[jrussell]

Hello to all, my name is Jim from Mattoon, Illinois. I am a new member to the message board. I have been carving on and off for approximately 20 years. In my part of the state, there are not many woodcarvers, or at least publicly known woodcarvers. Instructors and suppliers are none existent where I live, so I am somewhat self-taught by trial and error with the battle scars as proof. I joined this web-site for many reasons, the most important reasons being being able to converse with other woodcarvers and the seeking of resources when needed.

I carve exclusively for pleasure and stress relief. I give all my carvings away as gifts and have never sold anything. I carve primarily small "In-the-Round"
items, with a christmas theme. Can anyone provide me with information regarding Nativity Scenes, where I can find patterns. I have carved Helen Gibson's style, looking for other styles.

I look forward to future correspondence.

Thank you in advance for any information on Nativity Scenes.

[Mottles]

Hello & welcome. We have some wonderful folks who are excellent carvers and woodburners.
I'm sure someone will come along soon with suggestions on where to find what you are looking for.
WCI publishes a magazine called 'no surprise' Wood Carving Magazine. You can get your subscripton started right here on line. Take a look at the top of the left bar and you'll see 'Subscribe Today'. Also Fox Chapel Publishers are available from this site too. We have many members who are carving and woodburning authors on this site.
Looking forward to seeing some of your carving when you are ready. Here is a helpful link Posting Photos
Kathy

[pallin]

Hi Jim. Welcome.
I share your non-commercial approach to wood carving; do it just for relaxation or personal challenge. There's a lot of useful information and photos here. Hope you find what you need.

[Just Carving]

Welcome Jim! What I tried and worked well for me was to take photos of the Nativity figurines--whether you take them yourself, or "borrow" from the Internet (which is okay--you're not selling them). It doesn't matter what size they are--even the lawn ornaments work. Then you just take the photos and enlarge/crop on the computer and print them out on the printer. Then you have your patterns. I did this for one that was broken in my set, I just need to paint it now. You just reminded me that I have a few others that need to be replaced also.

Bob L