CLUB NEWS ROUND-UP

     CORRECTION NOTICE : The International Woodcarving Congress ( AWC ) on June 21 - 29, in Davenport, Iowa, is in the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.  This was mistakenly listed last month in “Carving Classes” as well as in “Shows” as being at a different fairgrounds in Davenport.  There are carving classes that run all week.  A couple of our members are going for the classes.  After the judging is done for the show/competition, the exhibit is opened to the public on Thursday.(June 26)   Larry Christensen says there is a “Critique Session” presented on Saturday and Sunday that is extremely interesting and educational.  (For more info, ask Bob H. Don S.)

      Larry Clark has signed on to the staff of your Club Newsletter as the official photographer.  Members have seen Larry’s work as the pictures of the winning carvings from our annual Club Show/Competitions.  Welcome aboard, Larry!

      Frankie & Bob Feirn have “done it again” . . .  They gave Marshall Field over forty carving books for our Club library.  Thank you Bob & Frankie!  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

      Greetings to Pat Hartog, who came to visit on Wednesday morning, May 7.  We hope you will stay with us as a new member.  At this writing, she is traveling on a trip to Alaska.

     Thanks to efforts by Gary Lundquist & John Wacker, the Blackhawk Woodcarving Club has gotten some favorable listings in the ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR GO section.  Sincere “Thanks” must also go to the staff of the GO section.

      Our President, Bob Hallstrom, went to a carving seminar in Midland, Michigan, the second week in May.  This annual seminar is a cooperative effort by several carving clubs over in Lower Michigan.  Do you suppose it also provides income for those clubs?

      Fun Facts (from Gordy Moscinski)”\: This short bit on live oak wood came from a woodworking magazine. “One oak species, live oak (Quercus virginiana) does not lose its leaves in the winter.  Nor does it neatly classify as a white oak or red oak.  Its grain appears exceptionably intertwined, plus it’s decay- and insect-resistant.  The so-called interlocked grain made the wood especially attractive for use in the sides of sail-powered warships such as the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides).  Live oak “absorbed” the shock of cannon balls and resisted splintering into flying daggers of wood.  That same interlocking grain, while creating a unique appearance, makes the wood quite difficult to machine.”

     Carve-It-From-A-Ball ( Repeated from last month)  This is an open competition being offered to any and all who might like to take part at the Club Show Competition this year.  The rules are the same as last year.

      1. Design must be original.

      2. Carving must be from a 4" wood sphere.

      3. Final carving must show original 4" sphere form.

      4. Finish must have a natural appearance (no paint).

                  First prize - $50; second prize - $30; and third prize $20.  All are cash awards.

      If you had trouble last year making a round ball to carve, Don Stansfield has some ready-made 4" balls.  Every ball is guaranteed to qualify for the winning carving!   Don has these at the Wednesday morning carving sessions - only $9 each.

      Wednesday morning carving sessions are getting bigger and better all the time.  Attendance at the last business meeting was 57.  The spurt in members has required that we re-design the sign-in sheet to increase the number of lines for names.

      Bob Siegel of Mequon, Wisconsin, claims to be the last  woodenshoe carver in America.  Bob’s 83, and offers presentations of shoe carving, antique tools from Europe, videos (PBS), ice harvesting stories, and some other stuff.  Presumably for hire.  He also has a Crafts Museum in Mequon (just north of Milwaukee).  If you are interested in having such a man for a Club program, talk with Roger Benedict and Rich Andersen.  The flyer I have in hand does not give any more details, nor does it quote any prices.  We might have to chip in with a small assessment to cover the cost of a program by Mr. Siegel.

A new and revised library list is attached to this Newsletter.  There is an amazing wealth of carving help in our own Club library.  It’s most convenient, and, best of all, it’s free borrow.  Even the videos.  Save this list. 

      Mail call - From time to time, we get correspondence from other clubs and people in carving.  Usually only one copy comes.  When there is an item that seems of general interest, it will be reprinted in your Club Newsletter.  Complete originals will be brought in to Wednesday morning sessions for anyone who is interested to read.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

       Macktown Living History Foundation once again took advantage of Blackhawk Woodcarvers to add atmosphere during their annual Gathering at Macktown pioneer re-enactment in Winnebago County’s Macktown Forest Preserve at Rockton, Illinois.  The event took place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 25, 26, & 27).   Unfortunately, the weather was a bit unpleasant, and many of the re-enactors packed up and went home on Saturday morning.  It was not much better for our carvers, either.  If “Stephen Mack” had not invited us inside “his” house to carve in the parlor, we too would likely have “cut and run.”

