The Blackhawk Woodcarver

Volume XXX, Issue 1  2025

Blackhawk Carving Club

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 am until 11:30 at the Ken Rock facility at 625 Adams Street, Rockford, IL.  KenRock is located in the area of Rural and North 2nd St.

Presidents Report  January 2025

A giant “Thank You” to Joel Taylor for his work in lining up and monitoring the reservation for our annual Christmas Holiday Party and brunch at Peterson Meadows! Also, Joel lined up the special music for the surprise 101st birthday for Ted Faber.

Along with our special music, Roger Benedict was kind enough to give us a few readings from his book.

According to our Treasurer Larry, the party was a financial success for the club. Thanks to all who donated prizes/gifts to the "Bucket" Raffle. People responded and bought several tickets.

Of course, all of our members who brought their carvings for display deserve a big “Thank You” too. Along with all who attended and made this a special morning!

Wishing you all the best for 2025,

Tyrone Johnsen

 A possible Program

A possible program for some time in March or April might be to have a round table discussion where members could provide tips and tricks (suggestions or secrets) of the wood carving hobby.  This could entail anything such as how to make certain cuts, decide a project: object carving, chip carving, relief carving, burning, power carving, miniature carving, bark carving, and the correct/best/simplest tools for each. 

There could be a discussion about different types of finishing: 

1. Painting (oil, water, acrylic), types of thinners

2. Staining

Sealing products

We could also revisit the never-ending battle over the best method of sharpening tools.  I like Ted's idea of using the inside surface of cereal boxes.

Kind of sort of the Vulcan mind probe (from the old Star Trek series}, transferring tribal knowledge from experienced members to those who are interested in learning new things.

Also, if Larry is still interested, we could schedule a time for a wood burning session.

Best regards, Rick Brittnacher Program Director

 

Christmas Holiday Party

    

 

  

  

  

  

   

Roger Benedict gave us a brief reading from his book “Clearing off the Bench”.

 

A “bucket raffle” for various gifts donated by members.

 

Newsletter deadline

Keep sending your pictures and stories by the February 5, 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 dchip1508@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 Moscinski

February Birthdays (that we Know of)

   25  Arne Larsen 

   26  Gordy Moscinski

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

 Show and Tell

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

My Christmas carvings this year.  Christmas tree now has about 250 hand carved ornaments.  No snow in Florida.  Ha ha.  Remember me to the club.

Jerry Robey 

 

This bowl is in the best use for the pineapple.
Joe Etminan