I’ve decided to go over the whole surface with a hand chisel, giving it an even scalloped effect, like small waves on water. This is the handmade look that I want, otherwise, it could look too much like furniture, with a typical smooth sanded surface.

I use chalk to mark the areas where I still need to carve in and remove the smoother surfaces that were left from the surform tool.

I can also even or flatten out a few planes, and sharpen up some edges.

This is an enjoyable stage where I feel the most like a real sculptor, working with a hammer and chisel, shirt off, summertime in the studio.

I still need to ding off some high spots here and there, and start to consider a finish to preserve the wood.