When picking a wood to carve on its very handy to know how hard or soft it should be. Janka hardness is one way to know this. Follow this link or simply search janka <wood type> to learn more.
Our club has a member who writes poetry. Here is one of his poems sent to the club.
When I joined Southwest Woodcarvers,
I had no idea what I would find
The most amazing group of people,
So helpful and so kind
You’re all willing to share your knowledge,
I find myself thirsting for more,
Heck today with the help of others,
I learned to carve an open door
I have so much yet to learn,
And my mind is wide open to that
Another thing that I enjoy,
Is the fact that we just chitchat
Seeing all the smiling faces,
When I walk into the room
Through the entire meeting,
Everyone helping with the broom
I want to thank each and every one of you,
For making me feel welcomed here
I wish you all health and well being,
Let’s have a great rest of the year…
Randy Baca
2023
- Wood carving has been practiced for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egypt and China.
- Wood carving can be a meditative practice that allows artists to connect with the natural properties and grains of the material.
- Woodcarving is a take-away medium. its difficult to take to much off. As you go deeper you change the chape of the piece.
- Use a toothpick or stylus to make perfectly round dots of paint for things such as eyes.
- You will never be at your best. There is always more to learn and hone your talents.
- Never start carving while angry. Safety all the time. Its easy to ruin a project if not calm to start with.
- (a friend told me this) For carvers just starting out, never put anything that bleeds in front of the blade.