This is a mirror I just finished for my Irish father. It was carved from a single piece of 16"x16"x2" Bibinga with a Dremel, router and hand tools. It was finished with a few coats of Danish Oil.
Marcus
[OP]
Member
This is a mirror I just finished for my Irish father. It was carved from a single piece of 16"x16"x2" Bibinga with a Dremel, router and hand tools. It was finished with a few coats of Danish Oil.
Marcus
Moderator
Marcus, that's really very nicely executed! Welcome to the 'Creek, too...keep the pictures of your work coming!
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
[OP]
Member
Thank you for your kind comments Jim. I will be sure to post a few more projects.
Marcus
Member
Welcome to the creek Marcus, looks like a real fun project and well executed.
Member
Marcus -
Beautifully done....you have great skill ...welcome to SMC!
Member
Very nice, Marcus! Does the heart with the crown have a meaning? Inquiring minds want to know.
Todd
Oh you guys with talent. That is a very nice piece. It's sure to please.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Member
Marcus - that's a very nice Claddagh ring that will be cherished by your father.
For those of you who don't recognise it, here is the story behind this style of ring:
The Legend of the Claddagh Ring is the story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh Ring. First told over 300 years ago in the ancient fishing village of the Claddagh, outside the walls of the City of Galway on the west coast of Ireland.Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.
Passed down through the generations, this romantic story centres on a man named Richard Joyce and the ring he created.
He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.
In 1698 after an agreement with King George III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man.
His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.
There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.
Member
Great job on the Claddagh Marcus, and I would know ;-)
[OP]
Member
Mike, thank you for posting the legend of the claddagh ring. Another interesting fact is that many Irish people used their wedding rings (claddagh rings) to borrow money which was used to escape the famine in Ireland and come to the united states. Sadly, many of them never returned to claim their rings.
My parents wear claddagh rings today as their wedding bands, so this gift was ideal for them.
Marcus
Member
Marcus, that's a beautiful and significant carving. Thank you for showing us. Thanks to Mike for the story and to Marcus for further illuminating it.
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Marcus,
Outstanding work on the Claddagh ring. I'm no carver, but from the looks of the grain in that Bubinga, carving that chunk of wood was no mean feat! Well done.
Mark
Member
Being of Irish decent, this project seems special to me. Even better now that I know the story behind it and the special meaning for your parents.
I wish that I could carve something besides a gash in my left hand. Oh well, one day.
You did excellent on this one Marcus. You should be proud. I would be.
Member
My very Irish Wife (who also spent 4 months there going to school) absolutely loved it. She wants me to learn how to carve now... but like the above poster, I've only carved holes in my hands.
Very very very nicely done.
[OP]
Member
If anyone is interesting in creating this mirror, you can find the pattern and detailed instructions in the book Celtic Woodcraft by Glenda Bennett. The book is a joy to read and contains a little history for each of the projects. The Claddagh Mirror is on page 71.
Marcus
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