New Christmas Items

[Mark N. Akers]

I will say I'm catching on to this retirement thing, and will say I'm absolutely enjoying it.

[Tinwood]

Really nice work Mark.

Tinwood

[Soggy]

Looks like you're putting that new shop to good use,..... beautiful ornaments!
Wayne

[woodburner807]

Very nice carvings, Mark. The Santa beards really caught my eye and they have a very artistic flow and motion to them.

[Tom Ellis]

Nice to see you are back to work Mark. They all look great. You will wonder how you ever had time to work at a real job.

[joepaulbutler]

This is some outstanding carving!

[squbrigg]

As always, gorgeous work Mark. Great inspiration to us beginners.

Bob

[Just Carving]

Nice carvings Mark. Yup, I envy you. I got another 5 years until I can retire. Sigh....

Bob L

[Mike WNC]

Wow! Beautiful carvings. Like Bob above said, Great inspiration to us beginners.
Mike

[JoeVM]

Very nice Mark.

[Steve Reed]

Great job Mark! You know, I couldn't wait to retire, now I am, and I STILL have a hard time finding the time to carve!!
All the best
Steve

[Mark N. Akers]

Thanks for the kind comments, I have always been about sharing the art of woodcarving and I have recently been asked to start teaching a few classes at our local Hobby Lobby, so i am so eager to get some new carvers into the art and make sure they enjoy it.

[Curly Early]

I sure like them Mark, I have been looking forward to your latest creations to be posted. Thank you for showing your talents

[Just Carving]

I have recently been asked to start teaching a few classes at our local Hobby Lobby

Mark, if you don't mind, I'd like to hear more about this. I've been perusing the craft stores around me, i.e. A.C. Moore, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, etc. and I'm quite familiar with them. My wife has worked in Michael's for over 15 years--she teaches arts and crafts. I always comment that if they had more to offer the customer in the way of tools and basswood, it would be worth it for the store to offer classes especially since there is a drought in this area of woodcarvers. But with the poor quality tools--if any at all--and the basswood that is barely workable--again, if any at all, there really isn't much point in approaching the store manager about teaching a class. As my wife has experienced, the store isn't there to teach classes, they're interested in selling products first. If the store offers free classes, the customer has to buy the products needed from the store to take the class.

Also, one other thing that has kept me from teaching is the liability aspect. Let's face it: The tools need to be sharp, and there is a risk of somebody getting hurt. I've seen enough from my EMS days to know that I really don't want to be involved in a lawsuit because a student didn't listen or pay attention to what was taught by the instructor.

So, if you don't mind, let us know how it works out.

Good Luck! Hope it's a great experience!!

Thanks
Bob L

[uvawyo]

Awesome carvings, Mark!