Twin Acanthus Frond Onlay

Twin acanthus fronds sweep up like unfurling wings. This CNC onlay is a tall, symmetrical flourish of scrolling foliage: two broad leaves arc upward and outward from a central spine, their tips curling into tight volutes, while below them a pair of round berry beads sits above a base of bold S-scrolls that roll open to either side. The carving is deeply undercut and rounded, so it reads in strong ridges and pooled shadow. It is a versatile appliqué — mount it upright on a cabinet stile, a chair crest, a fireplace surround, a bedpost or a mirror frame to add carved richness. The vertical, tapering shape also works flanked in mirrored pairs to either side of a panel. Print notes • Carve in a hardwood that holds detail (walnut, cherry, maple) with a ball-nose finishing bit to round the leaf lobes and volute cores. • Pure 3-axis relief — no undercut trickery required; run a roughing pass first to spare the fine bit. • Printing instead? Lay the flat back on the bed and print face-up; the relief needs no supports. • Knock back the tool marks with a light sand, then stain, paint or gild; a brown glaze in the crevices lifts the layered leaves.