SCAWC Newsletter

Don was born in Dewitt, MO in 1936 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army He was a member of the Harvester Lions Club, Automotive Boosters Club, and the St. Charles Woodcarvers. He died on March 30, 2006. He will be missed.

Several Club members are working on figures for the royal wedding display. Wyatt Sample just completed this figure. See Wilbert for patterns and information on additional carvings that are needed. Even though it may not be completed by the Sept show, we would like to have a good display at that time.

Barb Smith will provide hands on demonstration and teaching of wood burning at the June 2nd meeting. Bring your wood burner to the meeting. Name tag blanks will be available for a small charge or bring your own wood.

It will happen, but final arrangements for a date and location are still in work. If you are interested in helping contact President Rich.

Club member, Jim Liefeld, just returned from competing in the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland. The competition draws carvers from all over the world. Jim won eight ribbons including three first place, a second place, and a couple of third place. He also took second in Best of Show. Congratulations Jim - well done.

Club members approved a new hosting site for the Club Web page. Wyatt Sample is working up the new format. More emphasis will be placed on getting input from club members. Wyatt will be routing a form so that you can provide information on yourself and provide him with pictures for the site. Want a preview - http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ . The change over will come in a couple of months.

Affiliations: St. Charles Area Woodcarvers

Interests: Woodworking, building furniture, and making all sorts of tools to make his job easier. Russ spends a lot of time in his well equipped workshop building toys for grandchildren and furniture for his wife

Awards: Numerous ribbons including Best of Show in Wonders of Wood Shows.

Background: Tool and Die maker. Started in wood at retirement. His tool and die training makes tool building second nature.

Training: Self taught by trial and error.

Thoughts: Retirement - Everything must be done on your own time.

John Bouchillon

Affiliations: St. Charles Area Woodcarvers, National Wood Carvers Association, Mid America Wood Carvers, and The Belleville Holzschnitzers.

Interests: I enjoy all forms of woodcarving, turning, burning, and working. In addition, I enjoy computers, stained glass, photography, model aviation, and tool making and Blacksmithing.

Background: I retired in 1993, after 33 years as an Electronics Engineer in Army Aviation. I started woodcarving when I retired, with classes in basic woodcarving and tool sharpening. I continued with seminars sponsored by our club and added more advanced classes by Jeff Phares, Debbie Edwards, Gerald Sears, John Engler, Doane and Silver Dollar City.

Awards: I have several Best of Show awards and numerous Blue ribbons from our annual Wonders of Wood Show. I also won the Class B Peoples Choice Award in 2003.

Thoughts: The old saying, “Only wimps use sharp tools, push harder” is always good for a laugh, but that’s about all. The most important thing you can do for your carving enjoyment is to use sharp tools. The second most important thing is to learn to recognize a sharp tool. Third, learn how to create one.


Relief carving by new member Barb Blackledge.		Santa Claus by Barb Smith.	Chipped carved frame by George Schuey.



Egg chip carving by Charlotte Cross.	Carvings by Wyatt Sample.		Carving by Corky Breece.

Corky Breece completed this carving in a class with John Burke. It was not a rough out - just a wet log when they started.	Dallas Bacon did this power carving in a class at Silver Dollar City.		Relief carving by new member Bob Blackledge.

Gray-phased screech owl by Jack Combs.	Wood spirit carved in a bass wood rolling pin and native American carved from a Rex Branson rough out by Corky Breece.

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

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