[Jerry_K]

My name is Jerry Korte. I am 63 years old and married to Mary. We have four grown chidren and nine grandkids with number ten on the way. Ain't life great? About forty years ago I mounted atop a great white stallion. I was wearing a shiny coat of armour. I intended to cure the ills of society. I was a big city policeman and had every intention of "cleaning up". Twenty years later, the white horse walked with a limp. the armour had dents and didn't shine much, and I was tired, and I hadn't cleaned up society. Go figure. But, dues paid. Then for the next twenty years and continuing I worked in the minerals/mining industry. We mine mica and process it. I hope in three or four years to retire.

I began carving about seven or eight years ago. I don't get to carve much, but I do try to give myself some carving time. I like to carve caricatures and santa's and since reading Rick's articles on hobos, think I would like to try another. I have been on this board for a little less than a year. I have picked up "vast" amounts of terrific carving information. EVERYONE on this message board has been helpful to me. I really wish that I would have the opportunity to sit for a day or two with many of you so I could just watch you carve.

In the last year, my carving ability has leaped because of this board, taking a few carving classes (Larry Rogers, Helen Gibson), and joining a carving club (Piedmont Wood Carvers Club, Greenville, SC). I would recommend to others who are a little more than beginners to try the same.

I thank all of you "Masters" who so freely offer to us "Wannabes" the benefit of your hard-earned experience and learning.

[wood-whittler]

hello jerry. nice to have another GA boy on here i like to carve caricatures and santas to. not sure if you know it but next month there is a carving show in charllotte nc, not sure how far that is for you. a couple of us from the board will be there. let me know if you want info.

wood-whittler

[Clifford_Parker]

Hi Jerry and welcome to the group.

[Nancy_G]

Welcome, Jerry. We're glad you're here.
Mica? What is mica used for except adding sparkle to a carved Santa or angel?