Details

"Chip Carving" is an ancient form of wood-surface decoration. It can be applied to wood surfaces both practical and decorative. Examples can be seen on jewelry, Christmas ornaments, boxes, furniture, door frames, spoons and more! In this class each student will have guided practice, then choose/create a traditional Rosette pattern to complete their own Chip Carving artwork.

This hands-on class covers:

• The tools used in modern and old-world Chip Carving

• Wood surface preparation

• Hand positions for safety, accuracy and consistent cuts

• Chip Carving styles, techniques, and specific cuts

• Design and transfer of paper patterns, and using a compass and ruler to layout an unlimited variety of designs directly onto the wood.

• Finishing - cleaning up the cuts, applying oils, stains, and varnishes.

Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Time: 1PM - 4:30PM
Ages: 8+ (8-12 accompanied by an adult)
Level: Beginner
Location: Thoreau College Campus, 224 WI-56, Viroqua, WI 54665
Materials Fee: $10 (Includes practice board and class project)

All tools will be provided for use in class, and tools also be available for purchase to continue your carving practice if desired. Beavercraft tools provide high-quality, affordable and successful chip carving/geometric carving. Students may want to purchase one knife or two, or more: each knife will be only $12.50 (including sales tax). All tools will be available to try out in class before purchase.

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (Not including materials fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $65

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50

Supported Level Ticket: $35

Please bring water and snacks as you desire, and a notebook if you wish.

Instructor Bio

John Carlson is an artist and woodcarver living on a farm in the Driftless region, near Winona, Minnesota, with his wife, cat, dogs, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens.
John has been woodcarving since 1995 and was trained in Scandinavian-Chip Carving by Walt Gritner. John is also skilled in Shallow-Relief Carving, 3-D Figure Carving, and Kolrosing. John has taught both youth and adults woodcarving through the Boy Scouts of America, at woodcarving shows, carving clubs, school programs, community education, and the Driftless Folk School.  In addition to working with wood, John enjoys practicing many traditional artforms, including weaving, painting and the art of pysanky.