This is a mantel that I built for my in-laws basement. I built up the top for a heaver look. I used Knotty Alder because of the similar grain to cherry and the ease of use.

The carving was done with a 3/8" box core bit. I used the bit in a palm router with the base removed. This has been a popular feature for some people.

To finish this off I used a mahogany stain from Old Masters followed by a coat of sprayed lacquer. Then I wiped on a glaze coat of Sherwin Williams Vandyke brown followed by three more coats of hand rube lacquer.