothic Bat Candle Tray

If you want to go to the site directly. Let me know if you need any additional help and thank you again!

Sheila

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"