Blackhawk Carving ClubThe Blackhawk Woodcarver
Volume XXX, Issue
Tony DeVita announced the Christmas
Horse Challenge at our August business meeting. Tony has cut a number of
blanks for members to carve their interpretation. Once again, stir up your
initiative and see what you can create. Tony has more blanks for anyone who
has not already got one or wants to do a second version. Tony will also be
available to provide support and encouragement. A picture of four of these
horses are shown in this newsletter.
Remember this month on
Saturday, the 13th of September, the Rock River Valley Carvers of
Wisconsin will host their annual wood carving show and sale. This will take
place at the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds located at 1301 Craig Avenue in
Janesville, WI. Our club will have a display table there. This is your best
opportunity to see other carvers and their work. Some will be selling
carvings, material, and tools. There will be dealers, demonstrations, and
informative lectures; along with a carving contest featuring a number of
categories.
Remember Sunday, the
14th of September, you can see member Nick Scheuer of Nick’s
Birds at Rockford’s annual Greenwich Village Art Fair.
We have scheduled
Saturday, the 11th of October, for our club outing to Belvidere
Park to view the life size wood carvings representing a family of Mesquaki &
Potawatomi Indians. These full-size wood carved sculptures are the creation
of Jon Critchfield. That weekend has been picked to try to correspond with
the Fall leaf color. More details will follow in the October newsletter.
We are approaching
time for the annual election of club officers. This will be discussed during
this month’s business meet with the need to establish volunteers and
nominees for the four club officer positions at the October meeting and our
election at the November meeting.
Finally, our annual
Holiday Christmas Party at Peterson Meadows is set for Wednesday morning,
the 10th of December.
I am encouraging all
member to start wearing some form of name tag or clothing with, at least,
your first name on it.
You are what makes and
keeps our club great!
Tyrone Johnsen
Secretary
Report for August 2025
The meeting was called to order by
president Tyrone Johnsen at 9:32 with 14 members present.
The minutes of the July
meeting were read by secretary Jim Foster with no corrections or additions
noted.
Treasurer Larry Stenzel
reported there was one financial transaction for the payment to the Rock
River Carving Club for a table at their September show.
Tyrone suggested a few more
items that could be printed and made available at our meeting for members
without email.
He also discussed ideas for
the visit to the Belvidere park.
There was no other old or new
business discussion.
In Don Stansfield’s absence, Tyrone
presented a carving tip to practice for varying wood grain direction.
Tony Devito brought an
assortment of Dala horse cutouts from pallet wood and offered them to the
club members as a challenge for the September meeting.
A motion to adjourn was received
and seconded at 9:56.
Tyrone presented the Show and
Tell items and John Skaggs discussed his process of creating realistic
feathers. Ted Faber talked about some of his detailed carvings.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
secretary Jim Foster.
Christmas
Horse Challenge
Tony DeVita announced a new Christmas Horse Challenge. Tony brought a number
of blanks as the one in the left; and his offer to provide instruction as
desired.
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.
Wood Carving Wit: Four Jokes
Whittled to Perfection
Why did the woodcarver never get bored?
Because every piece had its own grain of excitement!
Why did the wooden statue get promoted?
It finally made a lasting impression!
How do woodcarvers throw a party?
By bringing out the chips and carving up the dance floor!
What’s a woodcarver’s favorite TV show?
Anything with a good twist—especially “Whittle House on the Prairie.”
In the Workshop
Wood carving isn’t just about
shaping timber—it’s about sculpting smiles, too. Whether you’re chiseling
away at a block of basswood or pondering what to craft next, let these jokes
be a reminder that a sense of humor is the sharpest tool in your kit. After
all, laughter helps sand away the stress and polishes the spirit, leaving
your creativity smooth and ready for the next masterpiece.
Newsletter
deadline
Keep sending your pictures and
stories by the September 3, 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
October
Birthdays (that we Know of)
2
Rick Brittnacher
9
Tony Devita
14 Carol Behning
Committees
(815 area code)
Webmaster & Newsletter Editor
Gordy Moscinski
Photographer, Tyrone Johnsen, 397-9274
Programs, Rick Brittnacher, 608-346-6501
Picnic, Tony Devita
Club
Officers (815 area code)
President, Tyrone Johnsen, 397-9274
Vice Pres, Rick Brittnacher, 608-346-6501
Treasurer, Larry Stenzel, 389-4714
Secretary, Jim Foster, 414-3248
Cowboy and Swiss Cow with Bell carved by Ted Faber
A couple little people by
Jim Foster
Switch plate relief carved and
painted for his daughter by Larry Stenzel back in 1997.
A gathering of little people by
Jerry Robey inspired by carver Denny Neubauer.
Hummingbird visiting the flowers; plus a number of feathers carved and
painted by John Skaggs
Bird by Jerome Mais
Duck by Gordy Moscinski
Stylized Road Runner carved of redwood by Tony DeVita
