Wine Barrel Carving Process
Step Three - The Design

The client for this barrel carving commission was Peaks of Otter Winery.   Nancy wanted to surprise her husband Danny with the barrel head as a gift.  She sent me one of their wine labels and asked me to use it in the creation of a  design. 

After photographing their label, I imported the picture into CorelDraw.  The computer is one piece of technology I use that the original barrel carvers did not.   The images of the label were separated so I could position and resize them if required.  I was also able to duplicate their font styles.  

I immediately felt the peaks should be the focal point of the barrel head.  Because the winery produces fruit wine, I knew I'd be keeping their fruit images.  To take advantage of the oval "canvas", I placed the Winery's name in an arch on top, and put the fruit in a smaller arch under the peaks.   Once the design was approved, the image was tile printed on letter size printer paper and assembled using tape.  The high tech phase has ended and it is time for some old fashion work!

Step Four - Transfer The Pattern

• Our Wine Barrel Carving Commissions Page will provide you with information on how to order your own Custom Wine Barrel Carving!
  

• To see some of Tom'sWine Barrel Carvings, visit Tom's Wine Barrel Carving Gallery!