On the computer, using my graphics program (Canvas 5, for the Macintosh ), I generate the text that will be used in the carving. I produce the text in a straight line, even though my graphic program will allow me to wrap the text around an ellipse. I prefer to trace the lettering around the ellipse by hand, making minor adjustments as I go. And, believe me, it is easier to do this by hand.

I must also draw the three peripheral drawings to scale in preparation for tracing them into the full-sized pattern.