[BobD]

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to drop a line. I'm back in the office after the International Carver's Conference in Ontario. Got to meet JamesF (or Frank as I found out ) and Colin P. in person and just had a blast. I'm busy catching up with other work, but I'll try to write more later.

Bob

[Colin_Partridge]

Hi Gang,
Bob must have read my mind I was just sitting down to start this thread. Yes we are back from the International Carvers Conference in Kitchener, Ontario. Let me tell you it was a blast I was the first there sitting outside of Chipping away at 7.30 in the morning when in pulled JamesFa. I said good morning James and he informed me that his first name was Frank that JamesFA was just his email monika. My hat goes off to Dennis for putting on a wonderful show I didnt see a hitch in anything it was a fabulous experience. The seminars were super so many talented people Neil Cox, Eldon Humphries, and many many more. I have to tell you I took one of the seminars by a gentleman by the name of Chris Lubkemann not only is this man a wonderfully talented carver but he also missed his calling he should have been a stand up comedian. Chris taught us Whittling Twigs and Branches wow I am hooked not very good at it yet although I purchased his book but it is a lot of fun. Got to meet some of the great people from WCI and talk with Bob it was nice to put a face with a name there are going to be great things happening with WCI and the people I met were very inthusiastic really nice people. Unfortunatly I only was able to attend the Saturday as I am swamped with commissions at the moment but next year I plan on attending all three days. Met some wonderful carvers from the US as well that I plan on keeping in touch with. For any of you that plan on attending next year I think you would have a blast. Well I am off to do another commission so will chat later.
Colin

[BobD]

BTW Colin,
I'm really excited about working with you on the article about carving in live trees. Let me know when you have time to chat about that!

Bob

[icarve2003]

I was there on Friday and had a great time.

I was able to meet my 2 favourite caricature carvers, Pete Leclair and Eldon Humphreys. I bought their books at Chipping Away and they both signed them for me. I got to hold some of Pete's carvings and really check them out. they are both really nice guys and very willing to give advice.

The seminars I attended were great too. I learned a few things I didn't know about rotary tools from Cam Merkle.

Hats off to Dennis Moor for hosting such a great event and I would highly recommend attending next year. I will certainly be there.

Chris.

[BobD]

Chris,
I hope you didn't stop by the booth looking for me Friday--I was too busy attending the seminars. What other seminars did you make it to?
Bob

[jamesfa]

well i to enjoyed myself and learned some new stuff;but i was only able to attend saturday not enough time to attend all the lectures i wanted to and to meet and socialize with the other carvers.
will have to plan better for next year,so that i can attend some of the pre & post conference courses

Frank