Rick Wiebe teaches courses in:
Recreation Centers
Seniors Groups
Community Centers
Scouts/Cubs/Guides groups
Camps
Home and public schools
Recreation Centers
Seniors Groups
Community Centers
Scouts/Cubs/Guides groups
Camps
Home and public schools
Woodcarving and whittling is for anyone who is interested and coordinated enough to walk and think at the same time. Rick has taught hundreds of people; children, busy professionals, and retired men and women to enjoy themselves and relax with this fascinating form of folk art. Whittling (carving with just a knife), especially, is very portable and fits in well with many other activities. A whittler is never bored while waiting for the fish to bite, or the bus to come. People whittle while just soaking up the sunshine or chatting with a friend. Sometimes the friend starts to get interested too. Rick often whittles while waiting for his food in a cafe. When offered the choice between money or the "whittlin'" as a tip, servers almost always choose the carving.
The basic course involves learning to make the required cuts in the wood with a knife. Then children make some simple toys (boomerang, flying propeller, whistle, etc.) Adults usually work on making a simple human face. Sharpening is next since it is impossible to do good work without a sharp tool. To finish the course, students make a functional walking stick, sometimes decorated with a simple human face.
Once bitten by the "bug" new carvers will want to learn more and Rick will help them develop in the direction they choose. They will be introduced to tools other than the knife such as carving chisels, usually called gouges, which make the process more efficient, and allow the carver to attempt much larger projects.
If you are involved in programming for an agency that could benefit from his services, make contact by e-mail, or telephone. You and the people in your group will enjoy learning to carve
Included in the cost are all the supplies and tools you need to learn the cuts and make the projects unless otherwise stated. (You will need a knife of your own to learn to sharpen.)
Knives, tools, sharpening equipment, supplies and books will be available for purchase.
The following classes are open to the public. Contact the sponsoring agency for fees.
Kelowna, BC Lee Valley Tools 180 - 1876 Cooper Rd.
Kids Learn to Whittle - Level 1 & 2 Kids ages 9 and up TBA 2:30 - 6:30 Haft a Knife and Make a Birch Bark Sheath Adults TBA 9:30 to 5:30 Learn To Carve A Spoon Out of Green Birch (Treen) Adults TBA 9:30 to 5:30 Registration details: Call Lee Valley 250-448-1199 |
Summerland, BC Arts Centre
Summer Fun With A Pocketknife Kids 9 and older TBA 9:00 to 11:30 or 1:00 to 3:30 Registration details: Summerland Arts Gallery (250) 494-4494 |