SICK BAY REPORT

      Tom Backer was back in the Madison, WI, hospital for a quickie tune-up of his latest heart pacemaker.  They used electrical gadgetry to get his machine and his heart rhythm to beat in sync.  This has been a long and tedious project for Tom, but it finally seems to be coming along just fine. 

      Lloyd Duerst has a new ramp into his house to help ease his mobility problems.  Thanks to Rich Anderson & another friend.

      Ray Olson’s son is into the hospital the first week of June for heart surgery to repair an inter-chamber leak.

      Jayne Pheiffer was recently diagnosed with diabetes.  Jayne says she’s going to do everything she can to nip it in the bud.

 Note to other diabetics:  If I’m not mistaken, we have other members with the same affliction as Jayne.  Maybe some conversation among these diabetic sufferers could be of some value to you all.  You know . . . “group therapy”.

      Marg Simonds injured a rotator cuff in her shoulder in a fall last month.  An MRI test tentatively shows no really serious problem.  Hopefully, Marge will not need surgery, and will be able to take care of the problem with physical therapy..

     If you’re fighting arthritis, Arne Larson says that Cinnamon & Honey in a cup of tea can help ease the troubles.

      Another arthritis “remedy” recommends filling a Mason jar with white raisins; fill the jar to the top with gin; and let it soak for a week or two.  Then, take and eat five raisins each day.  That’s all, only five.  This may be continued indefinitely, depending on your doctor’s other rules.  Nobody told me what to do with the leftover gin. . . that’s not included in the arthritis cure recipe.

NEW MEMBERS

      Especially warm welcome to our new friends who have joined the Blackhawk Woodcarvers since the last Newsletter. These are pretty nifty folks, you will agree as you get to meet and visit with them.  If we have missed a name, please let the Newsletter know!.

     John Skaggs was originally just interested in wood turning and furniture building.  He took Gordy Moscinski’s class in introductory carving at CLR some years ago, and then took Roger Benedict’s CLR class on relief carving this last year.  That’s when he decided to get with Blackhawk Woodcarving Club.  John is also intensely interested in bar-b-que . . . pulled pork sandwiches, baby back ribs, pork chops, and all kinds of marinades and sauces that go along with pork.

      Pat Hartog is on a trip to Alaska, and will start “active duty” with the Blackhawk Woodcarvers Club when she gets back.  A few minutes of yalk with Pat, and you quickly realize what a dynamo she is.  She has an interesting walking staff that she uses.  And it’s more than just decoration.

BUSINESS MEETING

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

      President Bob Hallstrom called the meeting to order at Kenrock Community Center Wednesday morning.  New members (and visitors) were introduced: -------------- Pat Hartog was visiting, and is scheduled to join when she returns from her trip to Alaska.  Secretary’s Report and Treasurer’s Report were read and approved as read.

      Membership Chairman reported there are two new members: John Skaggs and Pat Hartog.  Neither one was present at the business meeting.  We now have 60 members, and most of them are current on their dues.

      Web Master Gordy Moscinski will be summering at his “cottage” in northern Wisconsin, and had no report this month.

      Newsletter Editor’s work is pretty well on display every month.  Any verbal report is a bit redundant.

 OLD BUSINESS

      Christmas pins & ornaments for kids in Rockford hospitals at holiday time will be individually packed in plastic.  Just giving them to a hospital loose in a box would certainly not be in keeping with the time and effort that has gone into carving and coloring the gifts.  Bob Hallstrom and Don Stansfield reported they have already received many finished carvings, but many more are still needed.

     Center For Sight & Hearing carved quilt project is back on track.  Actual work will be started after the Club Show in August. Wood has been donated and pieces are already cut to size.

      Jim Griparis has designed and is building a special cabinet for the Club.  The present one is just too small.  The library has grown.   Jim G. made a special podium for meetings, and that needed a place to stay.  The new design provides for the sharpening equipment WITH A WORK LIGHT.  And also space for some miscellaneous Club properties, like coffee pot, etc.  This is besides the podium Jim designed and built for the Club.  Thank you, Jim!

NEW BUSINESS

      A Club-monogram polo shirt was worn to the last meeting by President Bob Hallstrom.  He announced that these may be purchased at CUSTOM APPAREL & PROMOTIONS, 4602 East State St, Rockford.  They have the Clob logo in their files, and can easily embroider it for you.  They can also put the logo on almost anything else you may want.  There has been in the past a kind of unspoken “shirt standard.”  It’s a medium tan shirt with black accents (collar & arms).  However, Bob said that it’s OK if you want a different color.  The last price I heard was $25.  May seem a bit high, but it’s a nice, high-quality shirt.

