Congratulation Winners!

With more than 100 carvings entered in this year's Santa Carving Contest, judging was a difficult task indeed. It's interesting to see how carvers took inspiration from last year's entries. We definitely saw improvement in the pieces from carvers who participate every year.

In an effort to include all of our readers in future contests, we have elected to expand the annual Santa Carving Contest into a general carving contest.

The contest will be held every other year. Deadline for the next WCI Carving Contest will be June 30, 2010. Categories have not been finalized at this time, but will most likely include realistic, caricature, relief, and chip carving. Santa carvers, don't despair, we'll continue to have a dedicated category just for you.

Judging will continue to be based on overall presentation, technical execution, and originality. Details will be published in future issues, but don't let that keep you from getting a head start. Participants may enter multiple carvings.

Feedback and suggestions are welcome. Send to: Carving Contest, 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, Pa. 17520, or E-mail editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com.