Friday, December 30, 2011

Daily "Practice"


The old saying about learning, is "practice, practice, practice".  And we all know it's true.  And if you're at all like me, you're a slower learner when it come to wood carving.  This means that PRACTICE is even more critical to improving ones skills.  I have found it most beneficial to set aside time each day to "practice".  Now before you all say, "well heck yes! You're retired and have the time".  Well, you'd be right about the retired part.  But my practice occurs at a diner in town with my morning coffee and breakfast.  Everybody has to have their morning coffee or tea and breakfast.  I practice by roughing out at least two Santa's each week day morning at the diner.  If anyone is figgering, it's 500 + a year.  I started the day after Christmas and am on my way.

Some of the Santa's get pin backs and painted some just dipped in natural finish.  Some I peddle at various events, most I just give away.  Some get sent to nursing homes for patients to paint and keep, or to give as gifts. 

The point is, set aside time to practice......

5 comments:

Robert Cahill said...

I do try to practice each day. I do not do the same type carving each day but the ones I do the most are two inch little guys in the Jack Price style. I usual give them away. After reading Tom's Post and Eddie Smiles from WCI I now add them to tips at restaurants.

Tom H said...

Robert, Those Jack Price little fellows are fun to do, and they offer a lot of practice with different cuts.

Anonymous said...

Does the Diner not get mad at the wood chip mess?

I have heard of fellas carving in Doctor's offices and shopping malls before but I'm not sure they would stand it around my neck of the woods

Elliott

Anonymous said...

Does the Diner not get mad at the wood chip mess?

I have heard of fellas carving in Doctor's offices and shopping malls before but I'm not sure they would stand it around my neck of the woods

Elliott

Tom H said...

Elliott, Since I carve small there's not many chips. I do keep all the chips in a small pile on the table, then put them into the waste can. I also make sure that each Christmas, the owner has a few Santa pins to give to favorite customers. This past Christmas it was about a dozen pins.