      Raffle items are needed for the Carving Show.  Bob Matthews volunteered to donate something.  Much, much more is needed.  These items should be something that a winner would not be ashamed of to take home.  It need not be a $900 “Madonna & Child,” but it has to fairly represent the fine skills and imagination of our members. 

Several members are without name tags.  Rich Andersen volunteered to make some more.  Or, you may carve your own.

      We need suggestions for carving demonstrations and classes.  One of the members suggested that tool sharpening is always a timely subject.  As you probably are aware, every carver has “The Best” method for sharpening.  A multiple presentation might give us a rousing “discussion.”

      Bob Matthews volunteered to contact the Keen Age Center in Belvidere to see if any of their carvers might be interested in our Club.

SHOW & TELL

     Wes Englund has finished his Diamond Willow cane.  It’s truly a beautiful piece of modern art.  During the three months Wes took (off and on), his muse took him in some truly interesting twists and turns.  Fortunately, willow is easy to carve.  A pictures really don’t do it justice.  While it is a lovely piece of work, Wes says that it is definitely not a “working cane, because the willow is much too brittle.  Wes finished the cane with first a coat of Tung oil, then a coat of polyurethane.

Click on pictures to make them larger

      Ray Olson showed an  Indian bust that is is a most handsome piece of work.  Basswood.  Ray made special comment on the finish he had used.  He first applied two coats of Min-Wax solvent-based sealer, allowing each coat to dry overnight before proceeding.  Next, he got the lightest color of stain he could find, and cut it about 50/50 with mineral spirits.  This went on in two coats, each wiped down with a rag.  Each coat was allowed to dry very thoroughly before the next one went on.  Finally, Ray sprayed the bust with DEFT, and “polished” it down with a brown paper bag.  Two coats with the DEFT/paper bag treatment.  The final effect is really warm appearance, yet in a natural way. 

      Don Stansfield went to a carving seminar in Decorah, Iowa, last month.  Here he is shown with the Norwegian ale bowl that he carved.  Pay special attention to the dragon’s teeth.  Notice how clean the cuts are.  That’s just one hallmark of Don’s carving technique.  He said that he painted the teeth with a two-hair brush.  The finish is a very special food-grade wax product that allows drinking from the bowl yet is without any deleterious effects on the drinker..Don says the only place he can find to buy this special wax is from “Lee Valley” . . .or is it Leigh Valley?
Click on pictures to make them larger

      Gale Terrell has started to carve bottle stoppers.  As you can imagine, Gale has some super-creative designs.  Missed a picture, tho.                             

      Bob Matthews showed a matched set of two relief carvings of hawks.  Notice the judicious use of pyrography in the feather details.  One carving was virtually finished, the mate to it was just well started.  These should make a wonderful wall decoration when they’re done.

Click on picture to make it larger

PROGRAM NOTES

       The May program by Rich Andersen had to be postponed for personal reasons.

CLUB  EVENT SCHEDULE

Business Meetings & Special Events -

June 18 - Carl Hicks: hand-carved canes

July 16 - Committee Reports on Carving Show

August 16 - OUR CLUB SHOW

August 20 - Elaine Terrell weaves pine needle baskets

September ( xx ) - Club picnic, date to come

September 17 -

October 15 -

November 19 -

      Recognize Carver of the Year

      Nomination of officers

December 17 -

      Election of Officers

      Christmas Party & Swap

January 21, 2009 - Launch 2009 programs, Club Show, etc.

Blackhawk Carving Show -

August 16, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Admission $3, children under 12 free

Tebala Shrine Temple

7910 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 

SETUP Friday afternoon

Show Mgr & Committee -

      - recruited in February

Rules & applications -

      - sent out in May

Judges - Denny Neubauer (the carving tool maker) and Greg Wirtz ( a well-known carver)

Special Show events - TBA

Food Concessions - provided by Tebala Ladies Auxiliary.

             Confucius said,”The love of a good woman is as a pearl beyond price.”

CARVING CLASSES

      These classes were copied from other publications, and may or may not be filled.  Be sure to check for yourself.  We have no reasonable way of knowing any details other than those shown.  These are all we know about.  When we get any news on carving classes from clubs or vendors, that news will be passed along to you as quickly as the next newsletter. 

