Back from Dollywood

Old_Gord · #11 10-03-2005, 12:35 PM

Thanks Anthony, for the wild ride through your photos, what an experience it must have been for you, just looking at your photo's has been an exciting experience for me.

.

OG

Canopener · #12 10-03-2005, 03:00 PM

This looks like fun!, and my wife is starting to get nervous about where our next vacation might be. I have some questions. I have been thinking about spending a week at some place like Bransom, Dollywood, or the Campbell School, or similar; I am at the point where I would like some instruction. I have been carving for about 5 years, am competant, but pretty slow. Is this a problem for the instructors? How many tools/paint and brushes do you guys bring, or do you pick up what you need from vendors? A big question is can you get the tools you do have on a plane, or are carvers a threat to national security??? I am assuming regular luggage is OK, not carry on. Serious question, because I would like to take a few tools home later this month to try to get someone started on carving. Any other tips would be appreciated.
Thanks again to Bob and Anthony for a great post, and keeping the caricature post alive.
By the way, Bob,[I think it was you talking about this] or whoever else visits "Lehmens" in Kidron, Ohio; the hot place to grab lunch, is back by the livestock auction, downstairs. It has been awhile, so directions are vague. Just follow your nose.
Have fun!
Jim

Anthony · #13 10-03-2005, 04:06 PM

Hi again,

Glad everyone enjoyed the photos from the CCA Seminars.

Canopener, I am pretty slow myself and have never felt like the instructors had a problem with this. They are a patient bunch it seems. The classes I have taken are very laid back and each instructor has been available when needed.

I took all my hand tools to Dollywood. The instructors sold some tools and roughouts which of course I could not resist. I did not bring paint or brushes because there was really no time to paint the projects. I have taken classes at Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Supply and at John Cambell Folk School (a week with Tom Wolfe) and they furnished the paint and brushes.

I believe you are right about the airlines. No carry on but okay in checked baggage.

Hope this helps,

Anthony

Mitchell · #14 10-03-2005, 04:27 PM

I can answer the airline question. BIG N-O to carry on.

I have carried a small assortment of knives and gouges as checked luggage. Be aware that they will most likely open up your luggage to check it out. Therefore, don't lock it and put the knives and tools on top if possible. I taped a card to the case and labeled it as carving tools. Also put my name, address, and phone number - just in case.

groozier · #15 10-04-2005, 01:24 AM

Finally have enough time to post my thoughts on the seminars at Dollywood. I've been running around like crazy since I got home. The first day was the mini-classes. I had Phil Bishop and we learned how to carve an open hand. We were each given a go-by to look at. I bought the go-by for $25.00 to use as a pattern. Each class was 90 mins. long +/-
The next class was by Bob Travis on the profile of the face. He explained how to put the nose half -way in the face, the mouth half-way in the face, and the eye one-third to two-thirds in the face.
After lunch I had Pete LeClair. He had us carving mouths with teeth.
The last mini-class was by Gerald Sears. We carved an eye in steps from 1 to 8. We had a few minutes left over and he showed us how he carves mouths on his carvings.
My first day I had Phil Bishop. We each picked out a roughout of our choice. They ran from $11.00 to $45.00 each. I picked out a santa that I thought I could finish. I finished all the carving except for the thousands of v cuts on the fur on the coat. Phils carvings are in the round.He spent 8-10 minutes each time he made his rotation. He came around 3 times, I believe.
The next day the group I was with had Harley Schmitgen. We each picked out a roughout. The prices of the roughouts ran from $23.00 to $28.00, I believe. The price of the butternut roughouts were $39.00. Some carvers that carve fast may have finished their piece. I had a few places to deepen, but except for the fur was close to finishing. I'm not used to carving for 8 hours straight. Harley takes one to two inch blanks and makes it look like it is in the round.He went around to each carver and spent some time with each. He carved one eye and I carved the other.
The last day our group was with Peter Ortel. He had a roughout that he designed especially for this seminar.The cost was $25.00. He went around to every carver and asked you what you wanted yours to be. It was originally a hobo, but I made mine a butterfly catcher. It was to remind me of Dollywood. I got the face done except for putting the eyes in. I was pretty tired on the last day and I didn't want to mess it up so I brought it home to put the eyes in and the remainder of the detail.
I had a great time, but was tired the last day. Good to meet Bob fron Tn. even though we didn't get a chance to spend ant time together.
My only complaint is that the roughouts were high. IMHO. I wouldn't mind paying for the roughouts and the seminars as one payment.The cost of $175.00 is a little deceiving because of the additional expense of the roughouts. Why not design a roughout or two that cost $25.00 each and make the total cost of the seminar $250.00.The teacher could have additional roughouts, other than the ones being done, for sale to the people who want them.
Sorry to go on so long, but it takes awhile to tell it all.
groozier

Anthony Filetti · #16 10-04-2005, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canopener

A big question is can you get the tools you do have on a plane, or are carvers a threat to national security??? Jim

Jim,
I took a class at the folk school this summer and a classmate who traveled from Denver arranged to ship his tools to the school, they were there when he arrived and the school assisted with arrangements for the return shipment.

As far as class goes both Gary Falin and Phil & Viki classes I attended we used their supplies for the finish. Matter of fact Viki will tell you not to bring them or she will confiscate them!!

A recommendation for a class would be the roundup that is being held the end of January in Lebanon, TN. Sounds like a great bunch of carvers will be there.

Roughouts purchased at these two classes were supplied by the instructors and the quality of wood in each is outstanding (especially Gary's).

Hope this helps!

jax · #17 10-04-2005, 11:01 PM

Thanks for sharing..........photos were terrific........what size were the roughouts?

Jax

Anthony · #18 10-04-2005, 11:33 PM

Hi Jax and all,

Dracula is 12 1/2" x 5"
Mountain Man Cody is 12" 7 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Hobo is 8" x 4"

Thanks for the photo compliment.

Anthony

Canopener · #19 10-05-2005, 12:26 PM

Thanks for the feedback, and interesting topic. Food for thought.
Jim

JimmyB · #20 10-14-2005, 11:32 PM

Thought I'd jump in and say thanks to Mitch for the compliment. Also, thanks Anthony for posting the great pics from Dollywood. I wish I could have stayed for the 3 days but enjoyed the mini seminars very much. Maybe next year..... Pete did give a really neat class on carving "teeth". Just started a face today playing with his technique.
I am not sure, but I think Anthony is the carver I met at the 2004 event and again this year. A really nice fellow.
There were some really nice carvings entered in the CCA this year. Congrats to Mitch for getting a Blue along with a few other colors.... Great job.
FYI -- Our club is having a show/competition next Saturday, Oct. 22 during the BBQ festival here in Lexington, NC. If anyone would like to come they can visit our web site at: www.davidsoncountywoodcarvers.com for an entry form.
Mitch, are you going to the Hickory show this year? If so let me know and I'll bring you some basswood.