[veej77]

Hi,
I am located in the San Diego area and would like to learn the basics of wood carving. Would anyone know of classes that I can take in my area. I had thought of enrolling at Palomer College since thay have a very fine woodworking faculty. But due to the distance and timings, I would prefer to learn it from privately held classes.
Thanks

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I would suggest you being in the SDiego area to contact some local carving clubs...there are some outstanding ones in your area I understand. Dave

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome to WCI message board, sorry I can't help with your question. Just wanted to say HI.
Kathy

[foundwood]

I would like to make a few suggestions:

1. Find out what you are interested in doing by purchasing a book that features examples of different types of carving, and then select one type as your starting point.

2. Go to a carving club session to see exactly what is involved in the process. By this I mean tool handling, work area set-up, safety, and waste. If you can't find a club, then order a how-to video.

3. Start small and work up in terms of both size and complexity. If you begin with something too large or challenging, then it is difficult to maintain your perspective on the piece and the relationship between each element.

4. Always keep in mind that wood is a material with changing properties and character. It will teach you to think past and deal with everything from grain patterns to flaws.

5. You will feel an incredible sense of satisfaction and confidence when you hold a finished piece in your hands. The only limits are patience and imagination.

[Nancy-ID]

Contact Virg Kruger, he is in Oceanside and the Chief Judge for So. CA, California Carvers Guild. He is very helpful.

CarversTwo@aol.com

[veej77]

Thank you all for your suggestions. It is greatly appreciated.

[dutchmanmk3]

Don't underestimate you're own intuition ... Palomer College is a very good woodworking program ! Sounds as though you have a few good resources locally. Very Best of Luck with your endeavor.