[Cottonwood]

This is a big site and I haven't found an explanation on how the group projects work. I have only recently had the oportunity to attend a carving club and, sorry to say, but I just don't know much about this. Can you fill me in? Start from square one and don't assume I know anything.

[GeorgiaCarver]

I'll try,

During sign-up anyone with an interest sends a post saying add me.....

As long as there is room (the list will fill up) you will be added to the project.

An order of carving is determined and the block of wood with plans are sent to the first person on the list.

That person carves for a few hours or as comfortable and then passes it on to the next person on the list. And so on.

Eventually the carving is done and one of the experts paint the carving. Finally, when the carving is complete one name is drawn from a chip pile and the lucky winner receives the finished conglomeration.

While the carving is in progress you are not allowed to give actual details about the project on the forum... That will not stop some crafty folks from trying to steer people astray with wild haired tales and threats of using chainsaws on the carving.

Others can fill in what I forgot......

Greg

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

thats about it...a "fabrication" from beginning to end

[rick-in-seattle]

CW,
Greg has it down pretty good.

It is fairly informal, I post a signup message and carvers post a message that the wish to participate.

I choose the project, provide the cutout, pattern, or pictures, organize the project and ship it to the first carver.

As each carver completes their part, they post when they ship it to the next carver, and I keep the routing list updated.

Each carver should keep the carving no more than seven days.

When the carving is completed or the last carver is done, it is shipped back to me for painting.

Theresa then draws a name from the participating carvers and we ship the finished carving to it's new home.

Nothing to it, I hope to see you sign up on a project.

[Tom H]

Well, maybe I am a little (or a lot) stupid. But I think it may be time for all of us who participate in these group carving projects to consider the investment that Rick puts into each project. I don't only mean time, but expense. The blank, postage, and the painting. And he never gets a chance to win the final carving either. I personally want to see these group projects continue, with Ricks leadership. But sooner or later we're going to have to step with some $$$ to at least begin to cover Ricks out of pocket expenses. Any agreement, any ideas; or as I said, am I just "stupid". Thanks Tom H

[rick-in-seattle]

Tom,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I do it because I want to.
I don't mind the expense or time involved.
I have donated several thousand dollars worth of products, carvings, and time to clubs, shows, and auctions for years.
But, I have never received as much appreciation as I do here.

Thank you for the consideration, Rick

[love2carve2]

Tom,
I am in agreement with you. Rick puts out expenses that he doesn't have to for any and all of us who want to participate. I for one, appreciate what he does and agree we should compensate him somehow.
Mary

[rick-in-seattle]

Okay,
If you really wish to compensate me for these projects, carve a Christmas ornament for Theresa (make sure and sign it).

She collects carved ornaments and displays the entire collection at Christmas.

Just please, don't feel that you have to do anything.