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Chess Set Project - Mariana & Manuel

Project overview

I made this chess set as a commission for Mariana and Manuel in May 2025. It took about 80 hours to carve all the pieces by hand. I focused on making each piece look good while keeping them functional for playing.

Making chess pieces

Creating chess pieces by hand takes time and patience. Each piece needs to be the right size and shape so they're easy to tell apart and comfortable to move. I carved each one individually to make sure they all work well together as a set.

Design approach

I went with a classic design that works well for playing:

  • King & Queen: Tall pieces with detailed crowns so they're easy to identify
  • Bishops: Traditional bishop design with mitre details
  • Knights: Horse heads that are recognizable from any angle
  • Rooks: Castle towers with clear geometric shapes
  • Pawns: Simple designs that are easy to distinguish from the other pieces

Technical details

  • Material: Premium quality wood (likely linden or similar hardwood)
  • Dimensions: Standard tournament size pieces for comfortable play
  • Finish: Natural wood finish with protective coating for durability
  • Technique: Hand-carved using traditional woodcarving tools and techniques
  • Design: Custom design with personal elements for Mariana and Manuel
  • Duration: Approximately 80+ hours of handwork

Chess set overview Detailed view of chess pieces King and Queen pieces Bishop pieces Knight pieces Rook pieces Pawn pieces Chess board detail Side view of pieces Close-up of carving details Alternative angle view Complete set arrangement Individual piece showcase Carving process detail Finished piece comparison Work in progress Carving technique demonstration Detail work in progress Surface finishing Final detailing Quality inspection Natural lighting view Texture detail Grain pattern Finish detail Complete project view Final presentation Packaging preparation Delivery ready

Video documentation

Video 1: Chess Set Creation Process

Download Video 1

Video 2: Final Chess Set Presentation

Download Video 2

Project progress

Beginning of the project

Wood selection process

Early carving work

Detail work in progress

Refinement process

Final touches

Craftsmanship details

Carving techniques used

  • Relief carving: Creating depth and dimension in the pieces
  • Detail carving: Adding intricate patterns and textures
  • Smooth finishing: Ensuring comfortable handling during play
  • Consistent sizing: Maintaining proper proportions across all pieces
  • Geometric precision: Ensuring each piece fits perfectly on the chess board

Quality assurance

Each piece undergoes multiple quality checks: - Proportional accuracy: Ensuring all pieces are correctly sized relative to each other - Surface smoothness: Checking for any rough edges or imperfections - Structural integrity: Verifying the stability of each piece - Finish consistency: Ensuring uniform appearance across the set - Playability testing: Confirming pieces move smoothly and don't tip over

Special features

  • Personalized elements: Custom designs reflecting the recipients' preferences
  • Durable construction: Built to last for generations with proper wood selection and finishing
  • Tournament standard: Proper sizing for competitive play
  • Artistic value: Each piece is a unique work of art while maintaining functionality
  • Complete documentation: Full process documented through photos and videos

Process highlights

Here's how I made it:

  1. Planning: Sketched out the designs and figured out the right sizes
  2. Wood prep: Selected good quality wood and prepared it for carving
  3. Rough carving: Shaped each piece to the basic form
  4. Details: Added the patterns and decorative elements
  5. Refinement: Sanded everything smooth
  6. Finishing: Applied protective finish
  7. Testing: Made sure all pieces work well together

Conclusion

This set turned out well. Mariana and Manuel got a chess set that plays nicely and looks good. Each piece is hand-carved, so they're all slightly unique. The set should last for years with proper care.

This project was completed in May 2025 as a special commission for Mariana and Manuel, with over 80 hours of dedicated handwork invested in creating this unique chess set.