Last week I asked for your thoughts about this quote.
Amateurs Practice Until They Get It Right;
Professionals Practice Until They Can't Get It Wrong
I got a lot of interesting and thoughtful replies. I've pulled some of the thoughts from the list and included them below. The full list of comments is attached.
A couple of times is was mentioned that "Practice doesn't make perfect" but rather "Perfect practice makes perfect". I couldn't agree more which is why I always recommend starting with the Chip Carving Essentials
Course so you learn what "perfect" is when it comes to holding the knife, executing various cuts, sharpening a knife and so on. That way you can "practice perfect" rather than developing bad habits while practicing "imperfectly"!
Various activities were brought up like golf, skeet and trap, music, driving a boat, flying a plane and bowl turning. While practicing these activities it was mentioned to be patient, practice regularly and put in the time
needed to improve.
This is interesting to ponder, "Fear and apprehension stand in the way of progress." There's truth with this in chip carving. Think about the time when you see a pattern or chip carved item, maybe something I've posted in one of these emails, and you say to yourself, "That's too hard for me."
How are fear and apprehension playing into this thought?
Yes, it might be more challenging than other items you've
carved in the past, but what's holding you back from trying it?
Looking at it as a challenge and something that would help you progress in your chip carving skills is a more positive thought to tell yourself.
Don't let fear and apprehension stand in your way of progress!
If you'd like to read all of the comments, you'll find them attached to this email. They are well worth the read!
NEW March Project!
This is a NEW Store item. I hope you like it!
Wine Glass Holder
Triple Rosette
Pattern
The Rosettes applied to this Wine Glass Holder were taken from the Rosette Carving Course. If you want to apply different Rosettes, no problem! Select the ones you prefer, print them off and apply them with your Pattern
Transfer Tool. Make it just the way you want it!
To learn how to carve this NEW Project, get started on the Rosette Carving Course. In this Course you'll learn how to chip carve 12 different Rosettes!
Rosette Carving Course, $39.95 when ordered separately.
"I found this old thing in a drawer. Mug or pencil holder. Made of catalpa, spray shellac and wax finish. I made the cup some time ago. I
never dated it. I pulled it out a few days ago and realized it has a simple beauty. The simple chip carving works well. Just thought you might like to see it. I have used chip carving to accent many different pieces."
Special Request!
Last week RW asked me to make a custom box for her. One with concealed hinges, finger lift, specific dimensions and inside dividers. Here's the finished box!
JW replied, " Marty, I got the box and it is just what I wanted! Thank you."
I've made special
religious boxes/containers, coin and ring boxes and probably the most custom item was a hexagon game box for rolling dice. I have to show you this one so you know what I'm talking about.
2 Loaner Kits were recently returned with the following comments...
"Hi Marty, I hope the kit returned to you in great condition.
I
love to see chip carving and was fortunate to have your kit as an opportunity to try it out.
I have come to fine out that I don’t have the time to devote to learning, practicing, and enjoying at this time.
Your carving skill is outstanding and best wishes for continued success.
Betty"
I was happy to get both of these replies. Even though neither Betty or Matt decided to continue with chip carving, they got to try it and see. Without this Program that wouldn't have been possible.
