I am Ralph and have been retired from being a school administrator for 37 yrs. in Michigan and Florida.  As you look at my web site "carvingsbyralph.com" you will see that I started carving in the 7th grade.  My other hobby, besides playing tennis 3-5 days per week, is geneology.  Looking forward to lively woodcarving discussions to improve everyones skills.  Thanks Matt for having this forum.

Wow -- 7th grade!!!  Did you start as a cub/boy scout?

I really like the term "sharers" that you used -- that's exactly the kind of person that I want to show up here.  Too many people in the world who are just interested in "take, take, take" but don't want to do anything else.  :)

Thanks for sharing, Ralph!

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Designer Firewood Created Here!

In my , almost 38 years of carving I have met only two hard core TAKER'S and one kinda..

most are willing to share all.  Remember the old saying..."you can't take it with you...so you might as well pass it on".

 

Will, in Vancouver WA

We can only improve upon our carving by making mistakes and asking for shared assistance when in need.  It is fun to make a big "goof" and then find a way to create a different image after that mistake.  My philosophy is to never through away a carving once I have started, regardless how bad a mistake is made, just have fun and redevelop anew.