[imahic]

Hello, My name is Mike and I finally registered after lurking and reading the forum for some time. I have been a subscriber to Woodcarving Illustrated since it came into being and have kept all the issues since day one. I really enjoy the magazine as well as Chip Chats. I am sef taught so still consider myself very much a beginner. I have probably taught myself lots of bad habits I am sure. I was involved in Scouting with my son when he was growing up and helped teach basic knife safety and even some carving as much as I was capable. I tried to always stress safety but have found myself on occasion doing things that I told the kids not to do...lol. Not very smart I know but I guess we all do that at one time or another. I enjoy reading the forum and look forward to being able to participate. I enjoy carving walking sticks and santas and whatever else strikes me. I am currently carving my first spoon and am thinking about trying some chip carving as well.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Welcome!

[Eddy Smiles]

Greetings Mike! It sounds as if you're getting started much like most of us did. Good luck with your carving and post some pics when you get the time.

[imahic]

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I had an interest in carving for a long time but when my wife and I went to a festival one time there were some woodcarvers there selling santas. My wife thought they were cute and wanted all of them but the pockets weren't that deep. So, being the numbskull I am, I said I can do that. So she made me put up or shut up. Luckily for me my first effort was not too bad. It made her happy and that's the only thing that matters as we all know. I have already got several good tips from lurking the last couple of years. I hope I can help someone else if I can. As some of you have said before, I haven't met a carver yet who wasn't friendly and willing to share their knowledge. If any of you know or are connected with a carving group or club around the Wichita Falls Texas area, please drop me a line. I would love to get together with some folks who actually know what they are doing.

[Mottles]

WELCOME Mike!
Kathy