Wood Working Clubs

[Marci MN]

What are these exactly? Do you pay to be in these clubs? What do you do when you go to a meeting .. I'm assuming theres meetings?

I did some searching and as far as I can tell..theres not a woodcarvers club near my side of MN. But I'm just curious on these meetings since I see them mentioned a few times.

Thanks for putting up with another odd question. Marci MN.

[brian-bailey]

Here's a link to a group near me.

You can see the value of such a group from their website.

Wished I lived closer, I'd be a member in a heartbeat.


http://www.rochesterwoodworkers.org/

[AlArchie]

There are about as many different types of carving clubs as there are carving interests. Some focus on a particular theme, style or method. Some meet casually (like ours) just to carve with some friends and some meet with an agenda and have regular lessons. Some sponsor major carving shows and competitions and some may have only one show a year (like ours)to give it's members a forum to display their work to the public. Some have prestigious members and others just have members who carve expertly (like ours)and those who meet to learn these techniques. Our club meets every other Wednesday and is quite informal but always has some Oreo cookies and coffee. We learn from each other and someone is always trying something new.

If you don't have a local club, you might try starting one.

Ours charges $10 a year, and from that and some funds raised at a carving auction, we hold an annual summer picnic, and manage to donate major woodworking tools to the high school where we meet, and help out a lot of other local civic activities.

We also maintain a carving library of books and videos of over 50 items, have a Tormak for members use, and find resonably priced carving woods for our members.....a lot of it for free.

Soooo.....these clubs do a lot of different things, but all provide a learning environment for their members, and a place to meet and carve and shoot the bull!

Al

[shellghost]

Marci,

I'm going to De-Lurk here for a second and try to help you out regarding Minnesota clubs.
I'm also a new carver and spent some time looking for this info...

First off, you've probably already been here, but just in case try:
http://www.minnesotawoodcarvers.com/

They'll have some info on various clubs in MN, as well as the "carve-in" seminars held next month in Spicer. You had a picture of eagles in another post, so I suspect you're in Western MN. Try http://www.woodburning.com/clubs.htm for more MN clubs as well as ND and SD clubs (I think this is out of date)

[AlArchie]

Marci, you might try this link to Fox Publishing's list of clubs. I don't know where in Minnesota you are located but there are several MN clubs listed there and if one isn't right in your area, get in touch with the contact person listed and they may know of a club close to you.

http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/c...oodworking.cfm

Al

[MDWine]

Hi again Marci!

I went to a club meeting I found on the web (and joined), but while I was there I found that there was a little "club" that meets just blocks from my house!!

The fellow I spoke with indicated that there were "5 or 6" guys that met at a building near my house each Wednesday! How great to find one close to home.

Now, I suspect that there are groups like this little one all over. The problem is finding them, of course. I plan on talking to the places around home that sell wood or tools. Maybe post a card "Looking for Carvers" on various bulletin boards around town. Heck, even the Giant food store has a bulleting board.

We're just going to have to hunt for these groups! I hope you find a carver or two near you! Good luck!

[Marci MN]

First off, thank you all for helping me to understand what a Carving Club is. Now I can see how they would be benificial to a beginner.

Second, WELCOME Shellgost. Are you from MN too? I'm in west central MN. Pope co. I hadnt been to those two sites that you posted. Thank you so much for posting those. I still didnt have much luck on finding anything with in an hours drive. But did see there is a large group in St. Cloud. Thats still an hours drive from me, but theres hope I can go to some of their events next summer. And in following the trail , I found one I'd love to go see in Black Duck.. their park show lookes like a fun place to go to for a mini vacation this next summer. Thanks again.

MDWine , I'm hoping for something smaller near me too. I did have someone tell me a local town has a carver come in once in a blue moon to show his wares and to talk to other carvers. I'm hoping by next week to get ahold of someone from that town to ask some questions. I'd be thrilled to know there is someone much closer. This town has a population of 61.. or did..some graduated since that survey has been taken. LOL

Thanks again folks.. now that I know what to expect I will keep my eyes open and see what I can find in my area.

[shellghost]

Marci,

It might be useful to go to a couple meetings, you may find another person there is from your area. If there is, viola! - you've got a new carving friend and a carpool buddy to go to meetings with

The fact that the seminars will be held in Spicer rather than St. Cloud should give you hope that there are other carvers flung out in the sticks besides you

[Marci MN]

ROFL.. 'flung out in the sticks'?? Oh man that cracked me up! If you only knew how far flung I am. I have a mile long driveway that plugs up in the winter time. I leave this place maybe once a month. Theres a lake all around me other than the driveway. (but NO diamond willow..go figure).

The UPS man comes down this driveway ONLY if he has too.. he likes to call first and ask for sympathy and get me to meet him at the end of the driveway. I'll take the four wheeler and meet him down there. LOL

I DO have those dates in January pegged for the Spicer something or another going on. ( I cant remember what its called and the magazine isnt here at the moment). But I know its got something to do with wood carving. *grin*

Anyway.. thanks for the chuckle. Its a pleasure to meet you Shellghost. I'm going to be in your neck of the woods tomorrow. The hospital. ugh.

Marci.

[DiamondWillow]

Hi Marci, or is that Far Flung in the Sticks Marci.....

Well I can get you much closer to a carving club. I live in Parkers Prairie, only about 25 miles from Pope County line. We have a nice little carving club that has almost a monthly carving seminar with instructor and also have monthly meetings. Monthly dues are $15.00 per person and I think $20.00 or $25.00 per family. We have a couple that are really active in promoting carving and they do give some classes in Alexandria. If you are interested in any of this just let me know and I will get you more information.

Gene