[Paul_Guraedy]

Diana and I belong to a local Good Sams chapter. Since I am not much into games and crafts, I take along a carving to work on. A month ago, one of the other campers watched me for quite a while before saying, “I have wanted to try woodcarving for a long time. How much would you charge for some lessons to get me started?” She indicated that she wanted individual lessons and not just casual help at our campouts.

I knew that paying for lessons would put quite a dent in her budget. I have also had a number of people express interest in carving……until things got serious and tool purchase was mentioned, “Let me think about it.”

The next day she again broached the subject of lessons and the cost. I told her that I had thought it over and would not charge for beginning lessons. But, she would have to buy a knife and glove (beyond that she could use a few of my basic gouges). I would help her up through her first carving (we chose a simple goose Christmas ornament). I was working on a carving of a couple of cougars and explained that it would be a long time before she tackled something on this level (wanted her to realize that serious carving took a lot of time and effort). After her first carving, if she wants to continue on a scheduled basis, we would talk about an hourly fee.

I went on-line to find a supplier for the knife and glove. Wow, Rick (Little Shavers) has a beginners kit for not much more than the average cost of the two items mentioned. How in the world he can make a profit on this is beyond me! Anyway, I explained that she could get the basic set for a little more money. This would be a test of her interest. She was ecstatic. She called Rick, had the kit in a couple of days, and pushed me for a beginning lesson.

I must say to experience (even vicariously) the excitement of beginning woodcarving…..well it is payment enough for these first lessons.

[Blinky Bill]

Paul, that is such a nice thing that you have committed to!...Something that lady will remember for years, and if she succeeds in becoming a carver, what satisfaction that will bring you in knowing that you started another on the path....nicely done
John

[gene messer]

It is the teachers that take the time with students .. That woodcarving is all about ...

Thank you Paul for directing one more toward our side of much needed new carvers ..

Gene

[tnartist05]

Its always a great feeling inside your self knowing you have helped someone even if its not in the carving field but by helping her,you alone gave her the will and some of your knowledge which she will never forget! You did a great job Paul! Forrest

[Eddy Smiles]

Just imagine that if everyone on this board helped just one person get started as you did and that person in turn helped another, and another, and another! Wow! Look at all those good turns and all those new carvers!