Search Results

Well, the East End Clutch has been busy this year. First, John had us carving little penguins. Two weeks later, Bob had us tied in knots, carving a Celtic knot, some tackled true 3-D, most of us did a relief style of the same pattern. Two weeks after that, Bob was tickling our fancy by having us carve a feather which is the theme for the March Wood Wizard. This past Fri, a few of us did soap carving with the students at the ARC Studio School which runs in the church. The children were so engaged that the hour flew by. It also generated interest among our members as several came down to see what we were doing. Special shout out to Rick and Rita who introduced this to me years ago and loaned me their patterns and tools for soap carving. I think the children did a wonderful job and perhaps will take up carving in the future. I have been very remiss in not getting any photos from the West End Clutch. We all work on our own thing at this clutch, and I guess I just get busy with knife to wood and completely forget about pictures! Someone please remind me. Tough group though, as 9 folks turned up the Fri after we had freezing rain the end of January. The main roads were OK, but you had to get out to them first! Easier for some than others.

We had another good turnout, and after Show and Tell & Wood Wizard, folks were invited to carve either a small sample of lettering or a small mushroom (modeled after Doug Linker's) Wood Wizard: theme was kohlrossing or pyrography this month 1st place went to John for his kohlrossed spoons with ballon and poppy 2nd place went to Erich for his carved hand which he decorated with Pyro 3rd place went to Bob G for his pyro'd Bison and flower Honorable mention went to Bob T's walnut spoons Show and Tell was well represented this month John brought in a sample of his fishing lures, which we will be carving at the April meeting, and a picture of the relief carving he will be teaching in Feb. and March. Larry brought in 2 wood spirits, one with light dry brushing of white paint to highlight the beard, moustache and brows. Lois brought in 2 pieces which were done by members who have since passed on, the small flower by Franz Ohler, and the relief carved Jesus by Gord Hogan. Bob T brought in cross with hearts carved into it, hopefully for his lovely wife! Todd brought in a large piece of walnut, with Big Rideau lake carved into it and filled with epoxy. Bob G brought in a Mobius strip, a spoon carved from Lodgepole pine which he challenged us to find repairs in, also a study stick for the upcoming class and a small Olfa saw blade. Erich brought in a small Chickadee which he found at VV which was quite well done, unfortunately not signed. he also entertained us with a yodeling pickle ornament. Pam brought in an old pyro piece which she had tried to replicate with kohlrossing for the WW Charlie brought in a work in progress of a Moray Eel and Clownfish. We look forward to seeing the final result although that eel sure is nasty looking! George brought in a dreamcatcher with several carved wooden feathers. Colin brought in a partially carved bear which he bought at the Dec. auction. Not happy with the head which he has replaced twice and will also re-align one of the front paws

Presented by Outaouais Wood Carvers, Sponsored by Flexcut Note: we have a few spots left, registration extended to Thursday, Feb. 15th Saturday, 17th February, 2024. 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM Nepean Creative Arts Center, 35 Stafford Road, Unit 7, Ottawa In this session participants will learn to set up a basic face in 12 steps. Students will carve their own Study Stick that will serve as a learning tool for carving simple caricature-style faces that can be enhanced as your skills grow. Detailed eyes do not form part of this session.  How to create the basic suggestion of an eye will covered. Target Audience: New Carvers. This is a great follow-up class for those who took the Introduction to Carving course in October. Tools required-a sharp knife and a V tool (70 degrees or less).  For those who do not have tools, the OWC has a full selection of Flex Cut tools necessary to complete this project and they will be made available to the participants on the day of the course. A sturdy, preferably cut resistant glove, for your non-dominant hand is essential for course participation. These can be obtained at a hardware or woodworking store. It is recommended that participants bring a pencil and ruler.  Feel free to bring your own tools if you have them. Wood will be provided for the project. Bob has been carving since the 1980s. He started by using diamond willow wood for functional objects. He has carved in a variety of styles: in-the-round, relief, caricature, stylized, realistic (and nearly realistic) and even a little chip carving. His carving courses include a variety of introductory projects, sharpening carving tools, love spoons, horses, stylized animals, caricatures and realistic human heads. Fee: OWC member $ 40 Non-member $ 60 (includes a reduced $20 annual membership fee) Cancellation refunds given only with 4 days’ notice of the course Mon. Feb. 12/24 9:30. Registration and payment are required in advance. First come, first served 😉 Registration deadline is Monday Feb. 12, 2024. Maximum 10 participants. Note: a minimum of 4 participants are required to run this workshop. Participants aged 14-17 inclusive must be accompanied by parent for the duration of the class. Click on downloadable PDF below for registration details

Great start to the New Year! Wood Wizard: We had 11 entries for the wizard which were walking sticks/cane toppers. 1st place went to Erich for his winding snake walking stick. 2nd place went to Sue for her folksy walking stick. 3rd place went to Charlie for his owl cane topper. HM to Erich for his Hawk head cane topper. Show and tell was also well represented. Erich showed us a Head carving that he is finishing up as requested by someone who donated supplies to the club. His mother started carving in her 80's and was carving up to a week before she passed in her mid 90's. It's never too late to start carving. Erich also had some purple heart wood that was gifted to him, which he used to carve a comfort bird and a whale, also some of his 'good luck pigs'. Charlie has been steadily working on his mallard drake and explained how he had to carve the curved tail feathers from hardwood as basswood was too delicate. Feet are done now and onto burning in the feathers. Vic presented a Moravian star and explained how his first attempt with glitter paint was not successful as the glitter is suspended in clear solution. This was remedied by applying a coloured base coat followed by the glitter paint. Catherine has been busy carving soapstone and showed us several of her soapstone carvings made from various colours of soapstone which come from different places in the world. Bob T brought in a beaver lumberjack, complete with sled and tree. Francois brought in a gavel and the pyro'd sound block that he did to use at work at the Sprott School of Business. Bob G. has been hard at work creating brain twisters! a tetrahedron and a triscallion. Colin showed us a birdhouse with a greenman front, carved rook. The entry hole for the birds is under the nose, the stick in his mouth is the perch. And to complete the meeting, we all sat down to carve some Moravian stars.

