How did I get into carving? Like I said, working with wood is something I always loved. I'm fortunate that my Father-in-Law is a cabinet maker and from time to time I get to hang out at his shop and play with power tools and learn how to build stuff. I love watching "Woodworks" on DIY with David Marks (He is the man!) It wasn't until one day in November of 2007 I was driving around in my neighborhood and saw signs for a woodcarving show coming to Penn State DELCO, I grabbed my not quite two year old daughter, the diaper bag and a stroller and went to the show. I got to see up close and personal beautiful works of art. I was blown away! There were also vendor booths setup selling all kinds of books, tools, grab bags of basswood and anything else that has to do with woodcarving. I decided I was going to buy some tools and get started. I saw the price of chisles and gouges and was immediately depressed. The prices were not what I was expecting. I was only looking to spend 20 bucks or so and that wasn't even going to get me one gouge! I started looking around some more for beginners sets but I became increasingly frustrated and overwhelmed. Should I buy knives? Should I buy chisels? Finally I got to one booth and found a Warren Cuttlerey set for $18.00. It has interchangable blades of various sizes. I also picked up a grab bag of basswood and the salesman suggested a strop and compound for polishing and a leather thumb guard. I spent about $35 and I couldn't wait to get home.
When I walked in the house I barely said hello to my wife, pulled out my tools and a piece of wood and started whittling away. I made a Santa head that turned out really nice. I also cut the hell out of my fingers and almost four months later have not regained feeling in my left middle fingertip (that finger is only good for flipping the bird anyway). I was hooked and I still am.
Here is the finished Santa Head painted in acrylic.
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