[David43515]

Hi, My name`s Dave Young and I`ve always been interested in carving wood but never really tried. A recent TV show here (Northern Japan) had a teacher walking 2 folks through carving a small Budha`s head and it reminded me of seeing pictures of wood spirits. They made it look easy enough I thought I`d give it a try. A quick search in for some instructions in English, and here I am. I think I may have found a new hobby that I`ll enjoy and the wife can`t really complain about.

I look forward to learning alot here, and if any of you ever head this way be sure and drop me a line. We get tons of skiers from Australia and New Zealand everyyear and more folks are always welcome. I love to show off my wife`s hometown asmuch asI love to work with my hands.

See `Ya,
Dave

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Dave. Japan has a great rich woodcarving history and there are still many carvers engaged in traditional Japanese carving. Great tool makers too, so pick yourself up some good tools while you are there. This board is a great place to talk carving and learn.

Bob

[Joy]

Welcome to the exciting world of carving.

[skycrowe]

Howdy,
This is Skycrowe from NJ and I postponed my carving activities a few years ago and have been getting the itch to begin again. When carving previously, my time was spent with small items with the exception of one hand-carved sign that sits in my office and at a seminar site 3 times a year. Most of my small items were caricature items that were a lot of fun. If I remember correctly, I was in the first wave of subscribers to Woodcarving Illustrated a few years back until I took my holiday from carving.

I used to go to the Labor Day workshops in New York with the Mid-Hudson Woodcarvers and thoroughly enjoyed my time with Peter and all of the other instructors. My wife would weave baskets while I was carving, ah, the memories of wonderful times past are flowing.

So, this is just a big howdy and I sincerely hope that this is not just a passing fancy as we pass out of our sailing season and into the winter as I spent many an hour happily removing wood to discover the image underneath.

[Mottles]

Hi Dave, welcome, new carver's are always welcome and you'll learn a lot by just reading the posts to this site.
Kathy

[Irishman]

Hello Davy,

Look forward to chatting with you and eventually seeing your work. This is a great place to learn. Hope you enjoy your new hobby as much as I do.

Patrick

[GeorgiaCarver]

Hi David, welcome to the forum. I have been to Japan several times in the past, but may not get to come again, who knows. Welcome though and I hope you learn to love this forum. It can truly be a source of tremendous help.

Greg

[susieq]

Welcome Dave and Skycrowe,
This is a very good site for finding information, carving tips, and friends....
Carvers are the nicest folks I know. You will like it here, of that I am sure.

Dave, my other hobby (one of them anyhow) is bonsai. I would give a lot to be where you are now just to learn from masters.....

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Welcome......some pretty good looking carving tools from Japan.....expensive here tho! Good carving!