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Text Box: Chain saw carving We have two members who are into chainsaw carving big time. It seems Sooz Granger and Bev Beatty had a load of tree stumps lacking some identification so they proceeded to learn this fast method of making chips. They have been involved in making the trip to Flushing, OH and learning from teacher Ed Maciejczyk, a chain man extraordinaire. Bev, said that his log home and all of his chain saw carvings which are strewn around his porch, lawn and property, makes for an interesting place to visit and study. She and Sooz were impressed with his most recent tree carving of baby bears climbing up toward a beehive. Their first lesson consisted of carving a bear out of cherry logs. Bev’s bear was holding a rainbow trout and Sooz bear was holding a fishing pole. Both carvings were briefly displayed in the club room for photos. Later other carvings were produced but much of the time was practice, practice, practice with various chainsaws. According to both women the mechanics of chain sawing involves starting with a large bar chainsaw then downsizing to smaller units depending on the carving. Time involved is about 1 1/2-3 hours, depending on complexity. Burnishing with a torch adds character to the wood then coating with outdoor varnish seals the wood to slow or eliminate wood checking if green wood is used. It is best to use Popular or Cherry which has been dried for about a year. Bev, commented that Ed is a great and patient teacher who does demonstrations around the area. Both Bev and Sooz said “its not everyday you encounter women chainsaw carvers”. Look out trees, here come some wild women to hack at your innards!!!

Text Box: Correspondence Over time we receive correspondence from friends and others. After the past Oglebay Woodcarving Show, Darrell Riggs from Zanesville, OH and a first time exhibitor e-mailed his thanks for the opportunity to be part of the show. Darrell is an accomplished pencil sketcher who gave me some caricatures of some guild members and they were right-on. Darrell had a problem with Sunday church service attendance while away from home. This was easily resolved by his attendance in Bethesda to worship which would make him slightly tardy for our show. We assured him we can attend his table during his short tardiness on Sunday Morning. We certainly do not demand anyone to abandon their faith. Especially in today's world. Patrick Wentzel, of the National Association Director/Census Chairman, Geppetto Woodcarvers-Parkersburg, WV, and a noted carver e-mailed, requesting information about our guild. It seems his location in WV and the OH (Marietta area) is not generating enough carvers for a growing club. I explained that we are very fortunate to have the facilities and the members to be a progressive club. Oglebay and the Stifel Center deserve accolades for allowing us to be in our present position . Patrick, also sells miniature carousal animal carving kits. If interested try www.patrickwentzel.com. He has a link to his miniature circus carvings on display and on permanent loan to a museum in Marietta. www.patrickwentzel.com/Patrick/Circus. Correspondence from guild member Bev Beatty, informs us of the opening of her Free Flow Artworks, gift shop/studio. Located in West Liberty, WV and is within walking distance up from the college entrance beside the Federated Church.

Text Box: Bill displays nature photography and her daughter Julie offers seasonal gifts. A friend and guild member Jean Fletcher has carvings and painted gifts and Eric Price a recent graduate offers sculptures of people and pets. Others are Katie Erymier displaying beaded jewelry and Sydma Hatzopoulas displaying mugs, mousepads, totebags and sweatshirts with sorority logos. The Artworks mission is to provide a place to sell art items by Bev, by West Liberty students, and others and to provide mini classes and workshops. For those with questions call Bev Beatty at 304-336-7363, or see her at the guilds carving sessions. Recently Harry Sykes received an e-mail from Mike Nicholson, from Nova Scotia in which he related that he to be back in Wheeling during the Christmas season and has hopes of visiting once again at a Thursday morning carving session and go to lunch like old times. Other correspondence pertains to the growing number of returned newsletters (7 last time) due to incorrect addresses. When you move or change your e-mail address let me (Joe Hodorowski) know. My mailing and e-mail address and the guilds web site are listed on the front page. Besides costing money it’s a nuisance to remail a new copy. Other A little quip gleamed from somewhere. Source unknown. Enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal Never underestimate your power to change yourself. If you don’t have bad days, you won’t recognize the good days. MAY YOU ALL HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND KEEP THE WOOD