Recently I had an opportunity through a referral to make scale models of contemporary furniture for a boutique interior design firm.
The brief was they wanted the model to look realistic and not look like “doll-house” type furniture. Workmanship and finish was paramount.
Reference
I first made a clay model, complete with tiny pillows.
This was to give me a reference as I carve the final piece out of wood.
I then sliced the clay model at 45-degree angle to give two pieces that I will carve separately – the seat and the back. And stick them together with high-strength wood glue.
Carving in wood
I chose a dark hardwood that will show grain structure very well when polished. I worked on the seat first – it was a slow and steady process to get the shape right geometrically before cutting the 45-degree angle at the back.
I used a 
variety of gouges and my rotary tools in the process, while sanding with 60-grit sandpaper, files in between. It took all morning to come to a logical stop working on the seat part.
