How to Make Chipboard Embellishments

Grape leaves are common embellishments.

Chipboard is used for aesthetic embellishments because it mills easily and will not splinter. It can be cut across or lengthwise because there is no grain pattern. Embellishments are appliques that can be attached directly to the face of woodworking projects, cabinets or furniture. Some embellishments look like vines, flowers, leaves or braided rope. Start out by making a simple grape leaf embellishment. Grape leaf embellishment applique is common and you can add more later if you like the way it looks. There are lots of grape leaf patterns online; download one you like and use it for a template.

Things You'll Need

• Grape leaf pattern
• Scissors
• High density chipboard
• Masking tape
• Band saw
• Clamp
• Medium tooth wood rasp
• Rotary tool with attachments
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 180-grit sandpaper
• Glue (optional)
• Brads (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the grape leaf pattern out with a pair of scissors. Tape it to the chipboard with masking tape. Use a pencil to trace around it. Remove the template. Draw details, such as veins, small vines and stems, on the grape leaf with the pencil.

2. Cut the grape leaf out on a band saw. Clamp the grape leaf to the side of a table with a small clamp. Use a medium tooth wood rasp to round the edges. Create as much of the leaf shape as possible with the rasp. Redraw any lines that have been removed with the rasp.

3. Pick up a rotary tool. Use a small cutting attachment to cut out lines, veins and stems on the leaf. Switch ends on the rotary tool to a drilling or burrowing attachment. Burrow down into the leaf to create small divots. Give it relief by smoothing and creating ridges where the leaf undulates.

4. Pencil in more detail if needed and continue until the leaf has as much detail as you desire.

5. Sand the leaf by hand with a folded piece of 100-grit sandpaper followed by resanding it with 180-grit sandpaper. Attach the embellishment to any woodwork project with glue and small brads.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add stain to embellishments or attach it to any piece of furniture and then stain and lacquer everything at once. Use the highest density chipboard you can find for the best embellishments.

• Always wear safety glasses when working with wood. Be careful with any piece of chipboard under 1/2-inch thick. It will break easily until it is attached.