Hand-Carved Wooden Figurines from Photos
From a single block of basswood to a miniature of you. I carve every detail by hand to create a keepsake that captures your exact personality.
This collage shows the very beginning of my process. I start with a block of wood and hand carve the basic shapes and facial features, slowly revealing the characters' personalities before any paint is applied.
Here I am holding a figurine in the middle of the carving process. I wear a protective glove while using my tools to carefully shape the wood, ensuring every detail is just right before moving on to sanding and painting.
This is what a figurine looks like after the carving is complete but before any paint has been applied. You can see the raw, textured wood and the pile of wood shavings that are a happy byproduct of my work.
The final touches are what make each piece truly personal. Here, you can see a tiny signature I added to the shoe of a figurine, a small detail that adds a unique mark of craftsmanship.
I sign the bottom of many of my pieces with my brand, 'Carry The Caricature'. This is my seal of authenticity, ensuring you have a genuine, handcrafted piece from my Land of Lilliput studio.
About From Photo to Figurine: My Process
Getting one of these figures ready takes about 15 to 20 days. Since I hand-carve every piece from a single block of basswood using traditional tools, I need clear front and side profile photos to capture your likeness accurately. It is a slow, manual process, but it ensures that the final piece has the texture and personality you cannot get from mass-produced items.
My Process: Turning Wood into Memories
I run a small studio called Land of Lilliput in Kolkata, where I move away from machines to focus on the grain of the wood. When you commission a piece, I start with a raw block of basswood or lime wood. This material is chosen because it is shatter-resistant and allows for the fine details I like to include, such as the fold of a kurta or the specific shape of a pet's ear.
Why it takes time
Because I do not use 3D scanners or CNC machines, every stroke of the carving knife is deliberate. I rely on your photos to understand the subject. Please send me at least 3 to 4 images including a clear front profile, side profile, and a full-body shot if you need an outfit detail included.
Finishing Touches
Once the shape is carved, I sand and paint it using matte acrylics. This is where the character comes alive. I seal each piece with a clear varnish to protect it. Every figurine, whether it is a couple set for an anniversary or a custom pet memorial, receives a signature or my brand stamp on the base. This is my way of ensuring you know it was crafted in my workshop, not in a factory. If you are planning this as a surprise gift for a birthday or wedding, please reach out well in advance to account for the carving and drying time.
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