Capital City Carvers

January 2016

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Tips and Techniques by Barbara Mann

In the 2015 newsletters I revealed all kinds of "secrets" about woodcaving. They're not "secrets", just good, basic wood carving techniques. But I thought of another one that might be helpful.

When I am preparing to do cutouts on the band saw, I trace the pattern on a piece of quilters plastic pattern material. I trace all the details: eyes, outline of arms across the body, hat lines around the head, etc. Then I cut the pattern out of the plastic and use it to draw the outline on wood boards. When I sit down to carve, I then take that pattern and overlay it on the cutout. I can see where to draw all the lines on the cutout. It's a lot more accurate than looking at the pattern or picture. You can buy the quilters plastic pattern material in the quiling department at Hobby Lobby.

Talking about spending more than just Monday night carving. Here's a quote that drives it home:

"Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything."
W. Clement Stone

Carving Class in Havana?

Last winter and spring Barbara offered a small class limited to four people that met every Friday to carve faces and figures in cypress knees. Each carver got a lot of individual attention and turned out some very nice cypress knee carvings.

We could do cypress knees or cottonwood bark or a special figure like a St. Francis, or something else. If there is interest in this small class, Barbara will pursue the possibility with the shop owner in Havana where we met. Discussion at the Jan. 4th meeting to determine interest.

Dunkle Strop and Compound

Barbara has a request to order a pigskin strop and blue velvet compound from John Dunkle. Anyone else who wants this marvelous stropping system has a chance to order at the Jan. 4th meeting. This strop and compound are outstanding for keeping a sharp edge on knife blades. The cost for the two items, including shipping and taxes, I would estimate at $22.50 if there are at least four orders.

2016 Florida Roundups

The usual roundup will be held in Clearwater February 2 to 5. Then a second roundup will be held February 9 to 12 in Arcadia.

Clearwater Roundup Classes:

1. Celtic Knotwork Door/Window Topper
2. Cottonwood Bark Houses
3. Birds: Common Loon, Green Heron, Western Sandpiper
4. Flowers
5. Spirit Faces in Cottonwood Bark
6. Cypress Knee Characters and a Long Nose Garden Gnome
7. Angelfish
8. Woodburning and Low Relief
9. Deep Relief
10. Characters in Relief and Soap Stone Carving
11. Spoons
12. Mirror Etching
13. Human Face Study Stick and Peek-a-Boo Santa Tree
14. Carciatures — 3 classes — Floyd, Steve, and Pete LeClair
15. Realistic Animals

Acadia Roundup Classes:

Same classes with some exceptions:

Will not be in attendance: Steve Caricatures; Cypress knee characters (Tony); Celtic Knotwork; Angelfish.

Will be in attendance: Cypress Knee Figures—Barbara.

Check the websites:

http://webspace.webring.com/people/qj/jeodea/

http://arcadia-roundup.webs.com

2015 Show & Tell Drawing Winners

$50 Bob McVety, golf club goose

$25 Irv Jahns, chip carved lazy susan

$15 Barbara Mann, 7 point wreath ornament

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