I'm at it again. I wanted to try and qualify for the Echo Cup that takes place in New Mexico at the Baloon Festival - one of the more prestigious wood carving events around. The one place I could qualify is by placing first or second at the Wood Carving Competition in Addison, PA.

I felt coming into the competition that I would try to do something different. I decided on the Praying Mantis because I could make it explosive, dynamic and big. I wanted to piece the sculpture together (23 pieces in all) and utilize as much of the 11 foot log as possible. As it turns out I did not have much scrap wood left. My piece was very different than the other carvers. I did accomplish my goal of a nicely finished piece that I felt provided a nice aww factor. There were 20 carvers in the competition and I ended up finishing in ninth place. I was very happy with that since I have only been carving a year and a half. I definitely need to thank Dale Hatfield who has been showing me the ropes. We traveled up together to share costs and tools. I borrowed more of his tools than he did! Thanks Dale. You can visit www.carvingfest.confluencelions.org for the results of the competition in Addison 2008.

Rock On Ice