Wildlife in Wood Photos

[Paul_Guraedy]

My Frien’s I have just returned from another Wildlife in Wood Seminar. This opportunity for personal instruction with a great wildlife artist, Debbe Edwards, is something everyone should experience. The sessions (two) are limited to 10 carvers. There are no distractions that come with large gatherings…even if classes are kept small.

Debbe has researched her subject (deer bust this year); but, does not mind asking questions when in doubt……….”Can a deer have 9 tines?” She is just a fun person to be around and to listen to the chatter would make an observer ask, “Is there any serious woodcarving going on here?” But, even a subject well-known to some of us turned out to be a lot harder than it looked initially…..leading Debbe to ask, “Deer antlers do not come out the sides of their heads like a cow…………Do any of you deer hunters do anything besides count the tines?” Receiving the response, “Yes Ma’am, we ask what was the span and dressed weight?”

It is as much reunion as seminar, most of us had been in this session for several years. Debbe offers those at the class the opportunity to reserve a place for next year. Thus, an early query to Debbe will usually result in being placed on a waiting list. But, there are almost always late cancellations (there are still two openings in this year’s second class) so it’s just a matter of being patient.

I was asked to take photos so here are memories of a real fun and educational session…..this is the first of two posts.

1. & 2. The roughout is a long way from the go by. 3. Debbe starts out demonstrating on her roughout. 4. Debbe's studio is large enough for 10 carvers. 5. Then comes the one on one instruction (Forum member Donna T).

[Paul_Guraedy]

and here is the second set.........

Debbe was constantly advising us to watch the hair flow during the texturing and burning. Finally came time to set the antlers and most found that it really did take two to set two antlers. I end with the class of 2010.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Decided to put in a few more for fun...........

Mike found that he needed one more hand with painting and Donna found that carving something other than deer at night helped her concentration during the antler forming with apoxy.

[TreeWizard]

Great looking deer heads and thank you for the pictures.

[mpounders]

Looks like it was a great class. I was admiring the snazzy workholders also....I think I'm needing one of those!

[Ed Redwine]

Debbe is a great carver and instructor. I have a small deer bought at the Wichita show many years ago. I notice our good friend. Walt K. was in the group. He is a regular in her seminars and his work shows it. Paul, you need to make it to Wichita next year!