* We are joining our local Boise Woodcraft in sponsoring the Pacific Northwest Woodworking and Maker Expo on October 4 and 5 at the Boise fairgrounds. This will be a very interesting event, with vendors and artisans from all over the Pacific Northwest coming together to learn the latest about all things related to woodworking and carving. Our Idaho Woodcarvers Guild will be demonstrating our skills and carvings, as well as giving away small carved items for the kiddos, while supplies last.
Come and enjoy the cutting edge (pun intended!) of wood crafts in the Pacific Northwest!
Carvers: Please contact Mr. Kelly to sign up for a demo spot! (Before SEP 24)
Another Successful Year at the Western Idaho Fair!
A Huge "Thank You!" to all our members who participated in carving demos at the Western Idaho Fair 2025! It was a lot of fun sharing our love of carving with the public. We shared our information and passion with numerous people interested in joining our guild.
The 2025 Western Idaho Fair has wrapped up, and once again our Guild made a strong showing in the craft area. More than a dozen dedicated members volunteered their time to staff our booth throughout the fair, engaging with curious visitors and showcasing the art of wood carving.
Our booth drew steady crowds of fair-goers who were eager to learn about our craft and examine the beautiful pieces displayed on our table. The conversations were lively, and it was rewarding to see genuine interest from people of all ages discovering the intricacies of wood carving.
While we had excellent volunteer participation at the booth, we did notice that member submissions for the exhibit appeared lighter than in previous years. This presents an opportunity for next year – we'd love to see even more of our members' work represented in the display.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made our presence at the fair possible. Your enthusiasm and knowledge helped spread awareness of our Guild and the timeless art of wood carving throughout the community! (Jerry)
The IWG is sponsoring a tree for the 2025 Festival of Trees!
For 41 years now the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season in the Treasure Valley. This year the Guild is participating in the festival. We will be contributing a tabletop tree, and we need your creativity to make it shine.
We encourage all members to craft hand-carved ornaments, each within a 3–4-inch size limit. There's no designated theme, so let your imagination run wild and create designs that truly inspire you.
The Guild has collected more than half of the 100 ornaments that are needed. We still have time to submit more completed ornaments to the Guild before November 1st. The Guild will provide the wood for your creations. Eric will provide cutouts for the Thursday group. Larry will provide cutouts for those attending sessions at the senior center. (Jerry)
We need a minimum of 100 wood-carved ornaments turned into the Guild by November 1st, less than 3" is best, in-the-round, or relief. Have a blast and make as many fun/colorful ornaments as you can, and bring them in on any monthly meeting, so we can keep a running total and ensure we meet the minimum!
Just some possible ideas to get inspired!... Small cowboy boots, cowboy faces/heads, Christmas penguins (we carved some in the May meeting), small Santa's, stockings, toys, cows, horses, geometric/chip-carved ornaments, etc, etc. - Have fun carving some amazing ornaments to represent our Idaho woodcarvers!
Please know, however, that all ornaments will be donated for this great cause (will not be returned); thank you for your un-ending generosity! Thank you for your creativity and support in making this event a success!
Beginning Carving Classes with Eric Owens, at Woodcraft.
Cost is $55 per class. Call (208) 338-1190 to register.
For those interested in building your skills, Woodcraft is now adding 'Intermediate' level carving classes as well, also taught by Mr. Eric Owens. Contact Woodcraft for more information and to sign up for these new opportunities!
Zoom Workshops Available by Woodcarving Academy: Visit the Woodcarving Academy website for specifics.
International Association of Woodcarvers Meetings, via Zoom.
Visit the IAWC Facebook site for specifics. Attendance is free (donations accepted to support continued Zoom meeting account), but requires the access code (available on their FB page on upcoming meeting announcements). Join in, hear from and learn from the best across the globe! Learn about all upcoming events. Participate in tool auctions and carve along with tutorials.
Open carving meetings take place on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays (if there is one) from 6 pm to 8 pm at Woodcraft in Boise, 7005 West Overland Road in the Overland Shopping Center, facilitated by Mr. Eric Owens. Bring your own project and enjoy the fellowship! We are also working on making carving projects available to those who are new to woodcarving.
We also meet at the Meridian Senior Center in Kleiner Park from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Tuesdays. Club leaders provide instruction for new carvers. Experienced carvers are welcome to bring their own projects. The Senior Center does ask participants to make a donation to support facility expenses only ($2 for members or $5 for non-members).
Open carving opportunities in Nampa are planned to resume sometime in September.
All are welcome!
Club business meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month (with the exception of the summer months of June, July, & August), at Woodcraft, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Note: On 2024-02-08, the guild voted and approved the motion to not hold business meetings during the months of June, July, & August. This is to allow leadership increased flexibility for summer plans and travel.
Open carving meetings take place on Thursdays (1st, 3rd, 4th, & 5th) from 6 pm to 8 pm at our local Woodcraft in Boise, 7005 W Overland Road in the Overland Shopping Center.
We also meet Tuesdays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Meridian Senior Center at Kleiner Park, for open carving.
Come out to the annual Idaho Artistry in Wood and Gourd Art Show in 2024 at the JUMP Center in downtown Boise (map). Estimated: April 6-7: Saturday 9-5 pm & Sunday 10-4 pm. We hope to see you!
The Idaho Woodcarvers Guild schedules regular carving demonstrations at various locations around the Treasure Valley. We will post them as scheduled.
If a community organization wishes to have a carving demonstration at their location or event, contact the President of the club, Larry Crist at ldcccsf@gmail.com to schedule a Carve-in or email leadership at idahowoodcarvers@gmail.com.
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