Cedar Bed Posts Done and Delivered

The carving of four chiefs, Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, and Red Cloud have finally been completed on the cedar logs that will serve as posts for a bed in the master bedroom of what must be South Dakotas's most well-built and amazing log house.  If you keep your eye peeled to toward the south as you travel west on I 90, you can see this log mansion as you pass Humbolt.  This marvelous construction began 16 years ago, and I felt very privileged to get a tour of all three levels.  I will try to describe some of the details at our meeting, April 25th.

Monthly Meeting for March

With a new time set for 9:00 AM,  the monthly third Saturday meeting of the South Dakota Woodcarvers got off to an early start as carvers began work on a laughing bear project.  These projects usually start with partially shaped band saw cut outs, but this one (from Woodcarving Illustrated, Issue # 40) starts with just a 2 x 2 x 4.5 inch block of basswood--which turned out also to be harder than usual.

Please note that the meeting for April will be on the FOURTH Saturday, April 25, due to preparations at the Center for the Gourmet Guys, Sunday April 19. 

Nancy Torkelsen
Her first attempt at 3D figure carving

Welcome to new members:
 Roger Coon,  Nancy Torkelsen,
and Harold Parlet!

Chief Joseph, first of four Indian Chiefs to be carved
by A. T. Bortnem on cedar posts for a bed

Blue Heron in Black Walnut Wins at CWS Show

The great blue heron eating a snake that I started carving last August finally got a coat of clear finish and welded steel legs in time to make an appearance at the 35th Annual Artist of the Plains Show being held this weekend at the Downtown Holiday Inn.

 I thought it still needed a lot of work, but it captured the eyes of whomever did the judging, and for the next couple of days it will wear a ribbon for the three dimensional Best of Show.

Because of an unexpected invasion of athletic event participants the hotel parking at the main door has been blocked off for busses.  There may, however, be spaces in the back (north parking ramp).  There is a baracade and sign that says "reserved for Guests, but the bar will lift as you drive through.

Wondering About Whitling

There are plenty of resources available on the internet on the subject of whittling.  Here are a couple just to get you started:

Whimseys and Tramp Art

Eddy's Wood Carvings

John Bryan Woodcarving & Sculpture

John Bryan Woodcarving & Sculpture: ABOUT