I work in a profession where burnout is a huge problem. I am an IT professional where there is always a hot project or a customer need, or something. It is never ending and sometimes it is impossible to take 30 minutes of uninterrupted to have lunch.

I just read and article by Brein Posey posted on TechRepublic that talks about the 10 things IT folk need to do to avoid burnout.

I think the advice in this article can be applied to any occupation. Item number 4-Blow off some steam really got me thinking about my own hobbies and more specifically about woodcarving. » Continue reading “Woodcarving is a good stress reliever”

I have just recently been informed about a Summer Camp for WoodCarvers!

This event is an annual event that happens every year in the month of August and is located in Bremen Indiana. Bremen is a small town located in northern Indiana and has a population of just under 5,000.

Here are the details for the WoodCarvers Summer Camp.

When:  AUGUST 17-20, 2011
Where:  Pla-Mor Campground

2162 U.S. 6 East, Bremen, IN 46506

Hours for Carving Classes: 9:00AM to 5:00 PM

For all those non-campers (like me), there are logging accommodations close by for us. To find logging and other useful information, please visit the Summer Camp Website at http://www.iwcsc.org/

I hope to see you there.

Happy Carving!
Jerry

Here is a very interesting time lapse video of carving the classic Grapes and Leaves pattern

Hope you enjoyed!

The following article about carving knives is from the pages of www.deepwoodventrues.com, where you can find more interesting information regarding carving knifes and carving in general.

Woodcarvers are on a constant search for the perfect carving knife. In that search, they sometimes ask me which is better, a forged knife or a ground stock removal knife?

» Continue reading “Hand Forged or Ground from Flat Stock? Which is a better knife?”

Chip Carving

Chip carving is a simple process but gives a complex yet elegant look to your project. I have always been intrigued how chip carvers maintain that constant uniformity in their designs. In searching the internet I ran across the website my chip carving where I discovered a down to earth teaching video on how to hold the chip carving knifes and more.
So if you are intrested in learning how to chip carving I recommend going to www.mychipcarving.com

Deepwoods Venture hand forges the best carving knifes I have used.

The best and most affordable carving tool is one that will be around for years to come. That is what you get when you order a carving knife from Deepwoods Ventures. These hand forged tools and unique maple burl handles are build to last a lifetime and then possibly the lifetime of your grandchildren as well. » Continue reading “The best woodcarving knifes I have used.”

This bear was one of the first club projects that we tackled. It was great fun discussing this project in our group.
The Jayland carving club meets every Wednesday night at 6PM at the jay County Community Center.

Christmas Tree Topper

Carved for Indiana grown basswood, this tree topper took two weeks to carve and two days to paint.
This project was carved from 2″ stock and measures 12″ in height. The stand is fashioned from #10 copper ground wire.
This project came from WoodCarving Illustrated.

The Jayland carving club meets every Wednesday eventing at the Jay Community Center in Portland Indiana. Sometimes in our club meetings we working on a common project, and I have the opportunity to instruct the club on carving these snowmen that are pictured. This project will start mid November of 2009 if you are interested.
In preparing for the class I needed to find 2″x2″x4.5″ Basswood for each club member. I turned to Heinecke Wood Products which is located » Continue reading “Carving wood – Basswood”