[mdallensr]

For several years, I've wanted to go to the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine to tka etheir carving workshops taught by Chris Pye. He comes from England evry summer to teach three weeks of classes. These book up quickly, and I got locked out last year after the first day of registration! So I was with the early birds this year and signed up for a new, two-week session for intermediate and advanced carvers. Twleve of us each get to select and bring a major project to carve, approved in advance by Chris.

I've had an idea, for a few years, to build and carve a doorway for a wine cellar. This course gave me a good reason to get going on this project. I'm building this arched doorway in pieces, so I can haul some parts to Maine that are workable in size. I'm taking four parts, the left and right side vertical pieces, and brackets that top the verticals and support the arch.

I'm building this frame out of Honduran mahogany, partly because I like to carve it and partly because this is really going in a cellar and must resist moisture, bugs, molds, etc. I'm done with the glue-ups for the side pieces and the brackets, and I've band sawed the brackets to shape. The brackets are capped with a flat piece with egg and dart molding, and those pieces are cut and glued, ready to carve.

[Just Carving]

Wow Mike! Go for it! You're using a great opportunity to complete a great project. The best part of it all is that every time you go to get a bottle of wine, you'll be reminded of the greatness of it all!

Best of Luck!

Bob L

[Iowa Carver]

Good luck and congrats!

Corey

[chuckt]

Wow! Nice project and great opportunity. I love Chris' work and getting to take a class with him will be a fantastic experience I'm sure. You must post a detailed report when you're back.


ChuckT

[mdallensr]

I'm going to take photos each day. I've taken a bunch already, to document the preparation of the four pieces I'm taking to the class. The vertical frame pieces are 50" long, with the frame (jamb) part 8 3/8" wide and the face part 5 3/8" wide, all from 1 3/8" thick mahogany. The grape brackets are about 3 1/2" wide (thick) by 9" tall. I did some joinery and gluing I had never done before to make these pieces; had to buy some extra clamps! And yes, I did make an extra bracket blank to take along "just in case" I need to cheerfully start over! Mike

[Thor]

I look forward to hearing your accounts of taking under Chris Pye. I've read about the course, and it sounds very inspiring.

Great project to work on, and the project postings wil be greatly appreciated.

Thor

[RussL.]

Hey! Your photo journal is starting to to look like Mark Y's!
It looks great.
Have a great time! I'm sure you will!
Thanks in advance for keeping us posted.

Russ

[carvendive]

I'm envious! I tried getting to that other coast for Chris' class - twice - and haven't been able to make it. Maybe one of these days. I wish you All The Best but I'm sure it'll be one of those times in your life that will be with you forever.

Hopefully you're going to journal your time at the classes (along with lots of photos). And later share them with us

[mdallensr]

I'm taking my laptop with me, so I may be able to post some updates while I'm in Maine. Maybe some of the other students will want to share their experience. Regardless, having two solid weeks of carving with a dozen serious carvers and a great instructor is about as good as it gets! And, next week just happens to be Lobster Fest in Maine, and it's in the town where I'm staying. I am going to eat lobster until I just can't eat anymore. Mike

[chuckt]

Oh man!! Lobster Fest - YUM!!!! Eat a few for me too. :-) Enjoy!

ChuckT