MIKE BLOOMQUIST  of Rome, NY received a CCA MERIT AWARD during the Artistry In Wood Show in Dayton, Ohio on November 13, 2011.  Members of the CCA present at the show chose the carvings of Mike as demonstrating the Art of Caricature Carving and as an encouragement for the continuation of this special kind of art.

Pictured left to right in the presentation photograph are CCA Members: Floyd Rhadigan, Joe Schumacher, Bruce Henn, Desiree Hajny, Award Recipient MIKE BLOOMQUIST, Don Mertz, Dave Stetson and Jack Williams.

Hobo Chance is the latest version of a hobo who in this case is wearing suspenders, sometimes called “braces” but is still an interesting character to study.  Next row of photographs will be Whittle Dwarfs who are carved out of inch square by an inch and half block of basswood and finished with Howard Feed N Wax. And finally there is a photograph of knife blade covers to round out this edition of “Bits and Pieces.” Read the rest of this entry »

CHRISTMAS

Is the Gift of Love

A Memory remembered,

A Memory being made.

May the blessing of Memory

Be a gift of Love this

CHRISTMAS

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(For information only as this is past history)

A WHITTLE POKE BUST class will be taught by Don Mertz at the Woodcraft Store on Saturday, May 15, 2010.  The class runs from 9:00 A.M. til 4:00 P.M. at the Woodcraft Store, Cross Point Center, 175 E. Alex-Bell Road, Dayton, 45459 (937-438-1282)  The cost is $75 and more information and registration can be made by calling 937-438-1282 at the Woodcraft Store.

WHITTLE POKE BUSTS are carved using only a knife out of a one and half inch square by three inch tall block of basswood.  The photographs above are examples of subjects that can be carved in this one day class.

Don Mertz will also be teaching at the WAG School of Woodcarving http://wagcarvingschool.com/default.aspx April 30 and May 1 and 2, 2010

WHAT IS IT? These wooden spirals were created during the carving process.  They were  created as a trail of chips from a V tool carving a groove across the grain of a basswood block.  Much like the action of a curling shavings produced while planing with a carpenter’s plane, these spirals have created their own unique artistic design.

Carving is a partnership between the creative subconscious sending a message to the hand holding a carving tool to shape wood into a creative expression of the art of carving by hand.  It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so this photo essay of hands carving will say all that needs to be said. Read the rest of this entry »

A block of basswood awaits the sharp cutting edge of carving tools to open its potential of a carving project.  A New Year awaits with untold carving potential for  any carver to put carving tools to the wood to carve new projects.  A block of wood holds a secret awaiting to be revealed by carving away wood surrounding the secret.  The carver’s mind holds a secret of creativity that awaits being revealed during the carving process.  The only way each secret will come to life is for the carver to carve rather than just dreaming of carving. Read the rest of this entry »