Just got back

[jillsy]

Hi everyone,

Just got back from a week long vacation, visiting hubby's relatives who own a farm out in Western PA. It hurts to come back to such congestion after letting my 3 year old run free and spend hours outside with the animals all week. So, it'll take a few days for me to be back to my old self. In the meantime, it's been great to come back to the forum and read what's been going on with you all.

While out there, I stopped at a woodcarving gallery that my hubby's aunt knew of. This little old man from Holland sells all kinds of carvings done in relief. When I showed him a miniature carving I did, he said, "That takes too much time. Quit that. This is what you want to do!" Then he proceeded to show me what he does and gave me some home-made knives made from sharpened kitchen knives. He kept waving them about 2 inches from my face telling me how razor sharp they were! Not sure I'll use them, but appreciated his generosity. He then told me to stop by his house later that night. When we did, he showed me some of his first carvings from 20 years ago and how he used an old over-head projector and hand-made templates to form pictures on the wood. It was definitely a unique experience and he said next time we visited, he'd teach me how to carve in his showroom (as long as he keeps those knives at a distance, I'd love the opportunity!)

I told my hubby's aunt that he was typical of all the woodcarvers I know. They're so generous and quick to want to help and teach. And like most, he had a witty sense of humor and a million stories to tell!

[Ashbys]

Welcome Back.
I just got back as well , but I was a little farther west. And although I did not meet any carvers I did get something very special.
The local electric company had just removed two maple trees in a small town where my family is from. The trees have been in the town since before the town was formed and both are well over 150 - 200 years old. The first is over 5 ft in dia and the second is over 8 I would say from rough measurement closer to 10.
To make a long story short, I suggested that they should make a section of one into a table for the senior center as it would be a shame to lose so much history , the tress were along the Lincoln trial and are are older than the state. They like the idea so much , that the trees will be moved and covered to a place where I can work with them. I will be placing a carving of Lincoln and some information about the town into the block tables which will then be placed into the senior center so they will be a part of the town for many years to come.
Garry

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good for you! There are so many now a days trying to destroy our history, good to see someone preserving a bit of it!

[Nancy-G]

Wow !!! Both of you make it sound like traveling is a fine thing to do.

[Kenny_S]

Garry, That was a great Idea to save part of the trees and to carve something in to them. What an Honor. Congratulation!

[jillsy]

What a super idea, Ash!! Hope you post pix!!

[whitecree]

Jillsy was away for awhile? 'splains why it was so quiet around here.

An 8' maple would be something to see. Biggest I've seen them is maybe 18".

An 8' red cedar, however, is common as grass.

[squbrigg]

That's a great idea Ash, those trees shouldn't go to waste. Hope you'll have some help, they will be heavy! Make great tables and carving.

Well done preserving the memory of those beautiful old trees.

Bob

[Colin-Partridge]

Welcome back to both of you you sound like you both had a fantastic vacation. Great idea Gary wow I would love to see a 10 foot diameter maple biggest I have seen is about four. Nice to have you both back you are probably happy to be home. I just got back myself and I know it is nice to have your feet planted for a while.
Colin

[oaktree57]

Jillsy, I live in western PA near Pittsburgh and would like to visit the gallery you mentioned to see what the relief carvings I attempt should look like. Would you tell me what town it is in?

Thanks.

Don