Thanks for a great 2010!

Each year, Woodcarving Illustrated’s office Christmas tree is decorated with handmade ornaments sent in by readers.

I’ve mentioned before how working at Woodcarving Illustrated is like Christmas every day.

New projects arrive from contributors for upcoming articles and unpacking them is a bit like ripping open the wrapping paper on a gift.

Even if I know what’s inside, pictures never quite do the project justice. 

For several years, readers have taken it upon themselves to make Christmas at the Woodcarving Illustrated headquarters a little more cheerful. Members of the message board (www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum) participate in an annual ornament exchange.

Some folks have been generous enough to send handcarved ornaments to the WCI office. Our Christmas tree is adorned with beautiful ornaments crafted by our readers. As I was opening a package that arrived the week before Christmas, I couldn’t help but think how lucky we are. How many magazines can say they receive handmade Christmas gifts from their readers? 

As we publish this issue, marking the fifteenth year of bringing you projects from the best woodcarvers in the community, I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank you, the readers. Without your passion and involvement, we’d never have made it this far. 

I look forward to spending the next fifteen years with you!

Shannon Flowers

Shannon@FoxChapelPublishing.com