SCAWC Newsletter

The Christmas party was a gala event. Thanks to Dale Sapp for handling the food and drink. The ornament exchange was enjoyed by everyone.


Barb Smith and Dale Sapp	John Bouchillon and Lana led the food line.	Noah Plodzien shows the ornament he won in the drawing. It was carved by Al Westfall.	This was the first year Martha Byron had an ornament in the exchange. Great work Martha.

		Al Westfall with an ornament carved by Charlotte Cross.	A snowman door hanger carved by Ray Plodzien was won by Wyatt's daughter.

Jack Combs with his ornament that was carved by Walter Schmierbach.			Charles Sapp emceed the ornament exchange. Lana Bouchillon is opening her gift.

Club members agreed that we should move ahead with plans for a fall show. President Rich will firm up the date and room rental fees with the Art Center. All of last year committee chairpersons agreed to help again this year. Martha Byron, greeting; Jim Leifeld, set up and tear down; John Bouchillon, printed advertising; Wilbert Brewton, judging; Charlotte Cross, refreshments; and Charles Sapp, applications. If you are interested in overseeing the committee work, please contact the Club President.



Affiliations: National Wood Carvers Association, Mid America Wood Carvers, St. Charles Area Woodcarvers and Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers. Training: Don is self taught, but attended seminars and studied under many well known Midwest and Southern craftsmen. Ann began carving when she attended a beginner’s class while Don was taking an advanced seminar in Texas. They have traveled to all states except Alaska and Minnesota in their RV. Background: Retired machinist for McDonnell Aircraft Co. He began woodcarving as a hobby in the 50s and continued as a hobby and avocation after retirement. He has been teaching woodcarving for the past 11 years in the St. Louis area and the Rio Grande Valley. Awards & Exhibits: They have entered woodcarving shows and exhibitions all over the Midwest and in the Rio Grande Valley and have won numerous accolades, ribbons and trophies. They have exhibited at Silver Dollar City, Davenport, Rio Grande Valley Show, Chip O’Texas show and various libraries, banks, and art shows.


Robin and stump carved by Jack Combs from basswood. The mushrooms are made from wood putty.		Dick Wempe carved this cowboy Santa as a Christmas present for his wife from a Gerald Sears rough out.		Wilbert works with Martha and Dick Wimpy on the Royal Wedding carvings.


Hound dog refrigerator magnet carved by Bill Kuhn.			Golfing Santa by Jack Combs.		This is Ray Plodzien's second "world Santa". Only about 100 more countries to be represented.



John Bouchillon demonstrated painting with "magic water". It is the tint base for water based wood stain. John has used this technique on several of his carvings. He says it keeps the paint from bleedings, does not raise the grain, and makes the paint easier to blend. John built this mixing table. It has a roll of butcher paper that you just pull off when you need a clean area to mix your paints. It also stores brushes and paint containers.							Barb and Bob Blackledge discuss wood burning with Barb Smith and Charlotte Cross.


Dick Wempe and Dallas Bacon discuss Dallas's blue jay carving.						Barb Smith carved this Santa from a Michelle Carvelle roughout.


Relief carving by John Bouchillon. John applied boiled linseed oil, sealed it, then painted it with acrylics using his "magic water".	Charlotte Cross painted her friendship cane piece that was carved by Wilbert.					Eagle relief on a plate carved by John Bouchillon.


Al Westfall scrolled sawed and then carved this cardinal scene in a slice of basswood.	Relief carving by Barb Smith. Barb used the same finishing techniques as John.					John Bouchillon did this carving several years ago but was not satisfied with the finish. So he recently carved off the old finish and redid it.

Its time to pay your dues for 2005; $15. Contact the Membership Chairman, Charles Sapp, or Treasurer Bob Craven.

Thanks to Wilbert Brewton, Rich Weitzman, and Dave Lincoln for providing instructions on tool sharpening at the January meeting. Everyone came away with a better understanding of techniques.

When you have an item for show and tell, please get my attention before you leave (presuming that I remember to bring the camera).