I am a Newbie and I need help!

[I.missed.Jerry]

Hello my name is Jadd, I am very intrigued by wood carving I am 22 years old. I want to learn as much as I can about carving and I am having a hard time finding an affordable way of learning some tips and be shown the ropes a little bit!

I live in Chicago and it would be great if someone could connect me to a shop or someone who can talk to me and mentor me a bit!

Thank you in advance

Jadd

Ready to learn

[Tom-H]

Jad,
Welcome to the forum, and to wood carving. I am sure that once the members of the forum see your post, some will point you in the direction within the Chicago area where a club is. Again welcome to the forum.

Tom H

[Sean R]

Welcome to the forums Jadd. Carving is a great hobby I hope you find a mentor who can show ya the ropes. It makes such a difference!

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum!

Here's a list of all the clubs in IL who want to be listed...hopefully, one or more are within driving distance of you.

Woodcarving Illustrated - Club Search

Another possible source is the local Woodcraft store - they sell the knives, gouges, sharpening devices, etc. There are two near Chicago: Find a Woodcraft Store Near You - Woodcraft.com

There is also the Rockler chain of stores. Maybe one of these is close enough: Rockler Woodworking Retail Store - Illinois My personal opinion is that Woodcraft has a larger selection of carving tools than Rockler, but you can get the basics at Rockler...

Claude

[rickm]

chicago has north suburban carvers in des plaines and they have a website, south suburban carvers in south holland, and fox valley carvers in batavia. thats a start, so whatever else u might need feel free to ask!!!

[mpounders]

And here are some links I've posted to a variety of on-line resources. You'll find a lot of great tutorials, many free, toward the bottom of the page. Central Arkansas Woodcarvers: Carving Resources

[susieq]

Hello Jadd,
Welcome to the forum and to woodcarving. Getting started does seem intimidating. It was that way for me and probably for everyone else on here too. Try to connect with some of the groups mentioned above, in your area.

I will tell you that I struggled on my own for months and finally gave up. There was nobody to tell me that my tools were dull. They were brand new so I assumed they were sharp and that the problem was just me. I put the tools away until a local woodcarving show introduced me to a bunch of folks in my area. If you can find them, they will help. That's the way woodcarvers are. I've been carving for nearly 19 years now. We all make a point of trying to help someone get started. Good luck to you . Let us know how it goes.

[idigjars]

Hello and welcome Jadd. Safe carving. Paul

[Bob K.]

Jadd, if you look on the left there is a tab for carving clubs. Click on that and wee if there is one in your area. It's one of the best ways to learn and get help. Also, don't be afraid to ask any questions on this forum...lots of expert advice here!