Woodcarving

NEW Carving Classes for 2012!

2012 – Carving Classes


Eagle Head Walking Stick

Walt LeClair

This handsome carved eagle head makes the perfect grip for your walking stick as you hike the Adirondack trails.  It is sure to catch attention too.  And what is better than being able to tell folks you made it yourself!  All the basics of carving are covered in this one-day class from safety, carving techniques, knives, gouges and finishing.  This is the perfect class for either first time carver or experienced carvers alike.  No experience is necessary.   Woodcarving is a great hobby for all ages. 

  • March 3, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 20175
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $25

A Stick & A Hike

Mark Mayhew 

Create a memorable day for you alone or together with your children.  Begin by selecting the “perfect” stick to make your very own hiking staff from ones collected by the instructor.  Then you will learn how to “shave” & carve your very own personalized hiking stick.  Once you are happy with your creation, you complete it by drilling a hole and adding a lanyard.  After lunch, you & your stick can hike one of several breathtaking hikes near the school using your very own hiking stick!  During the morning session you will learn what to take on a hike and how to dress to enjoy the day, trail etiquette and things to look for.  Not only is this a great introduction to simple woodcarving and the beauty of the Southern Adirondacks, but you’ll also create some wonderful memories.

  • March 31, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20173
  • May 19, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70083
  • August 25, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70081
  • Length of Class – 1/2 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – noon
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $25/per person
  • Materials – $5


 Spoons, Spatulas & Spreaders
Walt LeClair
Wooden spoons, spatulas, & spreaders are the essential tools of any good chef in the kitchen.  Why not make one that matches that specific need you have – salad, mixing or spatula? Large bowl or skinny, short handle or long, Walt LeClair will guide you through making your special spoon.  They make wonderful gifts too!  This is the perfect class for the first-time carver. If you really want to get fancy, you can make one of his Welsh Love Spoons. The Love Spoon originated in Wales in the 17th Century and was carved by young men as a token of their affection for their sweethearts.  Earlier this year we had a class of all first-time carvers and each left with a Love Spoon worthy of big hugs!
  • March 24,2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20176
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $8

Carve an Adirondack Loon
Walt LeClair
If you have ever heard the cry of the loon on an early morning paddle you realize it is one of the Adirondacks most beloved sounds.  Now you can carve a loon of your own to display in a special spot in your home.  This is a ½ scale loon, which helps you appreciate just how large these beautiful creatures are.  Walt is a master carver, and will show you how to carve, wood burn and finish your loon to perfection.  Starting with a pre-cut block, you will learn how to shape and detail the loon, sand and prepare it for finishing.  While carving experience is helpful, if you can peel potatoes and carrots, you probably already have more technique than you think.
  • April 13 & 14 and April 20 & 21, 2012 – Friday & Saturday - CRN – 20177
  • Length of Class – 4-days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $300
  • Materials – $50

Carve a Loon Nut Bowl
Walt LeClair
This loon has a double purpose.  It will remind you of your first loon sighting, and serve as a useful bowl for serving nuts as well.  The head portion is pre-shaped to help you get started, so most of your carving will be in learning how to use a gouge and remove the material to shape the bowl. You will learn the basics of carving, adding details and shaping the base.  Then you will sand and finish your handsome piece to use for entertaining or give as a gift.  No experience is necessary.

  • May 5, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20178
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $15


Carve a Decoy Plaque (Canvasback Duck)
Walt LeClair
Plaque carving is a wonderful way to carve a two-dimensional surface creating a striking three-dimensional image.  In this case, Walt has selected a beautiful Canvasback Duck.  The decoy plaque allows you to learn an entirely new set of skills as you remove material shaping the duck and giving it the 3-D effect.  You will start with a rough plank pre-cut and then learn to carve and shape the duck as you begin adding details to the Canvasback itself.  You will learn a variety of carving techniques, using both knives and gouges that will make your Canvasback come to life.  With a little patience, Walt will show you everything you need to create this beautiful plaque.  Some experience in woodworking is helpful, but the class is open to all levels and beginners are welcome.
  • May 25 & 26, 2012 – Friday & Saturday – CRN – 70091
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $20



Carve a Cardinal or a Nuthatch
Walt LeClair

Come carve and paint a little song bird like the Nuthatch.  Everyone who took one of Walt’s classes last year had a ball.  They said, “You cannot make a mistake with Walt”.   In this 2-day class you will have a completed bird by the end of the second day painted and ready for a place of honor displayed in your home or cabin.  You will learn to carve and include all the delightful details using carving techniques and wood burning tools taught by a master carver.  This is a fantastic class if you’ve never carved before and truly geared for a first time carver. 

  • June 1 & 2, 2012 – Friday & Saturday – CRN – 70092
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25

Learn Relief Carving & Carve a Bird on a Branch
Walt LeClair

In relief carving you learn to both shape your image, as well as how to remove the background which creates a powerful three-dimensional feeling. Walt will guide you as you create your bird on a branch.  You will carve your own branch and leaves, shaping the flat surfaces into a three-dimensional realism.  You will have fun and probably get “hooked” on an entirely new way to enjoy woodcarving.  This class allows you to learn new skills as you remove material around the bird, branches and other features, creating the 3-D effect before your eyes.  Learn a variety of carving skills as you work with knives and gouges, learn sharpening of the tools and the tricks that add detail and depth to the finished piece.  With a little patience, Walt will show you everything and help you each step of the way.  Some experience in woodworking is helpful, but the class is open to all levels and beginners are welcome. 

  • August 23 & 24, 2012 – CRN – 70093
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $15

Learn the Art of Pyrography (Writing with Fire)
Walt LeClair

Pyrography is an ancient technique, which is often called “wood burning”.  While you may remember your youth working with a simple wood-burning tool, the results and detail that can be accomplished with the high-end tools used in this class are like little league compared to professional baseball.  What makes these beautiful plaques come to life is the combination of details from the fine lines you burn into the wood along with your addition of the colors as you finish your piece. A great class that combines it all in just one day.  No prior experience required. 

  • September 28, 2012 – Friday – CRN – 10022
  • Length of Class – 1day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $10


Carve a Small Adirondack Loon
Walt LeClair

A wonderful introduction to woodcarving as you create an Adirondack icon in one day!  Woodcarving is relaxing.  With each project you will hone your skills, finding why more and more folks are drawn to this art form. Young and old, men & women alike find carving a great creative outlet and a fun addition to life.  Carving is something you can pick up when you only have a few moments and yet, once you get hooked, time flies as you create making those wood chips fly.  There are no limits to what you can carve.  This Adirondack loon is the perfect beginner’s class that will start you on your way as you learn the basics of carving and finishing.

  • October 5, 2012 – Friday – CRN – 10023
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $15