[ICALL2MUCH]

Hey folks!
I am new here, I have long loved to whittle on sticks and odd pieces of wood, and just now decided to get somewhat into it! Right now I dont have any drive to get into the real detailed stuff that you folks can do. I would just like to get better at whittling and learn as I go. I make custom turkey and deer calls, and am hoping to one day maybe incorperate some of my carving into my calls! Everyone have a great day!!!

Willie

[Tom H]

Welcome Willie! If you plan on just spending just a little time with whittling/carving; without getting into detail; good luck. I don't think it's possible. That was my idea, when I first decided to get a little serious about improvement. That was about two years ago. Sometimes I don't think I have improved all that much. But my wife will say different. And she is right. But I still have a long way to go. One cannot help but improve if one carves more and more. And guess what? Improvement means details....Hang on for the most rewarding ride ever...Again, welcome aboard...Tom H

[Mark N. Akers]

Welcome to the site Willie,I miss the midwest a little,we moved here from Alton,Il. about 10 years ago.

[Eddy Smiles]

Willie...

Like you, I came in the back door of carving only it was artificial fishing lures not deer and turkey calls. If you're trying to start out slow but still need some ideas why don't you take a look at Fox Chapel Publishing Company's book:
Little Book of Whittling: Passing Time on the Trail, on the Porch, and Under the Stars by Author: Chris Lubkemann or: Whittling Twigs & Branches - 2nd Edition: Unique Birds, Flowers, Trees & More from Easy-to-Find Wood also Chris Lubkeman.

I went from lures to chickens and the grand kids loved them!

[gene messer]

Welcome Willie .. Eddy is right .. look in the many wonderful books Fox Publishing carries on just whitting to start off with .. Then gradually work into your speciality .. Gald to have you ..

[Bartster]

willie,

welcome to the board, we have some great folks here.

bart

[Donna_T]

Willie,
Welcome to the WCI message board. Good folks--good info here. Most of us got into carving with illusions of what we could accomplish or avoid. But eventually, we end up trying for more detail and different kinds of carving.

One of the first things I'd recommend, other than subscribing to Wood Carving Illustrated magazine, is to find a club near to your home location and join it--perhaps take a round of carving classes.

Carving!
Donna T

[emmett]

Willie, don't get discouraged. I did nothing but boots and shoes for about a year, just to get the feel of the wood and the way my knife worked. Sharp tools are a "MUST" I worked my way up to a full table of carvings and even a few ribbons and a Best of Show. Still learning and having more fun on each one.
Good Luck with it all. By the way, I used to live in Keokuk.
Emmett

[mediamst]

Hey Willie,

Welcome. I am new here as well. I am also from Illinois. I live in Warrenville. (Next to Naperville

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Willie. It's nice to have you here.