Wildlife in Wood Seminar Report

[Paul_Guraedy]

My Frien's, it was another wonderful week in Miami, Oklahoma. We had great weather weather (cool nights, warm days), a wonderful instructor (Debbe Edwards), a choice of two good roughouts (rearing horse in butternut, walking horse in basswood), and and a congenial group of 11 woodcarvers.

I might better add right up front that there are seldom more than a couple of openings in each of the two sessions and there is a waiting list for any vacancies. It is not a prioritized list so there is always a chance of getting in there (although it took me two years to get in due to no openings). Debbe sends out a letter to those interested, naming a date and time when she will start accepting telephoned enrollments. So everyone has an equal chance. Once in, things get easier. At the end of each session, attendees are offered the opportunity of putting down a deposit for the next year (this is why there are so few openings). We had only two new people in our session but, I think, there are four in the second week.

Back to the seminar, we had one carver who worked on three pieces at the same time (2 rearing, 1 walking) and ended up buying several more blanks. Now, there is enthusiasm!. I am attaching photos of: Debbe (working with Larry Dragoo), the finished piece Debbe did in cedar, the clay model Debbe used to design the carving, and my carving at the end of the 5th day (now I see they are in reverse order; but, I ain't retyping this).

The first day was used for roughing in and starting on the legs. All of us thought "OK things will get easier". We did hear only one "OH NO!" as a leg disappeared into the chips on the floor. Debbe was quick with the super glue and assistance in blending the line into the grain of the butternut.

The second day we continued work on the legs and started on the head getting ready for the eyes. This was actually to be the easiest day.

The third day came and we did "Eyes". No big "Uh Oh" but this was a quiet day. Everyone concentrated and at the end of the day we collectively thought, "OK, the worst is over".

Wrong! The fourth day was dedicated to ears. It seemed simple....until we started carving them. Wow! But, we did get them carved.

The fifth day was used to work on problem areas and start on the real finishing work for the carving. The main comment heard was, "I can't believe the week is over!".

All of us put our money on the table and are looking forward to next year. Debbe takes suggestions and it seemed to narrow down to either an elephant or family of foxes. Whatever she designs, I intend to be there.

[Joy]

Sounds like a wonderful week. I am envious. Your horse is looking very dynamic.

[catbird]

Paul, I am impressed! Beautiful horse...carving and finishing. I'll bet you had a ball and feel like you have a new family after five days together. Good For You!