[Smergles]

Good morning all. Looks like a really neat site and glad I found you all out here. I have been carving for about a year, and am really interested in finding some classes where I can learn more. Anyone know of classes in the South Central Missouri area. I am not far from Springfield, Missouri and can travel there if anyone knows of a class. I love doing spirit faces (have completed 2) and am "stuck" at the moment. Need some instructions and there is nothing in my area. I belong to a club out here, but really would like some classes. If anyone has any suggestions, either post here or write me at my email ... smergles@yahoo.com

Thank you in advance and happy carving to you all!

J

[Ron Davidson]

Welcome aboard. This is a great site with alot of helpful people. The best thing I can tell you as far as a club is do a internet search ( woodcarving clubs/Missouri). That is what I would do.Ron

[Paul_Guraedy]

Welcome. On the subject of classes, do a search "woodcarving rendezvous" and take a look at Rendezvous II (held the last week of Oct). I know that most of the classes fill well in advance; but, now and then they do have openings in caricature carving. This would fit in with your interest in spirit carving. Then there is the Woodcarvers Rendezvous (held the first week of June). Both of these sessions are at Compton Ridge Campground which is just outside of Branson.

Also go to the Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers site and check into the spring seminar (held the first of March). There are about 35 different classes held at Silver Dollar City.

You might check the Silver Dollar City website as they also have classes. These are shorter than the Rendezvous and Seminar and may be of more immediate interest to you.

In the meantime, the web has developed as an amazing resource. You will find a lot of assistance on this board. Using written descriptions, referring you to books and magazines and the second most amazing development, the digital camera, a lot of help can be offered to folks in remote locations.

[Mottles]

Welcome:
I'm new too! As you can see and I have found folks are really helpful on this site. Lot's of information and experience here.
Kathy

[Callynne]

Hi Smergles, Welcome, it's good to have you with us! Don't hesitate to ask us anything. I've always found someone will have the answer or point me in the right direction to find it. We'll look forward to seeing some pictures of your work when you're ready to share....again....Welcome! Callynne

[Ashbys]

Hi amd welcome to the boards!
I am a new carver as well, I started in May. And have been lost in never never land every since.
You said your stuck, perhaps if you explain how someone here might be able to help or point you in the right direction.
Pleasue to have you and welcome again.

Ash

[squbrigg]

Welcome J. Great to have you aboard. Hope you enjoy the forum as much as we do. A great bunch of folks here!

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Welcome to a great board.


You said your were stumped. How so?

[jamesfa]

hi welcome to the group.you have come to the right place.

if your stuck just ask a question and you'll get some answers. i live in an area that has very little in the way of carving lessons,the closest would require a 2-3 hour drive oneway. so the folks on this board have become my instructors.



Frank

[Donna_T]

Hello and welcome, Neighbor,
I am in Southwest Missouri and am in Springfield regularly. I've found that the Camdenton, Bolivar and Kimberling City area clubs have regular workshops on carving--usually with specific themes or projects. The Springfield and Camdenton club have carving classes for beginners 2-3 times a year. So, if you'd like to email me personally, I'll give you some contact names, addresses, phone numbes, etc. I, too, must drive at least a couple of hours to get to instruction--but sometimes, especially at the beginning, it was well worth it to be able to talk to and learn from someone else.

I've also participated in the Wood Carving Rendezvous at Compton Ridge at Branson -- and the one at Silver Dollar City. If you don't have their contact info, likewise, let me know and I'll provide it. They both have spring and fall week-long workshops that are an awesome place to start. The very first carving workshop I took was from Harold Enlow and the second was at Compton Ridge.

In the meantime, this is a great site to get questions answered. As you have time, read older postings on specific topics that interest you. Good stuff.

Again, we're so glad you're here--come often and stay long!
Donna T