Blackhawk Carving ClubThe Blackhawk Woodcarver
Volume XXX, Issue
Once again it was nice to see a
number of finished carvings by our members. The hot weather and rain have
not stopped the show. See the pictures in this
newsletter.
We have no special club activities
scheduled for August; but there are club activities coming up! Remember the
RRVCW annual Show and Sale on Saturday, September 13th. Our club
will have a table to display and perhaps sell; and member Scott Gray plans
to enter the contest. I hope others will consider entering the contest. Most
important: I suggest anyone in the area attend the show. The show is less
than an hour drive North of us and features displays of lots of great
carvings and plenty of carving supplies for sale.
In addition, I am working on a
special outing to the park in Belvidere to see some great life-size
carvings. The park is in a beautiful setting with a stream and additional
items of interest.
That second weekend in September is
also the Greenwich Art Show in Rockford. Member Nick Scheuer will have a
display of his carved and painted birds. There is usually a couple of others
displaying wood art work; most significant is Salem Barker. Consider
attending the Janesville carving show on Saturday and then the Greenwich Art
Show on Sunday.
I am encouraging all member to start
wearing some form of name tag or clothing with, at least, your first name on
it.
You are what makes our club great!
Tyrone Johnsen
The meeting was called to order by
president Tyrone Johnsen at 9:32 with 17 members present.
The June minutes were reported by
secretary Jim Foster and a correction was noted by Larry regarding the
current paid members to be 43 not 42.
Treasurer Larry Stenzel
reported the 2nd half of our facility rent was the only transaction in the
current month.
Tyrone lead a discussion
regarding the possibility of providing hard copies of the Newsletter
available at the meeting for the members who don't have access to a computer
or e-mail. He also encouraged all members to be sending news and
interesting items to Gordy for the newsletter.
The Christmas brunch is still
scheduled and Tyrone will be assisting Joel Taylor with the arrangements.
Tyrone also discussed the
possibility of a group of members going to the Belvidere park to check it
out for next years picnic.
A motion to adjourn was
received and seconded at 9:43.
In the absence of Vice-president
Richard Brittnacher, Tyrone presented the Show and Tell items.
The true beauty of woodcarving lies
not in the final piece, but in the journey of creation.
Respectfully submitted by secretary
Jim Foster.
In Memory of
Bob Harris
Bob was a founding member of the
Musky Area Wood Carvers and passed away in 2023. He was a
Master Carver. His wife, Deb, asked if I would finish this piece for her.
He had carved and painted the Heron which is 18 inches tall. The legs
and display were added along with finishing the turtle.
Such a honor to do this for her.
Gordy
Future
Carving Shows
September 13 — Janesville,
Wisconsin. Rock River Valley Carvers19th annual show and sale at Rock County
Fairgrounds, Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave.; 9 to 4. Free admission
(donations appreciated). Brad Crandall (608) 931-0188,
bwkicrandall@gmail.com; or John Raisbeck at jkraisbeck4@gmail.com.
September 20-21 — Stevens Point,
Wisconsin. Wisconsin River Woodcarvers host 21st annual show, competition,
and sale at Holiday Inn. Contact Jerald Trzebiatowski (715) 310-9900,
jeraldt@gmail.com; or Ron O’Kray (715)570-2534.
September 27 — Eau Claire,
Wisconsin. Chippewa Valley Wood Carving Show and Sale,
Hosted by West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild, at Brick House Pub and Banquet
Room, 2233 Birch St. ; 10 to 4. Free admission. Charlene
(715) 497-6296, thelynums@gmail.com.
Carving Tip
Beginners in wood carving may
often overlook the importance of taking their time, which results in rushed
work and less polished final pieces. They should value patience to ensure
detailed and accurate cuts, leading to higher quality projects. Remember,
the beauty of wood carving lies in the meticulous process.
Imagine running through a maze
versus walking through it carefully. Rushing through wood
carving is similar; it often leads to
confusion and errors. By taking your time, you allow for more precise cuts
and a beautifully finished product. Remember, patience is key in achieving
that ‘wow' factor!!!
· Prioritize patience
over speed to improve carving quality.
· Allow ample time for
each step to avoid mistakes.
· Avoid haste by
regularly checking your progress and adjusting as needed.
· Focus on gradual
progress over instant results for a smoother finish.
· Face the process and
value each phase of your carving journey.
·
“In wood carving, patience is the sculptor’s best tool—take your time, and
your work will display your dedication and artistry.”
By
Alexander Grabovetskiy
Newsletter
deadline
Keep sending your pictures and
stories by the September 3, 2025 deadline.
Door Prizes
Don't forget the Door Prize drawing
on First Wednesdays. Bring something you don't need or want
anymore, but know someone would be thrilled to win at the drawing.
Carvers
wanted
Sometimes I get calls from people wanting to have a carving done (for money). If you are interested in any of these contacts, let me know and what kind of carvings you are interested in doing for people. Don Stansfield woodchip1508@comcast.net
Facebook
Like us on Facebook “Blackhawk
Woodcarvers”. Many pictures and information.
Want to buy
or sell
If you have anything that you would
like to buy or sell send me an email and I will put it in the newsletter.
Gordy
September
6 John Gregory
19 Tyrone Johnsen
23 Jeff Hartman
Committees
(815 area code)
Webmaster & Newsletter Editor
Gordy Moscinski
Photographer, Tyrone Johnsen, 397-9274
Programs, Rick Brittnacher, 608-346-6501
Picnic, Tony Devita
Club
Officers (815 area code)
President, Tyrone Johnsen, 397-9274
Vice Pres, Rick Brittnacher, 608-346-6501
Treasurer, Larry Stenzel, 389-4714
Secretary, Jim Foster, 414-3248
Independence
Day Challenge
“Independence Day Challenge”
carvings by John Gregory (top) and Betty Gregory
(below)
Lee Thomas working
on an Opera singer.
Show and Tell
Woodburning by Gordy
Moscinski
Betty Gregory
John Gregory
Wally Schapals
carved and painted the butterfly following lead by Gordy Moscinski. Wally
also carved the boots.
Rich Talbot
finished his relief carving from Roger Benedict’s class
Jim Foster
conceived, carved, and updated this novel piece to record his
grandchildrens’ record bluegill catches at their summer lake cabin.
“Watchman” started by Ted
Faber and was finished carving and painted by Jerry Robey.
Ted Faber started
the smaller “watchman” and then the larger version. Ted gave the smaller
version to Jerry Robey who went on to finish it.
Something new a Bear holding a
branch, looking up, at a honey pot and a bumble Bee by Bob
Matthews
