Muppett Rawk 3: The carving!

Muppett Rawk 3 sure came up fast.  I decided to try something a little different.  I chose the album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  I thought about going to painted route, but then I thought, why not replicate the school desk and actually carve on it?  Something different that I've never done before; Wood carving.

There aren't a lot of female muppets on the roster to choose from...  Miss Piggy, Janice, Camilla the chicken and maybe a couple of more obscure muppets.  Then, I remembered a muppet who was created for the new generation of kids:  Abby Cadabby.  She was a the best choice for the cover, especially with the fact that she goes to a fairy school kind of tied in with the album title.  

So, I picked up a 4 dollar piece of a broken shelf at Ikea.  And, with the help of my buddy, Tate and his plethora of power tools, he helped me cut the shelf to the shape of a school desk.  I asked if he could add the pencil holder, too!
The one thing that made me nervous the most, was the fact that this was my only canvas.  If I screwed up, well... it wouldn't have been good.
So, this took a little more planning.  I sketched out Abby, the album title, took a sheet of Saral transfer paper and retraced everything onto the wood.  First, Abby.  I decided to save all the lettering for last.  I figured I'd have learned a little more control and accuracy carving lines...
Each night for the next few days, I spent a couple of hours using my 10 dollar wood carving set to nick away at the pine.  Each time, building more confidence at this new craft.  There were a few times where more wood was picked off that I had wanted.  But, hey... "there is no accident", right?
Eventually, it got to the point where I was ready to stain it.  Back to Home Depot I went, and picked up a can of antique red, a brush, and a piece of tarp to work on.
I'd also forgotten to add something to the back to help, not only hang it on the wall, but in a way that left some space in between and give it a shadow.  The strongest wood glue was also acquired.  The one thing I failed to notice was the 24hr drying time it recommended.
Did I mention that this part happened on the evening before the show?
A slight panic attack occurred while I searched my place for a piece of wood I could use for my last minute plan.  Luckily, I had some leftover 5x5 wood "canvas".  With the help of a lot of tape, a ruler and a somewhat accurate measurement to center the piece of wood, I added on my backing.  A lot of glue was used.  And, tape, to help hold it in place.  A lot of tape was used.
Nap time.  I think I passed out for a few hours.
The next morning, I still didn't want to take a chance at staining the piece.  The wood I glued on seemed to hold steady.
Did I mention that this part happened on the day of the show?
It wasn't until I got to the gallery to begin the staining process.  I had the sun on my side to help speed the drying time.
Within a half an hour, stain had been applied and dried.  A couple of hours to spare.  Whew.

It was about this time, I had forgotten to pick up a pencil for the pencil holder.  Sigh.

Anyways, here are some pics of the progression!  Enjoy!

-Law