New business

Elaine Terrell proposed that the club make Christmas tree ornaments to sell at next year's carving show. The pattern will be from an article in Wood Carvers Magazine. The wood will be ordered for about 40 ornaments. Carving them is expected to be at home, Wednesday mornings and the first Tuesday night of the month.

A general consensus approved the slate of next year's officers:

President……….….Elaine Terrell

V. President………..Open for now

Secretary…………..Roger Benedict

Treasurer…………..John Wacker

Assisting in Programs……Gordon Moscinski

Carving program was presented by Don Stansfield for all members to carve a Christmas Scandinavian ornament. They were precut from 1/4" aspen for a shallow relief, and/or carved from both sides. There were four different patterns. Obviously Don spent significant preparation time to lay out the patterns, cut the wood on a band saw and prepare a talk about the ornament's history. Thanks, Don!

John Wacker---WIP bird carving for his son who is financing his tools.

Don Stansfield---Folding Murphy Knife from Rockler. Com

Dave Hoffman---Clinging cross. Has carved 42 after holding one while in the hospital. Original one made out of plaster was given to him by a minister.

Is it just my imagination or is it real that the year-end is upon us? As they say, "time flies when you are having fun."

For some thoughts that may apply to wood carvers, the following are some notable quotes:

"The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire and before art is born. The artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation."

____August Rodin

"Where you put your hand in a flowing stream you touch the last that has gone before and first of what is still to come."

____Leonardo di Vinci

"Most people think of art as pretty and amusing. But art is a beauty of holiness. A fact of separating us from brother animals is that we humans can send messages and greetings to the world of the unborn. Conversely we can think back and be grateful of those who brought us this art."

____Lorado Taft

With the holidays upon us, I and the Board wishes everyone the very best with their families and friends over the Christmas Holiday, and a hearty wish for good health and good times for everyone for the new year.

Keep your tools sharp

Roger Benedict

December 20^th business meeting----Annual Christmas party and "tools & things swap night." Bring those strange tools that are a mystery to you as #6 bent skews. Also any thing that has piled up that is now getting in the way---old carving magazines, wood, sharpening stones, and perhaps swap an old carving. And finally, bring a treat to share; soda pop and pizza will be furnished.

January 14^th Rockford Art Museum Saturday morning tour 10:30 AM of the Robert McCauley exhibition.

January 17^th ----Guest speaker, Mickey Bowman, on stone sculpturing with demos and discussion.

February 21^st----Guest speaker Ozzie Webb on powered Dremel carving with demos and discussion.

March 21^st---Guest speaker John Susin on his carved Santas from his article in Chip Chats

April 18^th---TBD

May 16^th---Guest speaker Bob Matthews on his carved and painted birds with demos and discussion.

On Saturday morning 10:30 AM, January 14^th Roger Benedict will lead club members, spouses, and friends through an excellent exhibition of "minimalism" by Robert McCauly of Rockford College. He is head of the college's art department and has exhibited in major galleries through out the United States. His work is left to interpretation, yet is easy to view and appreciate. We are very lucky to have such a notable artist as Robert McCauly in our Rockford area. It is realized that very little of his work directly applies to carving, but the creative essence and imagery of his art will be well worth your time.

Please renew you membership of $18.00 and send you check to Dolores Cascio, or pay her at the December meeting. Dues should be paid by the January 2006 meeting.

Say hello to the following new members:

Judie Suit

Jayne Pfeiffer

Dona & Tod Wisner

Curt Walhmark

Frankie & Bob Feirm

Bob Matthews

Please forward any club or member information for the newsletter. This should be sent to Roger Benedict during the last week of every month.

Date is Saturday, August 19, 2006. Begin to think about your part to volunteer for the many activities to make this a success. Planning meetings will begin the first of the year.

www.blackhawkcarving.com