A heart felt thank you

[lorax]

I just wanted to thank everyone who sent supplies over for my carving class. You guys are so wonderful! I have plenty of blocks, and the real suprise were the cutouts, and roughouts that I received. I am so excited to get started. I have been really busy in my off time, sharpening and writing up the class, and I still need to put together a power point show that will go along with the text. The first class starts on Tuesday, so there is alot of last minute things to do. But wait, there's even more!

There is a captain I work with, who just wanted to learn how to carve with a knife, so I let him borrow my knife, and I ordered him one through Stubai Direct (Marnie Whillock's company). I ordered him a stubai carving knife, an just by virtue of the mailing address, they decided to include to Murphy knives, two "learn to whittle" books with cutouts, and the knife I did order, at no charge. I would be remiss if I did not "plug" them here, but of course I am thrilled by everyone's generosity. The funny thing is, since Ive been deployed, my cousin's husband bought a sawmill, so he was able to sent a bunch of basswood blocks, and now when I get home I have another resouce. Donna T even sent kevlar gloves! (As well as a lot of cutouts). I actually had a few people putting names on some of the cutouts, so they could have their choice! I think I should have enough wood to keep us carving till we leave! So thanks again to each and everyone of you that spent the time energy and dollars to send over supplies for us, I cant imagine how much it would be if we had to buy all that!

I will be taking photos and posting them so everyone can see what a great thing was done for us by your genorosity.

[lorax]

We had our first class last night. It started off rough, but ended up well. The powerpoint slideshow I had spent 3 hours on, disappeared into cyberspace. So I just went from the booklet I had put together, a little embarrasing but not anything I can't get over. They all practiced with the chisels and learned how to safely work with sharp tools =) Thursday we will make a woodspirit, and start a project from the cutouts that were sent over. I took a couple pictures last night, but they were both pretty blurry. So I will take a few more on Thursday.

[squbrigg]

Lorax....it sounds like you have a good start with your class. I wouldn't worry about losing your Power Point demo, carving is best taught hands on. I'm sure your carving crew enjoyed themselves and the idea of doing something different for a change, something normal, from home.

Please offer a "well done" to your class from us, and not just for the carving!

Bob

[lorax]

there are some pictures of the first class if you follow the link
http://www.507engineers.com/gallerie...ng_aug_16.html

Thanks again

[Smokey]

All of the thanks goes to you guys, looks like the first class was a great success. Thanks for the photo tour, its been quite awhile since some of us did any carving while keeping the 16 within reach. Thanks again.

[squbrigg]

Lorax.....Thanks for the pictures, it's great to see those smiles on their faces as they discover the joys and relaxation of carving. Well done to all and thanks go to all for the fine job they're doing over there. Great idea Lorax, getting them started, they are getting started at hobby that will offer them a lifetime of fun, relaxation and gratification.

Bob

[wade clark]

Great photos! Great smiles! Great escape, right at the tip of your fingers! Speaking of fingers, I'd suggest gloves on the holding hand!
Thanks again for all you're doing over there!
Wade

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

there are some really talented people there! Some of the carvings already show a great start! But....a couple of those pictures make me cringe lol....please remind them to try and remember where their left hand is when they are going in that direction with a knife or gouge! I always wear a glove anymore and yesterday....yesterday!! I would have had a big time cut if it weren't for the glove......the only way to go! If you need carving gloves, please let us (me) know...I will send you some and I am sure some others will as well....and thanks for your service Dave (US Navy 1959-1963) in a different war

[Ron Davidson]

I agree with Hi Ho & Wade if you need gloves let me know I will contribute. Ron

[Colin-Partridge]

I also will send you what you need just let us know I will order them from Rick in Seattle and he can send them direct to you. Great looking class and great carvings who knows maybe some of those guys and girls will become regulars on the message board when they get back state side.
Stay safe and god bless
Colin