Carving a Decorative Rosette

Article 170: Carving a Decorative Rosette

By: A Woodworker Who Finds Art in the Grain

Rosettes are common in period furniture and casing trim. Carving your own adds a custom flourish that elevates any build.

Materials

• 3" × 3" × ¾" hardwood blank (cherry, walnut)

• Pencil/compass

• Carving gouges

Tools Needed

• V-parting tool

• #3, #5, and #7 gouges

• Mallet

• Bench clamp or carving vise

Step-by-Step

1. Layout Circle and Petals

   • Use compass to mark center and petals evenly.

2. Carve Petal Outlines

   • Use V-tool to define each petal.

3. Scoop the Petals

   • Carve concave shapes with #5 gouge.

4. Shape the Center

   • Dome or add spiral with #3 or #7 gouge.

5. Sand and Finish

   • Lightly sand; apply shellac or wax.

Sketch – Rosette Top View

     /\/\
   /      \
  |   ()   | ← Center
   \______/ ← Petal forms around center
 (Repeat around circle, ~6–8 petals)