Comparing apples to... apples?

A few months ago, Dennis Patchett taught a carving class at the school, so I thought I'd share a couple of images with you.  One thing that really fascinates me is taking everyday objects and replicating them in wood. 

Like this apple.

 Dennis carved this one and gave it to me last year - the really intriguing part is how he carved the "bite" out of it in a different wood. 

 If you look closely, you'll notice the "bite" isn't just a simple hole drilled and plugged with a contrasting wood - the bite isn't perfectly round.

 This is Lupe's apple below - I think she did a terrific job carving the bite.

 I've been playing with a new camera app in my phone and I find this one particularly interesting. (Thanks for the app tip, Susan!)

 In the carving class, everyone worked on a couple of different pieces - here's one by a student who works with animals here in town.  Her photo of an elephant's eye was the inspiration for her relief panel. 



 It's a little hard to see all of the wonderful detail she put into this carving, but it was simply gorgeous! She achieved the colors on the panel by mixing up some MilkPaint and applying it as a wash, allowing the wood grain to pop out through the color.  




Finally, Lupe decided to carve her panel with a logo on it - with plans to eventually turn this into a box lid. 



Here's a great video of Norm. Only in Las Vegas do you get to rub elbows with elephant trainers and magicians!

Finally - a Carving Class!

This has been a long time coming - I'm thrilled to announce that Dennis Patchett is going to be teaching a woodcarving class at my shop. Without a doubt, woodcarving is one of the most requested classes from students. I couldn't find a better instructor, or a nicer fellow, than Dennis.

Dennis has been carving for decades, and his period reproduction furniture might be some of the best work being made in our country. I'm not exaggerating.

Since this is the first time a carving class is being offered, I had to figure out some logistics - most people don't have carving tools in their arsenal yet. So - your enrollment in this class will get you a very sweet FlextCut carving knife; it's yours to keep. Sweet!

Hopefully, you'll get the carving bug and get many years of use from your knife.

Dennis will be going over some pertinent carving information - including sharpening, basic cuts, wood choices, carving tool purchases, and much more.

Enrollment is limited - and the class is already half full, so if you're interested, check out this link for more information.

Carving class now on the schedule!

Well, this is exciting!

I've finally worked out most of the details with Dennis Patchett, one of the finest wood carvers here in the Vegas valley. So I'm thrilled to announce that he's agreed to teach a carving class coming up in about a month.

Although all of the details are still being worked out, I'm already receiving an overwhelming response from people who are interested. And since the class will be limited in size to eight people - now is your chance to pre-enroll.

If you go to the school's webpage, you can read more about the course, and register for the class. There is a PayPal button that will allow you to send in a deposit and save your place in this class. I can't tell you how important it is to register early - I expect his class to fill quickly, as word spreads.

Meanwhile, here is a little insanity for your Monday morning enjoyment. Doesn't everyone think of opening a bottle of beer with a chainsaw?