[hruukki]

Hello everyone!

I'll soon be 43 and just found wood carving last August. I wish I had found it sooner! On the other hand, I now have a lot of experience of other things that make it easier for me to learn: I studied drawing and painting for several years, have been an art decorator (started in the 80's when the sticker logos still were cut by hand, mostly) and also tried my hand at 3D modeling with a computer.

The biggest trick for me seems to be control - but thanks to Chris Pye's DVD Ornamental Woodcarving, I got the general idea.

So far, all of it has been enjoyable!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Welcome...I was older than that when I started! time doesn't matter, its how you use it!

[Tom H]

Welcome to the Board. I am with Hi Ho, 42 would have been young for me to start carving. But there is always the positive way to look at things if you really were old. Folks tend to cut some of us really old folks some slack. I think you'll like your visits here. Lots of very talented folks who are willing to shall their knowledge and experience. Tom H

[RussL.]

I started last year at age 52, with no artistic or woodworking experience whatsoever...and yet I still am enjoying myself immensely.

As I write I have my fifth or sixth version of that Chris Pye Ornamental Woodcarving DVD excercise at home on my carving bench awaiting completion. Practice, practice, practice. :-)

Chirs Pye's letter carving and sharpening DVDs are also helpful if you have his book on carving letters in wood to back it up and/or you have no experience sharpening edge tools.

...and of course this message board is a great boon to inexperienced carvers, too.

All the best,

RussL.

[mdallensr]

Welcome from another carver who started older than you are now. You've picked a great hobby, and one that I think is ideal from a time standpoint. You can carve in any weather, any season, for 15 minutes or all day, with a minimal invesment, and with or without others. Most of us are fortunate to have an instructor or carving club nearby to get advice and encouragement. Beware, this is addictive! Good luck. Mike

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome! I wish I would have started at 43 and even younger, I'd be so much far a head now. LOL Never to old to start woodcarving, just wear protection.
Kathy

[Donna_T]

Hi,
Welcome to our "carving" place. You're so lucky that you have the artistic background. Many of us don't have that to help us with our carving process...we just kinda blunder through the process with trial and error...and help that we get here from each other. You're never too young or too old to enjoy this fun.
Donna T

[hruukki]

Thanks all, I think I'll like this forum. If any of you need tips on drawing, I'll be glad to help. I learned some fast and certain methods while I studied.

[tucker1931]

43 and just beginning to carve. My God man, do you realize I'm 77, it's dang near 2:30 AM and here I am hackin away on a little hunk of wood. I also started (for the first time in my life) last Aug. That's after I finished my radiation treatments for my prostate cancer. Now, I'm recuperating from total hip replacement and I'm havina ball. Welcome aboard there neighbor, they ain't all half wacked out in the head like me, fact is, there's some dang great carvers on here just waiting to share info should you need it. Please, don't ask me for any cause I don't know what the hell I'm doin. (smile)
Cliff

[hruukki]

Well - thanks for support everyone! I actually didn't mean to say I consider myself old to start carving - far from it! All I meant was, I wish I had started earlier, since this is such a great hobby. Cliff - your spirit is great, I'll keep you in mind while I gain years!