The Blackhawk Woodcarvers Monthly Business Meeting was called to order by Elaine Terrell. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. John Wacker, treasurer, reported the balance on hand.

Old Business: Don Stansfield will lead us in carving a St Patrick's pin. When there are no programs in the future, we will have an open carving night.

New Business: Walter Gipe asked if the club would be interested in carving a cottonwood stump at the Pecatonica Fair Grounds. A strong interest was shown to carve spirit men. Walt will obtain more information for the next meeting. Bob Hallstrom will e-mail Ray Olson for his advice, since Ray has carved a stump (with a chain saw) in his back yard a few years ago. Roger Benedict reported that we are signed up for 2008 at Klehm Arboretum for Saturday, August 9^th. He further stated that fees for this year are due 60 days prior to the show. Also he stated that last year's judges are not available due to conflicting schedules; thus solicited potential names.

An interesting time was spent reviewing old and un-named tools as an additional show & tell. There were over 17 items reviewed that most of the tools had unknown purposes. There were at least one or two members who identified a tool; but there were no carving tools.

Bob Hallstrom----Two trolls, pair of women & man, titled "Peasants for Ever." Also showed a Native American finished with Waco Danish oil tinted with burnt umber, and the bandana and scarf were painted.

John Wacker----Proud showing of his 8-year old grandson attempting to make a carving as his grandfather.

This newsletter continues the words of wisdom written by John Connely from an essay written in the November-December 1997 Chip Chats magazine. This was a report of a study undertaken to define several levels of carving and related skill development.

For today we will examine the Beginning Woodcarver. Individuals just learning how to carve wood are identified as Beginners until they are able to demonstrate the following skills or knowledge:

Able to sharpen a knife, gouge, chisel and V-tool

A working knowledge of tools, i.e., what type of cuts you can make with various carving tools.

Aware of different styles of carvings, e.g., relief, realistic, chip, flat plane, caricatures.

Carving in the round.

Aware of safety techniques to be used when using woodcarving tools.

Basic trial & error painting (finishing) skills.

A feel for proportions.

Capable of stylizing carving.

Able to carve a simple face.

Can follow carving patterns prepared by other people.

Able to carve at a level that is not complicated or involved.

The next newsletter will examine the Intermediate Woodcarver.

Keep you tools sharp

Roger Benedict

February 20^th ---Don Stansfield will lead a carving session of making an object in relationship to Saint Patrick's Day. Bring your tools and be ready for a typically well led learning session from Don.

March 20^th---Gordon Moscinski will lead a wood burning session to advance your knowledge of a different aspect for carving. Gordon has been developing several outstanding scenes with his wood-burning work. This should be interesting.

April 17^th---Richard Andersen will present his carving work with rocking horses. Richard presented his work several years ago and we were amazed of the various horses and work that went into his hobby.

May 15^th---Roger Benedict will lead a carving session to carve a house scene in a relief carving. Roger's first love of relief carving has allowed him to developed a simple method to carve houses and building in reliefs with an acute perspective. Your tools are required.

June 19^th---To Be Determined

August 4^th---Blackhawk Woodcarvers 13^th annual woodcarving show at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

March 17 and 18----Wisconsin River Wood Carvers' annual show and competition at Elizabeth Inn & Convention Center in Clover, WI. Contact Bill Kubisiak (715) 344-2274

April 5-April 27----Monroe, WI Art Center will exhibit the Art of Chip Carving by Gottlieb Brandli, Horst Hart, Chris Knuteson, Bob Gauger, Steve Esser, and John Wegmueller. Contact www.monroeartcenter.com/carving

August 4----Blackhawk Woodcarvers annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, IL. Contact Roger Benedict (815) 397-8910

MISC WOOD CHIPS

Don Stansfield will lead us through a carving project that is about St Patrick's Day. Don has been secretive about the object. Perhaps it will be a shamrock, a leprechaun, or a dish of corn beef & cabbage, etc? Knowing Don we will be in for a treat, because in the past he has provided a well led carving session. Bring your tools--knife and small gouges.

Mark your calendars for this year's show being held on Saturday, August 4^th. Same place same time at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Get the ideas rolling for the raffle carving donations.

The walnut family typically has two species; the black walnut and the white walnut. More familiar to the carver is the white walnut known as Butter Nut.

NEWS STUFF Please forward any club or member information to the editor.