2020 Chip Carving Classes
More classes are being scheduled for my home studio...
... less than an hour West of Asheville, NC at:
10 Gribble Gap Road
Sylva, NC 28779
Please call 828-226-6040 or send a note
bjohnson@dnet.net
if you have questions or suggestions
I Continue to Offer Classes at Klingspor's Woodworking Stores in North Carolina, as well as Woodcarving Clubs, Woodcarving Shows, and and other locations in the US. If you have an interest in hosting a Class in your area, please give me a call.
CLASS LIST BELOW
Finishing Your Chip Carved Project
Saturday, April 4, 2020
9:30am - 5:00pm
HANDS-ON EXPERT INSTRUCTION
FINISHING YOUR CHIP CARVINGS *
Instructor, Bill Johnson
Saturday April 4th, 2020 (9:30am–5:00pm)
Everyone is Welcome
*Proven techniques for finishing Chip Carvings apply to many Carving styles
SCHEDULE: Class will begin promptly at 9:30am and will run until 4pm.
DESCRIPTION: This class is being offered in response to frequent requests from Chip Carvers, asking, “How do you get your finishes to come out that way?”. Sometimes the answer is a question, “How do you go about finishing your pieces?” Commonly, the answer to that question is something like, “I use sanding sealer, but the stain is blotchy”, or “I brush on polyurethane”, and so on.
The finish, or at least, planning for the finish, starts much earlier. This class will focus on what leads up to a great finish, as well as what is done during that stage, we generally refer to as “Finishing”. We’ll even talk about a term common among woodworkers – “Finishing the Finish”.
Many of the basic building blocks are the same in other styles of carving, and in woodworking. Attendees don’t have to be Chip Carvers to benefit from this class.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: The Instructor, before being introduced to Chip Carving some 18 years ago, spent 25-30 years as a serious hobby woodworker. During that time, he focused much of his energy on the finishing phase of creating everything from knick-knacks to fine furniture. Later, he found that most of what he had learned during those years, also applies to the Chip Carved pieces he produces today, including the non-traditional “Sculptural Chip Carvings”.
As many of the basic building blocks are the same in other styles of carving, as well as woodworking, attendees do not have to be Chip Carvers to benefit.
CLASS SIZE: Twelve (12) Students Maximum
PREREQUISITES: Experience with woodcarving and/or woodworking.
PREPARATION: Visit www.CarolinaMountainReefs.com prior to the class and make note of specific questions related the pieces and their finishes, seen there.
REGISTRATION by phone or in person: Klingspor Woodworking Shop, 270 Rutledge Road, Fletcher, NC, or call (828) 687-3940
COST: Class Fee is $100.00. Minimum 50% deposit is due at the time of registration
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES: Students are encouraged to bring examples of unfinished and finished work, including (especially) carvings that he or she are interested in applying finish to during class. Note: most finishing requires several days from start to finish, so please do not plan on arriving with an unfinished piece and expect to leave with all stages completed.
Creede Woodcarvers Rendezvous, Creede Co
July 11-17, 2020
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Bill Johnson, Chip Carving Instructor
Three Class Descriptions
July 11-12, 2020
8” Beaded Edge Basswood Plate with Chip Carved Rosette and Leaf Pattern
Beginner*-to-Intermediate Chip Carving (Two Days)
This Ready-to-Carve© Plate Rosette and Leaf Pattern has been printed on a quality 8" beaded edge basswood plate, so we can skip the layout stage and dive right into chip carving! The pattern can be carved as printed on the plate, or it can be embellished in a number of ways. The leaves add the appearance of being more difficult to carve than they really are. It's all about removing wood with angled cuts, pointing toward thecenter of that shape.
Students taking this class should have already learned basic chip carving skills, including proper technique for holding and using a Chip Carving Knife, and cutting 2-sided and 3-sided chips. Each registered carver must be able to begin carving after a very brief orientation, using what was previously learned, to carve more challenging patterns such as this one.
July 13-16, 2020
Chip Carved Tall Desk Clock; 5-1/2”w x 11-1/4”h x 1-5/8”d
Intermediate to Advanced Chip Carving (Four Days)
Using blocks of the highest quality Northern Wisconsin Basswood, I cut oversized blanks, plane each to final thickness, and sand all surfaces to a smooth finish before having the patterns printed on them. After printing, I bore a 3" diameter stopped hole for the clock insert. Next, I cut the arch-top and foot recesses in each and rout the ogee profile around the clock’s perimeter.
