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Showing posts with the label Students

Hand Made Wooden Banjo

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  Jody Webb brought a banjo he made to class. All the parts are custom made down to the hand carved tuning pegs. In addition to making such a beautiful instrument, Jody serenaded us during class.        

Psychology Today: Creativity, Happiness and Your Own Two Hands

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" Creativity, Happiness and Your Own Two Hands " is an article on the Psychology Today site that discusses how purposeful hand use enhances well-being in a technologically saturated culture. It reminded me of this carving by Travis Bryant. Hopefully you are experiencing the benefits of making things with your hands. If you would like to learn about wood carving, please let me know.

Sconces by Ricky Smith

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Ricky Smith carved the walnut wall plates for a pair of sconces. Here is a picture of one along with close ups of  the top and bottom.

Gold Miner Carving by Dale Arden

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Author and woodcarver Dale Arden put together this video documenting his journey creating an award winning carving. It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to provide some guidance along the way. Here are a couple of photos of the finished piece.

Jody Webb's Roses

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Jody Webb finishing up his latest rose carving commission. This will make a one of a kind Valentine surprise for the recipient!

Crosses by Jody Webb

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I received some questions about the crosses with floral decorations on my table at the North Texas Wood Carvers show this year. These were carved by Jody Webb who was sharing the table with me that weekend. Following are some close up photos of Jody's work: As a bonus, here is a clock that Jody carved. Please let me know if you have any feedback or questions that you would like me to relay to Jody.

Carving of Artifacts from the Middle Archaic Period in Louisiana

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One of my students, Ricky Smith , made this woodcarving.  It was commissioned for Dr. Joe Saunders on the occasion of his retirement from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Dr. Saunders is noted for his extensive research into the Middle Archaic period   in Louisiana. Ricky carefully researched the period to create his design. The projectile point and a fired earthen block and sphere represent some of the few verified artifacts of the Middle Archaic. Earthen mounds were built by the people of that time and place as well. The resulting carving is a well executed design that I think will intrigue those not familiar with this period in Louisiana and will hold special significance for those that are.

The Blacksmith Progress Photos

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Ricky Smith is one of my talented woodcarving students. He is currently working on a carving of a blacksmith. He provided some photos of his progress and I thought I'd share them with you all. I think these pictures show a nice progression through the rough out stage into starting the detail work. I'm eager to see it continue to develop and hopefully we will have more pictures of the blacksmith to share in the future.

Welcome New Contributors

In teaching woodcarving, I have the privilege of working with a really great group of people. I have invited these carvers to participate in this blog. I'll allow those who would like to post to introduce themselves. I look forward to hearing their thoughts and about the projects they are working on.

In Memory of Paul Kern Baker

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I would like to write a brief memorial post for wood carver and friend Paul Kern Baker who passed away May 15th 2010. Paul really enjoyed his time carving. I know that we enjoyed his enthusiasm, generosity, humor and joy of life. Paul was working energetically on a three foot tall statue of Thomas Jefferson. Paul was also a talented musician. Here he is entertaining our carving class by playing a guitar that was hand carved by Frank Byrd. We will miss him. We are all better for having enjoyed the friendship of Paul Kern Baker and I am thankful for a merciful and loving God. Eternal rest grant unto the faithfully departed.

Merry Christmas 2009

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I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. In honor of the occasion, Ricky Smith offered this picture of a Christmas ornament he carved based on a pattern by Joel Hull that appeared in the Fall 2003 issue of Wood Carving Illustrated. The snowman was painted by Claire McGough. Last week we had our annual Christmas party at class. Thanks to everyone that contributed to the great food and company. We even managed to get some work done. I pray that you all have a blessed and happy new year!

Broken Pottery

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Here is a good example of a simple idea that, when executed well, can be quite effective. Ricky came to me with this design and after a good deal of deliberation on everything from design details to finish to framing, here are the results. Well done Ricky.

Doyle's Mirror Frame

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Doyle sent me a few pictures of the mirror frame he recently completed. The pictures do not do justice to the depth and richness of the finish. It has layered colors with gilding and an antique finish. Check out www.doyleterry.com to see some of the custom wall finishes that Doyle specializes in.

Ricky's Calla Lily Relief

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Thought I would let you all see a Calla Lily relief carving that Ricky did. It is based on a design from "Floral Wood Carving" by Mack Sutter.

Proud Grandfather

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The bust Bill is working on of his grand daughter is coming along very well. The best complement he received so far is that her parents recognized her in the carving right away. Good work Bill.

Jenny Ellerbe Sign Completed

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Here is a photo of Ricky's finished sign for Jenny Ellerbe Photography. Good work Ricky.

Carving Class Photos

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This week fellow woodcarver Floyd Brigdon came to visit our class. Here are some of the pictures he took of the usual crowd. Here is Doug Oliver with a piece he is working on. You can see more of his work at http://www.texaswoodcarver.com/ .

Student's Carved Scroll Sign

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Here is a carving that a student of mine is working on. It will be a sign for Jenny Ellerbe .