Chris Hammack Class

We were excited to have Chris Hammack visit my studio for a two day class last week.  Chris brought a selection of rough-outs for us to choose from and each one had a unique funny facial expression.  Chris had a scene of six cowboys seated at a bar telling tall tales.

  I carved these three in class and have three more to carve to complete the scene.  Chris is a fun teacher and we shared stories and laughed for the entire two days. 

Chris is very patient and provides a lot of individual instruction.  There is no stress in his classes, and he makes everyone feel at ease regardless of your skill level.  If you don't have very many tools, no problem, Chris carries a couple of knives and gouges in a wooden cigar box.  This proves the theory that you only need a few sharp tools to be a good carver.

Chris will be returning next spring for another two day class here at my studio.  We are all looking forward to his visit again.

Chris Hammack Class

I'm excited to host Chris Hammack here in my studio for a 2 day caricature carving class next month.  Chris is a member of the Caricature Carvers of America and in addition to being a very talented carver and artist, there is never a dull moment in his class.  He has a knack for creating carvings that make you laugh and you see can see more of his work on his web site.  Chris has several rough-outs you can choose from for your class project:

The class will be held on February 13 and 14.  Class size is limited and the registration deadline is January 25, 2012.  If you're interested in attending class, please contact me by email at dale@dalegreenwoodcarving.com or phone 801-503-8754.

Carver's Christmas Party

On Monday nights I have a carving group at my studio.  Over the years we have all become good friends and last night enjoyed our annual Christmas party. 

The workbench is transformed into a buffet table, and as usual, there is more food than we can possibly eat. Joann always brings her delicious home made rolls, we have desserts, chips, shrimp, veggies, and of course, Mike always brings the little smokies.

After a few trips to the buffet/workbench, we get busy carving.  At this time of year, it's no surprise that everyone is busy putting the finishing touches on Christmas gifts and decorations. 
Everyone brings a small gift to share with the group but the best gift of all is the friendship we share throughout the year.
Best wishes to all of you for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Santa Carving Class

Friday and Saturday were fun days carving Christmas projects with friends in my studio.  Although Josh didn't carve a Santa, he worked on a project for his Grandmother's special gift.  Mike has already carved a Santa this season so he spent his class time working on my new design, a hunter. 

If you've ever been in a carving class, you know it's not all about the carving.  We shared stories and had a lot of laughs, compared ideas for projects, sharpening tips and tool talk.

I will be teaching again this coming Friday and Saturday, December 9th and 10th. Unfortunately, two students have had a change in their schedules so let me know if you would like to join us.

Santa Carving Class is Full

Thank you for the great response to my Santa Carving Class next month. 

Now is the time to get busy carving some special gifts for Christmas.  Of course, everyone would love a Santa, but there are some easier projects you can get ready.  How about some ornaments or bottle stoppers? 

I have been busy finishing up one of my Old World Santas as a commissioned piece which will be a birthday gift for someone who collects Santas.  I just have to paint it and then it can be delivered. 

Santa Carving Class

I will be teaching a 2-day Santa Carving Class in my studio to kick off the holiday season.  This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit by carving with a fun group and you will have carved a Christmas gift when class is over.

Class will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Students may choose from any of my Santa rough-outs shown in the above photo.

Cost for the two days is $100 + rough-out with lunch and snacks included both days.

Class size is limited - to register contact me at either dale@dalegreenwoodcarving.com or phone 801-503-8754.

CCA Annual Meeting in Boise

On Sept. 24-25 the Caricature Carvers of America (CCA) held their annual meeting in Boise, ID.  Each year the event takes place in a different state and is open to all wood carvers.  It was a unique opportunity to meet and visit with CCA members and participate in free mini-seminars.  The above photo shows Steve Prescott instructing students on designing their own patterns.

At another table, Chris Hammack taught students how to lay-in a face and carve an eye.

On Friday night we attended a dinner where the CCA's new book, Caricatures in Motion, was rolled-out.  Not only is this a fantastic book for any carver, CCA members were happy to autograph their pages.  This book contains step-by-step instructions from Phil Bishop on creating his "Green Apple Quick Step" carving which is also on the book's cover.  Patterns for band saw cutouts of each project are included along with painting instructions.  Books are available from  the CCA Website or  Phil and Vicki Bishop.

All of the carvings featured in the book were on display.  I really enjoyed being able to get up close to the carvings and talk to the creators.  Next year's meeting is in Sacramento and I am looking forward to attending again.