Monday, August 23, 2010

Cousin Chuckie: Self Taught Carver

Chuckie the Carver

My cousin Chuckie is a self taught carver.  He learned to carve with a carpet knife on his noon hour.  This weekend he volunteered his time as a demonstrator at the Lake Itasca  Pioneer Farmers Show.  We stopped by on Friday to say Hi.

Chuckies Carvings Chuckie is a very talented carver and wood burner.  All of these birds have been carved and each individual  feather is wood burned before they are painted..some are just carved and wood burned..the feathers are real works of art.

IMG_6648 We see Chuckie at carving in town. He is always available to answer questions and to give suggestions.  His carving group is quite active, and Far Guy and I have decided to join them once a week when we can.  So to make a long story short we are keeping company with people who have very sharp knives!   It seems like a real friendly group, mainly men, but there are a few women.

I have an unfinished duck and an unfinished Santa that I should do something with..something as in finish or burn in the wood stove. Far Guy and I both have unfinished Carousel Horses from a class we took a long time ago. We have lots of projects to keep us busy with this group for the winter. 

Another of the reasons we decided to join the carving group is the Christmas Ornament that Far Guy designed for 2010. It is a carving. If we go every week between now and Christmas we will have it in the bag!  We need to carve about 60 ornaments…we have 12 done…well not done done..but carved.  When we get them all done I will share photos.  We have been working on them during the day either in Far Guys garage or in his greenhouse, the heat has been keeping us out of there lately and into the shade of the garage. Wood Carving is a very messy hobby, soon enough we will have to carve indoors, but for now it is an outside activity. 

Carving is a quiet activity, you can hear the Loons down on the lake, and the Chipmunks with an attitude Chirping at Chance, and the sound of a ball being deposited into the carving bag that sits on the floor between us:)

22 comments:

DJan said...

I think I remember that duck, didn't you put a picture of it up long ago? And it's great that you will be accomplished carvers by Christmas, Connie! If Cousin Chuckie can do it without a mentor, you two will now be accomplished carvers after that class...

Anonymous said...

Chuckie's carvings are wonderful. In addition to the marvelous birds, do I see walking sticks?
I remember you posting about some carving you were working on. This group sounds like a lot of fun, especially given how harsh your winters are. I look forward to hearing more about it and you sharing photos later.

West Side of Straight said...

Oh Chuck's carvings are beautiful. Wish I was so talented. They're heirlooms!

Anonymous said...

Wow - those carvings are AMAZING! says she shouting to show her wonder...

Becca's Dirt said...

Sounds like a lot fun and relaxing too. Even if you are hanging with folks who have sharp knives. Beautiful work in his displays. Wow he is a master. Can't wait to see what you and Far Guy have done.

RURAL said...

He is very talented isn't he?

Show us your carving when you get them done.

Jen

Patsy said...

Tell Chuckie hello, and I like his ducks.

Country Gal said...

WOW! beautiful carvings.A real craftsmen. My hubby enjoys wood working ! He has made so many wonderful things for our house.Seems like it was a great day by the wonderful photos !

Red said...

Looks like Chuckie not only has the skill but the creativity to see what's in the wood.

Lynda said...

Chuckie has amazing talent! That would take a lot of patience. It is wonderful you and your husband have a hobby you both enjoy together.

Anonymous said...

I ran into a man bark carving in an antique store in Rosemount, MN last week. Was doing a really nice job..very detailed. I told him to look for your blog and your pix of bark carving. I think he was using cottonwood...or was that you? He may track your blog down. He will enjoy it I'm sure! Jan

Anonymous said...

WOW, his hands were truly blessed. He does magnificant work. I love the cardinal... beautiful. Tazzy

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY-Stop by for a chance again and again.

Maery Rose said...

Beautiful carvings. I can't imagine being that patient.

Leah said...

His work is beautiful.... I love the cardinal! I am anxious to see what you and Far Guy having been working on -

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Artist always amaze me with their gifts. Your cousin certainly is one of these. My brother also taught himself how to carve and made some beautiful pieces..I hate he no longer does it.
Loved visiting your site this morning and I now your newest of many followers.
Oh and your collies are just too beautiful
Take care
Maggie

Anonymous said...

Jack of all trades, master of none, I decided a long time ago that carving would be a relaxing hobby for me in addition to my card making, quilting, and imitation author. I thought it would be much more relaxing than any of my other pursuits. Sadly, I quickly realized that brandishing a blade at top speed isn't as safe as the other hobbies that I approach like all other things in my life. One speed: FLAT OUT!

Rose said...

fantastic work. has alot of talent. thanks for sharing the photos. rose

The Retired One said...

Such talent! With me? All you'd get is blood-stained uneven hunks of wood to hang up,and that wouldn't be pretty,now would it??? ha

DayPhoto said...

WOW! What beautiful work!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

WoW... all that talent in the same family. It's all just beautiful.

God bless ya and have a wonderful day sweetie!!!

Connie Peterson said...

Norm and I joined a carving club a few years ago. Norm didn't like doing figures (he's still hooked on spoons) and my hands didn't like carving at all! I was so depressed because I wanted to carve but it hurt too much. I'll just enjoy carving like in those pictures. Thank you for sharing.

Rita said...

All those birds are beautiful! A was wondering, too, if those were walking sticks. Carving does sound like something to be done peacefully and slowly to the sound of a loon across a lake. Ahhh! It is a skill to be able to visualize a final object in a piece of wood. This is a true art. Thanks for sharing. :)