Questions for Shawn Cipa

[BobD]

any questions for WCI contributer and Fox Chapel Publishing author Shawn Cipa here.

[blackhorse]

Mr. Cipa,
I just finished up a miniature version (Figures stand 3 inches tall-patterns shrunk to 60%) of your Nativity book for my mother, just in time for Christmas. I had to go small because I only brought two boards of bass wood and a little keyhole saw with me on deployment to Afghanistan. Your design is truly amazing and once the set is completed it really becomes impressive. My mother couldn't stop talking about and I think it is only fitting that her praise and thanks for the nativity set go to you. I simply applied your instruction on a smaller scale. In any case, thank you for the great instruction in the book, my mother loved it, my sisters are jealous, and I have solidified my "favorite-son-status. I have six more months on this deployment to make a set for each of my sisters.
I am looking forward to your Gargoyle book because my oldest son would like a carving for his room, (he is at that age) so I am sure I will be congratulating you on another great book and thanking you again for making me look like a rock star.
I would like to ask, because Chistmas will be back again in another 12 months, are you doing any other biblical carving books? Your folk art interpretation of biblical characters and animals is outstanding. Have you considered any others, Noah, Jonah, Daniel, David and Goliath, or any other identifieable character with supporting figures? You could make a series and already know of one guy who would buy them all. Just a thought, I am a big fan and would love to see more of your folk art work. Not to mention the fact that I have to come up with something for next Christmas and I could use your help. Thanks again,

Major Al Ramirez
101st ABN DIV (AASLT)

[Shawn-Cipa]

Hi Al,

Sorry, I have not seen your posting sooner; I failed to receive my notification from the administrator.

Glad you have enjoyed my nativity designs, and good to hear you have recieved Rock Star status!

I have actually considered doing more books of a biblical nature, whether it be characters or otherwise. I'm not sure what it will be yet, but to loosely answer your question, yes, I do indeed intend on that eventually! Unfortunately, I can bet it won't be in time for next Christmas. If you would like help in some area, or with an idea, I'm all ears. Drop me an e-mail at scipa@verizon.net

Hope you enjoy the Gargoyle book, and thanks for your correspondence,

Shawn

[leavyc]

I would love to see you do a Noah's ark and animals. I like your style and would love to do one and add to it in the years to come. Maybe more than one book?

[Shawn-Cipa]

Yes, that would be a good one. I can't tell you how many times I tried to start one in years past, and never finished! It certainly would be a good subject for me. I would imagine the ark would be a step-by-step, and maybe noah. All the other figures and animals could be pattern work....

[tom1952]

First ff let me say I really enjoy your books, I have 2 of them 1 of which I had to buy twice.
I am having a bit of trouble with the faces of Santa and of Joseph, on either of theses figures when I carve the eyes and the bags under the eye the eye lid kind of breaks away leaving a torn look, not a chrisp carved line. I have tried reshapening my knife that doesn't change it. Should I carve deeper and make the eye lid thicker, what do you think?
Thanks in advance
Tom

[backporchcarver]

I am also going to vote for the Noah's Ark and Animals. I have the book with Santa's, Angels and Snowmen and have carved most of them, enjoyed doing every one.

[GaDoug]

I have carved your santa from last years holiday issue, the version with the wire tree photo holder. I am currently working on your nativity.

Since my son is named Noah I know I would line up to buy a Shawn Cipa Noah's Ark book.

No rush! It will take me a few months to finish the nativity.

[Eric S.]

I have really enjoyed you books. I have most fo them and LOVE them. I agree a Noah's Ark book and/or a biblical book would be really cool. David/Goliath, Adam/Eve, Jonah and the Whale, Daniel and the lions den, Moses, etc. Carving those figure in your folk style would be really nice.

Thanks!

[Dan C]

This is for tom1952.

Tom - It doesn't look like you got a reply, so let me put my 2 cents worth in. I'm replying because I just had the same problem, and am trying to think through my experiences so that I can get better.

My strategy on the next carving is going to be to very carefully carve a VERY shallow cut to define the bottom edge of the upper eye lid. I'm thinking that the edge of the upper eye lid is chipping off because I pushed the knife blade too far down into the wood while making that cut. This then disturbs the wood fibers next to the cut and when the eye ball is shaved down up to the cut, a ragged edge is left. If I need to go down farther, I can very carefully step the cut down a little at a time.

I'd be interested in what Shawn might think about this problem as well.

Dan C