      June 21-29, Davenport, IA, International Woodcarvers Congress, AWC, Ltd.  This is a confluence of carving classes as well as a juried competition.  Considered by many to be the best all-around show/school going.  Conducted at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport, IA. PO Box 104 Bettendorf, IA 52722,  563-359-9684; www.awcltd.org.

      July 20-25, Crete, Nebraska, Burke’s 17^th annual Western & Wildlife Workshop at Doane College.  Woodcarving, sculpting, & painting with 12 top instructors.  Special free student drawing.  Warren J. Blessing, Jr. 309 Woodbridge Road, Coventry, Conn, 06238.  800-742-3253.

      September 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, & 19 - Rockford, IL.  Blackhawk Carving Club members Don Stansfield and Bob Hallstrom will conduct a class at Rock Valley College CLR, 9 AM - 12 noon.  Students will carve a Christian manger scene with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.  The figures will be mounted on a carved replica stable floor, with a symbolic star shining overhead Call CLR at 815-921-3931 to reserve your place.

      September 12-14, Evart, MI. - Caricature Carve-In @ Osceola County Fairgrounds with Phil & Vicki Bishop, Dave & Michelle Stetson, and Floyd Rhadigan.  Contact Floyd Rhadigan 734-649-3259.

     September 15-19, Sandwich, IL Kendall County Fairgrounds, Gathering of Woodcarvers , week-long series of half-day carving classes.  Choose among 15 nationally recognized instructors.  Priced by number of classes taken.  Camping available, Sponsored by The Carving Shop, 645 East LaSalle St., Somonauk, IL 60552.  Joe Dillett, 815-498-9290

CARVING SHOWS

These are shows within 3-4 hours drive time of Rockford.

     June 21-22, Coon Valley, WI.  13^th Annual Lloyd Thrune Wood Carving Show & Competition.  Norskedalen Complex (2 miles north of Coon Valley on Cty Hwy P1) Tom Ladwig, Coulee Region Woodcarvers Assoc., 608-582-4353.

      June 21-29, Davenport, IA, International Woodcarvers Congress, AWC, Ltd.  One of the very best international carving shows and competitions  around. Exhibition Halls at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport, IA.   PO Box 104 Bettendorf, IA 52722,  563-359-9684; www.awcltd.org.  (Editor’s note: This is considered by many experienced carvers to be the very best show in the USA.)

      July - Nothing new in the area close to Rockford has come to our attention.  (within 3-4 hours driving time, one way)

      August 16, Rockford, IL, Blackhawk Woodcarvers 14^th Annual Woodcarving Show & Competition, Tebala Shrine Temple, 7910 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.  9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Admission $3, under 12 free.  Don Stansfield 815-235-0075

      August 30-31, Springfield, IL.  Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers host the 18^th annual Artistry In Wood show & juried competition with free seminars, soap carving, vendors, & more.  Illinois Bldg @ Illinois State Fairgrounds.  Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4.  Admission $2, age 12 & under free.  Lee or Betty Legg 213-546-8792,  www.svwoodcarver.org.

      September 20, Janesville, WI, Show/sale sponsored by Rock River Valley Woodcarvers of Wisconsin.  Contact Donna Kjendlie at  www.rockrivervalleycarvers.com.

      September 28, Utica, IL, 20^th annual Valley Carvers’ judged/juried show & sale 9 to 5 at Starved Rock State Park Main Lodge. Bob Wills 190 West Willow St, Coal City, IL, 60416; 815-634-3086

WANT ADS

      As a no-charge public service, this is open to  individuals, clubs, and vendors (members and non-members alike) to sell or to buy something.  We will even include any Vendors’ special deals that we hear about.   - -   The only rule is that the item MUST be related to carving.  Mail your listing to Blackhawk Woodcarver, PO Box 15488, Loves Park, IL  61132.

      WANT TO BUY - #11 veiner, 10 mm bent gouge palm tool, prefer Stubai or Swiss Made. Tod Wisner,  815-399-3169

EDITOR’S NOTES

CIRCULATION STATEMENT: this issue of Blackhawk Woodcarver is mailed to 57 members (don’t ask); ten new carving club prospects; seven Friends of Blackhawk Carving Club, nine other carving clubs, four carving magazines, and four wood suppliers.  Total circulation = 91.  Some folks can receive newsletters by E-Mail.  However, we send all copies out snail mail, because it gives an added benefit to our Club when you get a solid piece of paper instead of “electronic magic.”

Gary Lundquist confessed, “I can resist everything except temptation!”