How I was reminded that sometimes taking a break can help!
Howdy !
Another week and another troubleshooting opportunity presented itself. This week, I hopped in my car to send off a new batch of knives, turned the key, and... nothing. I’d just driven it an hour earlier, so I was stumped. A quick check of the battery and a few other things didn’t reveal the culprit, so I found another way to get the
knives delivered and left the car for another day.
This got me thinking about the emails I receive from carvers who’ve hit a snag—maybe they’ve lost inspiration, run into a tricky spot, or just haven’t had the time to carve. What always makes my day is when someone writes back, excited about a new project or how they finally solved their problem. Sometimes, stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes is exactly what’s needed. That was true for me too: after chatting with a
friend and taking another look at the car, I realized the battery was older than I thought. A new battery later, problem solved!
When to Power Through—and When to Pause
Not every project (or car 😄) goes smoothly the first time. There was a point in making the latest batch of knives when I was tempted to just push through and finish, but I realized I needed a break. Coming back with a clear head made all the difference. Whether you’re
working on a carving or troubleshooting something else, sometimes the best move is to pause and return with renewed focus. Check out Carl’s latest project below, which got him carving again!
Have you recently overcome a carving challenge or finished a project you’re proud of? I’d love to see what you’re working on, or hear how you tackled a tricky spot.
Carl's latest project is 'More than Meets the Eye'
It's been a while since I wrote. I hope you are well, and everything is going smoothly at MCC!
My grandson is going on 8, and is a big Transformers fan. He and I have done a few carpentry projects, and he is familiar with several items I have Chip carved for his family - Candy
Jar, Hexagonal Pencil cup, coasters, ornaments, sleigh, name plaques, etc. His family was in town this week on vacation and he rather persistently was asking for a chip carved Optimus Prime.
To make a long story short, I wore my most comfortable negotiating hat and managed to convince him that a Transformers logo would be enough.
Update 1:
This was a deceptively challenging carve. First, it's
been months since I last did any significant carving, so my hand was weak on the long, wide and deep cuts. Second, the joints were tricky to navigate, and third, I would need a computer to track all my mistakes. Fortunately it's for my grandson, so lots of character is a good thing!!! What's important is, it's getting done!
I'm actually looking forward to my double Chevron border, some normal three sided chips!! Well, I've got work to do, gotta get back to it!
Update 2:
Well, the carving is done. Boy, those border perimeter lines can be tricky! The double
Chevron turned out looking quite comfortable around transformers. I'm kinda squirming about adding color with my pencils. The little guy is very excited about this stage of completion, and I'm having Twisties about him being disappointed by the color. I've been experimenting on a piece of basswood scrap, need a little more learning before I
go for it!!! hahahahaha
Update 3:
I'm learning those pencils have advantages, especially when coloring in a Chip.
Update 4:
My grandson decided he wanted white chevrons and yellow border perimeter lines. Sharp little guy!
Carl, Thank you for sharing your journey on this project! I'm glad your grandson was able to convince you to create such a wonderful carving and an opportunity to collaborate on it.
A Perfect Frame for Graduation or Wedding pictures!
These picture frames are perfect to carve and insert a photograph, certificate, note, or other item you wish to preserve and display. Each frame includes glass and easel. 4×6 frame, 1.5″ basswood, 6.5″ x 8.5″ outside dimensions 5×7 frame, 2″ basswood, 8.5″ x 10.5″ outside dimensions 8-1/2″ x 11″ Combo Frame fits 8″ x 10″ certificate with mat or fits
8-1/2″ x 11″ without mat 8″ x 10″ frames also include a mat that can be used to mount a 5″ x 7″ photo in the 8″ x 10″ frame.
What's important is, it's getting done!
Well, I've got work to do, gotta get back to it!
