Frequently asked questions
​How Do I Place An Order?
Purchases can be completed for stock items at the shop.
Please contact for availability of stock items by phone or email
Custom orders can be made in person at the shop or by email
Shop location is at 1819 Ventnor rd, Spencerville, Ontario.
email address: cwcarmichael657@yahoo.ca
Shop phone: 613-498-5337
Payment and Pick up
Stock items require full payment at time of pick up. Custom pieces require a down payment assessed based on the cost of the individual sculpture.
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Pick ups can be made at the shop at the address above or special arrangements can be made for pick up in Ottawa.
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A bear was born...
Craig Carmichael began carving after finding a love for chainsaw wood carvings while hiking in the Adirondacs with his wife. One day after returning from one of these trips, Craig decided to pick up a chainsaw and to surprise his wife, created a beautiful bear to greet her at the door when she returned home from work. The bear was greeted with such enthusiasm by Joanne that this soon became a business for Craig that quickly blossomed into a very busy business. Carmichael Woodworks goes out of their way to to make sure that every individual piece is special to their customers. A great deal of time is put into each piece that doesn't often exist in our fast paced world today.
The Carving Process​
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Your carving started out from the heart of the Carmichael wood lot where selected trees are chosen to be sculpted into unique works of art. This is a process that starts out with a chainsaw to reveal the basic form and continues on with finer hand carving tools to finish the carvings details.
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The natural characteristics of wood
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With the new purchase of your carving an understanding of how wood ages will help with its placement and care. Wood dries naturally from the outside inward. Cracking occurs due to the outside drying faster than the heart. The outer rings go into tension when the wet core is compressed. With the stresses of the outside rings pulling in the opposite direction of the core a crack can form. The carver has taken great care to read every block of wood to minimize checking. As an added precaution a relief cut may have been added to your sculpture. In the end some checking will occur. This only adds to the uniqueness of every piece produced.
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Placement of your new purchase
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Slow drying is the key to prevent your carving from developing large cracks. If the carving is being placed outside, a slightly shaded spot out of direct sun light is recommended. For indoors a cool placement away from registers or direct heat sources. Your carving should never be placed directly on the ground. Gravel, paving stone, or wooden slats all can be used to raise the carving at least a ½” off the ground to prevent rot. (Be sure to secure larger sculptures) To prevent moisture stains on hardwood floors place coasters under an indoor work. For outdoor works it is recommended that the carving be stored in a cool dry place for the winter e.g. Garage or storage shed.
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Care of your new purchase
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To maintain the appearance of your caving you will have to periodically reapply its protective coating from time to time. How often will depend on the environmental conditions that it’s been exposed to. A good quality Spar Urethane is recommended.
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