Beginning a new hobby!

Hello to all. First I would like to just say, 'WOW'! This message board is wonderful. About 3 months ago my interest was sparked in learning to wood carve. I was at a local craft show (I am a hobbyist beekeeper and I was selling honey at the show) and an older gentleman had a table of his different wood carvings, animals and Santas. Ever since seeing his carvings I just cannot stop thinking about learning to carve myself. So, I have been busy searching the internet and have bought a few books and a starter set of tools. There are no carving clubs near where I live, but that is not going to stop me from learning (Go Internet). I came across this site awhile back and I find myself every day reading past threads. I have so many questions for you experinced carvers I do not know where to begin. I think I will first search past threads in hopes of not repeating questions. I just want to say that I trully appreciate this mesage board. It has helped me alot already. I really like when people post a picture of their work. It really inspires me and then again it really intimidates me too, ha, ha.

[AlArchie]

Welcome BeeGuy! Ypu'll have a lot of good contacts here. There is another site over at www.woodmagazine that a lot of the contributors here use, also. but this has become by far the more active site around!

Maybe we can get together some day for a 'carving bee'.!

Al

Welcome aboard Beeguy - Just grab you knife and a stick of wood and have at it. The joy is in the doing more than in the finished project, so let the chips fly and whatever happens happens. Just keep all your body parts on the dull end of the tool.

[Colin-Partridge]

welcome Beeguy'
Don't be intimidated by us, welcome to the wonderful world of woodcarving and remember we all had to start somewhere. Why don't you log on and be a regular member of this thread. I would be really intimidated if I had your hobby as I have a deathly allergy to be stings but I have always wanted to put on that mask and suit and see how it all works. I would love to try some honey right out of the hive. Again welcome aboard we will always be happy to hear from you and see your progress. In the interim dont be scared to ask there is enough talent on this board to talk you through anything. I always told my kid 'there is no such thing as a dumb question'

Welcome to our little corner of the world, Bee :-) Jump right in with any questions, advice or comments you have to offer - never mind that someone might have already asked a questions awhile back - all of us can benefit from those 'refresher' courses we get when someone asks a question anew.

I know that every time the subject of sharpening/honing comes up, I learn just a little bit more of what I SHOULD be doing. With a little luck, and alot of input from this board, maybe I'll get it right one day!

Teri

[Callynne]

Â* Â* Hi, Beeguy, WELCOME! Â*It's good to have you join us, don't be afraid to ask us anything, someone here will surely be able to help you! Â*That certainly has been my experience. And like Teri mentioned, I learn more too each time something is 'talked' about again!!
Â* Â* I don't belong to any carving clubs either, this is mine! Â*I have learned so much here, it's really unbelievable....plus I just plain enjoy their company!!
Â* Â* Please do pay attention to all the times wearing a carving glove and thumb guard are mentioned. Â*I cut myself very badly (index finger is just a tiny bit crooked up at the tip) a month into starting to carve....knew I was hooked when the only thing that really upset me was that I had to heal up for a month before I could carve again!!
Â* Â* Be careful, have fun and visit with us often!! Callynne

Hi Beeguy,

Welcome to the wonderful and addictive hobby of carving.
This board is one of the best resources for information I have found. There is a wealth of knowledge here as valuable as a room full of books. I look forward to reading your questions and posts.

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com