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Chip carving, as we know it today, originated in Europe. It has been used in virtually every culture throughout time. Survival of wood artifacts is extremely rare, but there is evidence of its use in prehistoric civilizations. In Germany and Switzerland, chip carving is known as Kerbschnitzen; the translation means “engraving carving.” It was originally an art performed by peasants to decorate items used in the home.
 Chip carving incises a pattern directly into the wood. This technique engraves the pattern or design lower than the surface of the wood by removing a series of precise chips of wood.
The wood is sanded before the design is drawn, because sanding a completed carving flattens the sharp edges. Only some gentle hand sanding is done around the carving before staining.
Only two knives are used. One is the cutting knife, which makes all straight and curved cuts, and is most frequently used. The knife has a 1-1/2 inch, slightly curved blade. The second knife is called the stab knife. This knife does not cut; it simply indents or impresses a mark in the wood.
New designs are constantly being developed, and existing designs are frequently enhanced or refined. Designs are created to integrate with different profiles. The subject to be framed often inspires a unique application of a design. The possibilities are endless.
All of Ruth Ann’s frames are hand~carved. With the exception of the actual frame construction, no power tools or lasers are used.
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