The Blackhawk Woodcarver

Volume XXX, Issue 7 2025

Blackhawk Carving Club

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 am until 11:30 at the Ken Rock facility at 625 Adams Street, Rockford, IL. KenRock is located in the area of Rural and North 2nd St.

Presidents Report July 2025

The club responded to Don Stansfield’s “Independence Day Challenge” as reflected in the display at our meeting on the 18^th of June. A couple of people who were working their carvings were unable to attend and I am sure some did not quite finish in time. So, we can expect to see a couple more in the future. See the pictures in this newsletter; along with those from our Show & Tell.

Our club annual picnic on the 25^th was very enjoyable with about a dozen in attendance. We were again lucky and the weather turned out very pleasant. We were fortunate to be able to use Shelter 1 at Sinnissippi Park. A couple pictures of us (except me behind the camera) are included in this newsletter.

We hope to have another interesting presentation in the near future. A couple of ideas are being discussed.

Remember you are what makes are club great!

Tyrone Johnsen

Secretary Report for June 2025

The meeting was called to order by president Tyrone Johnsen at 9:30 with 19 members present.

The minutes of the May meeting were read by secretary Jim Foster with no corrections needed.

Treasurer Larry Stenzel reported there were no financial transactions in the past month and still standing @ 42 paid members.

With the expected nominations of new officers coming up, Tyrone floated the idea of possibility having the position of Treasurer term being staggered from the traditional period. Since the year end and new year are traditionally a busy time for the treasurer and the changes are so disruptive. No decision was made.

Tyrone also discussed the idea of moving the club picnic to the park in Belvidere where there some interesting carvings and the shelters are reasonably priced. After much debate it was agreed to consider it for next year as it is too late to change this year.

The club was reminded again that the Janesville club show is in September and we should make every effort to attend and participate.

A motion to adjourn was received and seconded at 9:47.

In the absence of Rick Brittnacher, Tyrone presented show and tell items from the Independence Day themed carvings and others.

Respectfully submitted by secretary Jim Foster.

Class in Minocqua, WI.

Club member Gordy Moscinski taught a beginning carving class at Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua, WI. to some enthusiastic and talented students.

class

Future Carving Shows

September 13 — Janesville, Wisconsin. Rock River Valley Carvers19th annual show and sale at Rock County Fairgrounds, Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave.; 9 to 4. Free admission (donations appreciated). Brad Crandall (608) 931-0188, bwkicrandall@gmail.com; or John Raisbeck at jkraisbeck4@gmail.com.

September 20-21 — Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Wisconsin River Woodcarvers host 21st annual show, competition, and sale at Holiday Inn. Contact Jerald Trzebiatowski (715) 310-9900, jeraldt@gmail.com; or Ron O’Kray (715)570-2534.

September 27 — Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Chippewa Valley Wood Carving Show and Sale, Hosted by West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild, at Brick House Pub and Banquet Room, 2233 Birch St. ; 10 to 4. Free admission. Charlene (715) 497-6296, thelynums@gmail.com.

Club Picnic 25 June 2025

picnic

Our annual picnic held in June at Sinnissippi park

Sawdust and Smiles: Why Humor Belongs in the Workshop

Laughter in the workshop is as important as a sharp blade. After all, woodcarving is not just about the results—it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the shared stories that become as treasured as the pieces themselves. Many carvers recall their fondest memories not of finished sculptures, but of the jokes told over coffee breaks, the laughter echoing between the benches, and the friendly banter about who goes home with the most sawdust in their shoes.

In fact, reflecting on the lighter side of woodcarving can help us remember to celebrate the little victories. Maybe you finally conquered a tricky carving technique, or perhaps you survived a day without nicking your thumb—both accomplishments worthy of a smile (and another joke).

A Woodcarver’s Anecdote: There once was a woodworker who spent days trying to carve the perfect duck. When asked how it was going, they sighed, “Well, I still have all my fingers, but my patience is down to a nub!” Their friend, equally wry, replied, “Don’t worry, you’re just whittling away the hours.”

Adding a Dash of Humor to Your Craft

Why not start your next carving session with a joke? Some woodcarvers even carve tiny joke plaques to hang above their workbenches. Here are a few more quips to brighten your creative process:

Why don’t woodcarvers get lost in the forest? They always know how to follow the grain.

How many woodcarvers does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one, but they might carve the ladder first.

What do you call an indecisive woodcarver? A chip off the old block!

Conclusion: Laugh, Whittle, Repeat

In the world of woodcarving, every day brings new challenges—and new opportunities to laugh. Whether your project turns out as planned or you discover an accidental masterpiece, keep your sense of humor sharp and your wit as finely honed as your favorite gouge.

Carving meeting in Lake Tomahawk

Musky Area Woodcarvers meet every Thursday at the Sloan Community in Lake Tomahawk, WI. A morning filled with good conversation and laughter.

Newsletter deadline

Keep sending your pictures and stories by the July 30, 2025 deadline.

Door Prizes

Don't forget the Door Prize drawing on First Wednesdays. Bring something you don't need or want anymore, but know someone would be thrilled to win at the drawing.

Carvers wanted

Sometimes I get calls from people wanting to have a carving done (for money). If you are interested in any of these contacts, let me know and what kind of carvings you are interested in doing for people. Don Stansfield woodchip1508@comcast.net

Facebook

Like us on Facebook “Blackhawk Woodcarvers”. Many pictures and information.

Want to buy or sell

If you have anything that you would like to buy or sell send me an email and I will put it in the newsletter. Gordy Moscinski

August Birthdays (that we Know of)

1 Richard Prutz

1 John Martin

5 Betty Gregory

25 Rich Talbot

28 Elton Olson

Committees (815 area code)

Webmaster & Newsletter Editor Gordy Moscinski
Photographer, Tyrone Johnsen, 397-9274
Programs, Rick Brittnacher, 608-346-6501
Picnic, Tony Devita