In Memory of my Grandmother--the carver

[Rustic Rick]

My Grandmother's name was Essie Kruse, she began carving in her eighties. She passed away in July of 2010 just shy of her 96th birthday. I was the lucky recipent of one of her first chip carvings. A Celtic Cross that has a place of honor in my home.

When she passed away she left behind a few big boxes of carving magazines (alot of Woodcarving Illustrated s). In those boxes were some of her practice boards and some rough outs that she had not had the chance to get to yet. As I was going through her stuff to chose her legacy for me, a cousin took me aside and told me that since I was the only woodworking grandchild she had, that it is only right and proper that I take the carving stuff and complete what she did not have time to. I was also given "instructions" by my Aunt that I really needed to learn to carve to carry on the legacy.

As I was looking through all the carving things, I realized that I have a big task ahead of me to carry on her work. I am slowly working on those unfinished items. She has left one hell of a legacy for all of her Grandchildren. She had a deep love of nature, (she could tell you what kind of bird was around by the call it made). So when she could not get out like she used to. She turned to carving.

So I sit here in awe of the work she has done and marvel at the work ahead of me.

Sorry for the rambling. I just felt that she needed some recognition for her life as a carver. So I think if she can learn at that age. I can be sure that I can learn now.

Rick

[jdbcarving]

I think it is great you want to honor your grandmother. I know there are some carving clubs over on your side of the state. I have a few friends on the west side that carve. Look on the side of the column here and click on the "carving clubs" that should show some in your area. Good luck carving, and enjoy it, it is a great hobby or past time to learn.
Jim

[Rustic Rick]

I have found a club that is literally 5 minutes away. They hold meetings at a t.v. station. They record their meetings and for a few bucks you can have a dvd of it.

[oldbearx2]

Rick, belated condolences on your Grandmothers passing. You are right though one of the best ways for you to honor her is to carry on her passion for carving.

[gtech]

Condoleances for your grand-mother.

She left you a wonderful legacy, the taste for wood carving, and the skill to do it.

For me, it comes from my grand-father, and it took me years after his death to really realize what he left me. But I am really grateful to him today because we are only 2 in the family that received his taste for woodcarving.

Gilles

[Rustic Rick]

I am the only one in mine

[Canopener]

Rick
Sorry for your loss.
Hope tis will help you work through your grief and get some inspiration from above.
I also inherited my first tools and they are a special gift.
Jim

[Rustic Rick]

I inherited a small chip knife and a scorp.