Walnut Mantel with carved panels

Wow. That is some fantastic craftsmanship, Les!

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

That is impressive, Les. Well done.

-- Thos. Angle

great work ! how many hours ? what is the wood ?

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

Wow, that really came out great. I sure wish I could carve like some of you guys.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

I am sure that did take a while to do. Very nice piece.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Egads!! Beautiful seems inadequate.

Good job. I admire the carving.

-- Jiri

Downright impressive.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

very nice work les !

That is gorgeous. As I said in an earlier post walnut is such a wonderful wood with which to work. The carvings really make this piece unique. I can’t really tell from the picture but does the room have walnut wainscoting as well or is this another element of the mantel?

I am envious of those like you Les that can carve. This is an invaluable gift that adds an entirely different dimension to woodworking projects.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

But can you do long leaf maple!!! :)

-- Marshall _ Wichita, Ks _ "Growing Old is Mandatory - - Growing Up Is Optional" :)

that is very nice!!!

-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/

All the walls in the room was walnut. I don’t remember how many hours went into the carvings, these were done about 15 years ago or so, all I can you is that it was plenty.

Thanks for all the comments!!

-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)

absolutely stunning
amazing!!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Wow Les, your carving is fantastic. “Wanted it to come alive”!! This couldn’t get any closer to the real thing…wow, fantastic work.

-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA

Awe, man, my carpel tunnel syndrome just came back :O. I remember punching the background for the corbels on my hall tree. That totaled maybe 12 square inches. I can’t imagine how your hand felt after you finished that. That’s excellent work, Les.

-- Being nice gets you stuff!

Amazing carving work. The mantle looks great.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Good one Les! Real nice! Thanx for posting this for us.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!