The key to carving it successfully is paying careful attention to where the knife tip is at all times. This will preserve the ends of the sharp ridges and result in a "delicate" appearance with the interlaced symmetrical lines and curves that give this Clock i (forgive the timeless appeal.
July 17, 2020
Finishing Techniques - For Any Experience/Skill Level
Learn how to add an extra "Wow" to your finished Carvings
I'm frequently asked, "How do you get your finishes to come out like that?" Overall, I feel too many carvers (not just chip carvers), settle for a mediocre finish, leaving an otherwise great carving less than great. More than thirty years as a serious hobby woodworker prepared me for how I approach woodcarving, especially in the area of finishing the completed piece. Finishes in woodworking circles are extremely important and receive a great deal of attention, as a result. I try to answer as many finishing questions as possible during a normal Chip Carving Class, but we always seem to run out of time at the end. This full-day session will provide an opportunity to focus on finishing our work, as well as "finishing the finish". If you’re wondering what that means, you probably need to attend this Class.
Many of these tips and techniques apply to other woodcarving styles, as well as traditional woodworking. For that reason, the Class is not limited to Chip Carvers, but to everyone. Although, the majority of our time will be devoted to applying ideas and techniques to carvings that were done in one of my classes, other attendees are welcome to register for this class and to bring a sample that would serve as a good finishing example.
July 11-17, 2020
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Bill Johnson, Chip Carving Instructor
Three Class Descriptions
July 11-12, 2020
8” Beaded Edge Basswood Plate with Chip Carved Rosette and Leaf Pattern
Beginner*-to-Intermediate Chip Carving (Two Days)
This Ready-to-Carve© Plate Rosette and Leaf Pattern has been printed on a quality 8" beaded edge basswood plate, so we can skip the layout stage and dive right into chip carving! The pattern can be carved as printed on the plate, or it can be embellished in a number of ways. The leaves add the appearance of being more difficult to carve than they really are. It's all about removing wood with angled cuts, pointing toward thecenter of that shape.
Students taking this class should have already learned basic chip carving skills, including proper technique for holding and using a Chip Carving Knife, and cutting 2-sided and 3-sided chips. Each registered carver must be able to begin carving after a very brief orientation, using what was previously learned, to carve more challenging patterns such as this one.
July 13-16, 2020
Chip Carved Tall Desk Clock; 5-1/2”w x 11-1/4”h x 1-5/8”d
Intermediate to Advanced Chip Carving (Four Days)
Using blocks of the highest quality Northern Wisconsin Basswood, I cut oversized blanks, plane each to final thickness, and sand all surfaces to a smooth finish before having the patterns printed on them. After printing, I bore a 3" diameter stopped hole for the clock insert. Next, I cut the arch-top and foot recesses in each and rout the ogee profile around the clock’s perimeter.
The key to carving it successfully is paying careful attention to where the knife tip is at all times. This will preserve the ends of the sharp ridges and result in a "delicate" appearance with the interlaced symmetrical lines and curves that give this Clock i (forgive the timeless appeal.
July 17, 2020
Finishing Techniques - For Any Experience/Skill Level
Learn how to add an extra "Wow" to your finished Carvings
I'm frequently asked, "How do you get your finishes to come out like that?" Overall, I feel too many carvers (not just chip carvers), settle for a mediocre finish, leaving an otherwise great carving less than great. More than thirty years as a serious hobby woodworker prepared me for how I approach woodcarving, especially in the area of finishing the completed piece. Finishes in woodworking circles are extremely important and receive a great deal of attention, as a result. I try to answer as many finishing questions as possible during a normal Chip Carving Class, but we always seem to run out of time at the end. This full-day session will provide an opportunity to focus on finishing our work, as well as "finishing the finish". If you’re wondering what that means, you probably need to attend this Class.
Many of these tips and techniques apply to other woodcarving styles, as well as traditional woodworking. For that reason, the Class is not limited to Chip Carvers, but to everyone. Although, the majority of our time will be devoted to applying ideas and techniques to carvings that were done in one of my classes, other attendees are welcome to register for this class and to bring a sample that would serve as a good finishing example.
BEGINNING LEVEL CHIP CARVING CLASS
Saturday & Sunday, Nov 4th & 5th, 2020 (9am–5pm)
LOCATION: Near Winston-Salem, NC. This class will be held in a private residence. For that reason, the address will not be advertised, but it will be provided to anyone who registers for the Class and makes the Deposit. See instructions below.
SKILL LEVEL: “Beginning Level” includes “Novice” (typically referring to “no previous instruction”), and those who have received previous instruction, but wish to repeat or enhance the fundamental training before moving on to projects that require more skill.
SCHEDULE: Class will begin promptly at 9:00am on Saturday, November 4th. We’ll have a 1 hour break for lunch, and reconvene for more carving and instruction between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. The same schedule will be followed on Sunday, November 5th.
CLASS SIZE: The space will accommodate eight (8) carvers.
COSTS:
The two-day class fee is $150.00 per student. A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration. See below.
Other costs (if already owned, please ignore):
Study Board for Novice Chip Carving instruction: $16.25
Wayne Barton Premiere Cutting Knife (if not already owned): $47.50
Wayne Barton Premier Stab Knife (optional): $47.50
Ready-to-Carve Project Blanks, ranging in cost from: $5.00 to $62.50
REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: Call Bill Johnson at 828-226-6040 during normal daytime business hours or send an email (no text messages please) to www.CarolinaMountainReefs@gmail.com reserve a spot. A $50 deposit will be collected at the time of registration.
DESCRIPTION: Each student will review foundational Chip Carving skills and techniques, using pre-printed basswood “Study Boards” before moving on to a Ready-to-Carve© project piece.
PREREQUISITES: There are no prerequisites in the normal sense of the word. The instructor will carry-out a basic skills evaluation with each student, including; knife holding and use, understanding woodgrain and the effect it has on controlling knife cuts, body position, the importance of lighting and reducing shadows, and so on. As more experienced Chip Carvers move on toward their project piece, Novice Chip Carvers will receive fundamental skills training. After the first few hours, everyone will be at a similar point and will be able to start on a project piece. There will be several options to choose from.
Note: New “Ready-to-Carve” (and soon; “Ready-to-Burn”) items are added routinely.
Visit: http://www.carolinamountainreefs.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html for a current listing. Clicking on the photo of a Ready-to-Carve “blank” will open a detailed description and additional technical information. Click on the small “thumbnail” photos below the primary photo to view examples of what the piece can look like after completion and, in most cases, using different finishing choices.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov 4th & 5th, 2020 (9am–5pm)
LOCATION: Near Winston-Salem, NC. This class will be held in a private residence. For that reason, the address will not be advertised, but it will be provided to anyone who registers for the Class and makes the Deposit. See instructions below.
SKILL LEVEL: “Beginning Level” includes “Novice” (typically referring to “no previous instruction”), and those who have received previous instruction, but wish to repeat or enhance the fundamental training before moving on to projects that require more skill.
SCHEDULE: Class will begin promptly at 9:00am on Saturday, November 4th. We’ll have a 1 hour break for lunch, and reconvene for more carving and instruction between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. The same schedule will be followed on Sunday, November 5th.
CLASS SIZE: The space will accommodate eight (8) carvers.
COSTS:
The two-day class fee is $150.00 per student. A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration. See below.
Other costs (if already owned, please ignore):
Study Board for Novice Chip Carving instruction: $16.25
Wayne Barton Premiere Cutting Knife (if not already owned): $47.50
Wayne Barton Premier Stab Knife (optional): $47.50
Ready-to-Carve Project Blanks, ranging in cost from: $5.00 to $62.50
REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: Call Bill Johnson at 828-226-6040 during normal daytime business hours or send an email (no text messages please) to www.CarolinaMountainReefs@gmail.com reserve a spot. A $50 deposit will be collected at the time of registration.
DESCRIPTION: Each student will review foundational Chip Carving skills and techniques, using pre-printed basswood “Study Boards” before moving on to a Ready-to-Carve© project piece.
PREREQUISITES: There are no prerequisites in the normal sense of the word. The instructor will carry-out a basic skills evaluation with each student, including; knife holding and use, understanding woodgrain and the effect it has on controlling knife cuts, body position, the importance of lighting and reducing shadows, and so on. As more experienced Chip Carvers move on toward their project piece, Novice Chip Carvers will receive fundamental skills training. After the first few hours, everyone will be at a similar point and will be able to start on a project piece. There will be several options to choose from.
Note: New “Ready-to-Carve” (and soon; “Ready-to-Burn”) items are added routinely.
Visit: http://www.carolinamountainreefs.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html for a current listing. Clicking on the photo of a Ready-to-Carve “blank” will open a detailed description and additional technical information. Click on the small “thumbnail” photos below the primary photo to view examples of what the piece can look like after completion and, in most cases, using different finishing choices.
