Almost 40 years ago, Elaine and I started to develop our own unique style of relief woodcarving.  The idea grew out of one of the many art and craft skills that Elaine had become proficient at while a co-owner of a small craft store.  Elaine learned to make and teach a number of different crafts.

Fred took a class on simple country relief carving. Fred enjoyed the class, but Elaine really fell in love with relief caring. Elaine spent lots of time developing her carving skills. Initially most of the designs were simple and derived from pattern books etc.  But at an early stage original Stenman designs were worked into the carvings.

A division of labor was also set early on.  Elaine continued to grow as a carver and Fred drew more and more of the designs.  

Today, each individual carving starts with one or more main points of interest that are relieved.  These consist of wildlife such as loons, geese, bear, moose, etc. or buildings like barns, cabins or possibly an old water mill.  The background details are drawn on each carving taking into consideration the knots, unusual wood grain or board shape.  All of the details are then wood burned.  Each piece is then painted with very thin acrylic paint and a halo of burnt umber stain is applied.  There are four to six coats of hand rubbed varnish on each piece.

Starting 2021, Elaine & Fred are teaching their unique process on the Woodcarving Academy. 

Visit Elaine & Fred’s website for inspiration & patterns.  http://www.stenmanstudios.com/