Hi folks, Just a reminder of our up-coming events to finish off 2023 Dec 1st The West End Clutch Christmas potluck and raffle. Food will be served at 11:30. You might even get some carving in after! Bring along some food to share with others (Rita will bring the turkey) and something for the raffle. It could be carving related but may also be something else like a Holiday food item, drink (think wine😉) or decoration. Dec 6th Monthly Meeting Our annual Christmas Auction and finger food potluck As usual, there will be a live auction as well as a silent auction. Over the past year we have been fortunate to have some great donations to the club (see attached photos of some of the items). Members are also encouraged to bring in items that they wish to donate (e.g. carvings, tools). We usually have a nice assortment of small carvings that have been done by members up for grabs to the highest bidder. Bring along some nibbles to share with others, something for the auction as well as some money or a cheque. (note we do not have the capability for e-transfers or credit card at the church) Dec 8th Last East End Clutch for this year, bring along some finger foods or nibbles to share with others and any UFOs you need to get done before the holidays. Hope to see you all there! The Executive

Presented by Outaouais Wood Carvers, Sponsored by Flexcut Saturday, 2nd December, 2023. 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM Nepean Creative Arts Center, 35 Stafford Road, Unit 7, Ottawa Join Bob Gander as he teaches you how to carve a simple snowman clad in a hat and scarf. A perfect gift for someone who is difficult to shop for! During the class, participants will learn how to carve round/ball shapes. Target Audience: New Carvers. This is a great follow-up class for those who took the Introduction to Carving course in October. Wood will be provided for the project. Tools will be available for the class if you don’t have any. A sturdy, preferably cut resistant glove, for your non-dominant hand is essential for course participation. These can be obtained at a hardware or woodworking store. Bob has been carving since the 1980s. He started by using diamond willow wood for functional objects. He has carved in a variety of styles: in-the-round, relief, caricature, stylized, realistic (and nearly realistic) and even a little chip carving. His carving courses include a variety of introductory projects, sharpening carving tools, love spoons, horses, stylized animals, caricatures and realistic human heads. Fee: OWC member $ 45 Non-member $ 75 (includes a reduced $30 annual membership fee) Cancellation refunds given only with 4 days’ notice of the course Mon. Nov. 27th 9:30. Registration and payment are required in advance. First come, first served 😉 Registration deadline is Monday Nov. 27th, 2023. Maximum 8 participants. Note: a minimum of 4 participants are required to run this workshop. Participants aged 14-17 inclusive must be accompanied by parent for the duration of the class. Click on downloadable PDF below for registration details

Presented by Outaouais Wood Carvers Sponsored by Flexcut Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 9:30AM to 2:30 PM Nepean Creative Arts Center, 35 Stafford Road, Ottawa- Unit 7 Course Leader: John Bowser is an OWC member who has been teaching the how’s and why’s of carving for more than two decades. Target Audience: Beginner to more Advanced Carvers A basswood blank will be included. Additional blanks will be available to buy in a variety of shapes and woods (walnut, butternut etc…) for a modest cost. A short demonstration on Kolrossing will be included as a small bonus. Tools suggested for this project are knives, as well as palm or full size gouges, sizes three to seven. A clamp or bench hook may be an asset however, not required. Please note the instructor will have sharpening aids on site as well. Fee: OWC member $ 45 Non-member $ 75 (includes $30 for annual membership fee) Cancellation refunds only available with 48hrs notice of the course. Registration and payment are required in advance. Registration deadline is Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Maximum 12 participants. Note: a minimum of 6 participants required to run this workshop Click on downloadable PDF below for registration details

Wood Wizard entries for the Pumkin Themed Wood Wizard. 1st prize to Charlie for his spooky and original pumpkin 2nd to Sue for her Ghoulish Hoodie characters 3rd to Lois showing a pyrography on paper and one on wood from same source. Honorable Mention to Erich for his carved pumpkin with leaves thanks to all who brought in their beautiful work, made it difficult to judge! Show and Tell Charlie brought in a squirrel hiding in a knothole and a Bark house. The little gnome he had carved previously was the finishing touch for the bark house. Lois has been thrifting again! She found leather mask for an exceptionally good price. She also found a Halloween plaque which has the added bonus of being reversible with a Christmas themed pic on the back. Show and Tell Larry R brought in this lovely Wood Spirit carved in Butternut. The wood grain just brings this to life! Bob G showed us an Antelope that he carved as well as a dish fashioned after a clam shell to prove that he can carve things other than geometrics! Then he showed how he creates templates for his geometric designs from clay, paper, wire... even the middle of a golf ball. Sue awarding Charlie his belated prize for winning the Peoples' Choice Competition in June 2022. Then, we all sat down and got to work carving some comfort birds and fiddle sticks which we will donate later this year.

Oct 6th, looks like everyone was having a great time Oct 22nd, all hard at work...mmm John brought in a collections of spoons which he has carved. Spoon Carving course on Nov. 18, he will teach a spoon similar to the ones in the photo to the left, but some other examples to whet our appetites and get the creative juices flowing. Visit the Learning Page for details on the course

Download and open PDF below for more information.

We enjoyed a beautiful day at the market this year. Lots of visitors who stopped by for a chat, and free entertainment from the resident turkeys interacting with the children. Thanks to Bob and Charlie for sharing the day.

A beautiful day outdoors, but folks hard at work on their individual projects