Do you remember the first two reasons why chip carving is a great craft to learn?
Reason #1: Chip carving goes wherever you go!
Reason #2: Chip carved items are useful and appreciated!
Here's another reason...
Reason #3: It doesn't take a long time to become a good chip carver!
This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of teaching a chip carving class in Portland, OR, at the local Woodcraft Store. Twelve students attended, many of them not having done any chip carving before. Perfect!
We began with how to hold a chip carving knife correctly. A big advantage of an in-person class is that I can move around the room and make adjustments for each person until the grip is just right. Throughout the day I help with individual grip adjustments as needed.
Here's a video to help you with this important part of chip carving technique.
We moved forward and after my instruction everyone started removing 2-sided chips. I'd already applied patterns and in just a matter of minutes everyone was chip carving!
The 4 Square Coaster Set with Base was the project for this one-day class. After 2-sided chip practice students could start removing similar chips on this coaster pattern that consists entirely of 2-sided and 3-corner chips.
After a quick break for lunch I demonstrated 3-corner chips. Success with 2-sided chips increased everyone's confidence level. They were ready to go and removed 3-corner chips on the practice board and rosette.
These 4 rosettes from the Rosette Carving Course were provided so each student could decide which one(s) they wanted to carve on each of the 4 coasters. I recommended everyone try rosette 3 so I demonstrated where to start and how to carve this beautiful rosette.
We started to wind down around 4:30pm. In less than 7 hours everyone learned the basic techniques of chip carving! If they return home and complete their Coaster Set they'll be on their way towards becoming a talented and confident chip carver! In a few weeks or months of practicing good technique they'll discover the truth of Reason #3.
Reason #3: It doesn't take a long time to become a good chip carver!
🌎 But I don't live in Portland 🌎
In-person teaching is the best way to learn a craft like chip carving.
The second best way is VIDEO (streaming or recorded)! The only additional element of in-person instruction is the immediate feedback and personal interaction. While this is important and helpful, if you can't attend an in-person class, the next be method of learning is by video.
...to inspire, instruct and equip
This is one of main reasons why I launched MyChipCarving in 2007.
You can live anywhere in the world and learn how to chip carve.
I've long held the belief in many areas of life, chip carving included, that there's always something new to learn. Mitch Lang brought this belief to our class in Portland. He's been a Platinum Memberfor several years and has become a proficient and accomplished chip carver. Here's what he had to say about our time together.
It was a real treat to meet you and get in-person tips. Terrific class . . . you are incredibly patient and organized.
(Mitch's review for the Portland Woodcarvers/Woodworkers Guild for their next newsletter)
What a treat to have in-person, hands-on instruction from a nationally known master chip carver. Marty is also a terrific teacher - he introduced techniques progressively, starting with the basics, then offered individual instruction to each participant. Even though I've been learning chip carving through Marty's online lessons for several years I still came away with lots of helpful tips.
(I asked Mitch to write a testimonial for MyChipCarving.)
I've been a Platinum Member of MyChipCarving for three years. Before that I tried several DVD's and YouTube videos, but nothing came close to the wealth of detailed, thorough guidance on Marty's site. I started with simple patterns and am now
able to do complex designs and lettering using the skills I've learned. Being part of an international community of fellow chip carvers is an added bonus.
I know you'll want to check out Mitch's website and look at some of his carvings. mitchlang-woodcarving.com
One of his carved plates is shown here.
July's Project
This 6" Scoop Plate pattern is brand new for July. You can make it utilitarian (useful) by adding a candle cup to the center if you like. Just flatten the center and screw the cup in place.
