The last 2 weeks have been an incredible journey of teaching and exploring in an amazing part of the country that I have never visited – the wilds of Alaska (not referring to the students).
The Woodworkers Guild of Anchorage invited me to teach a class on carving the ball and claw foot and acanthus leaf on the knee of a cabriole leg. It was a great group of students, and as you can see from the photo, everyone had great success with their carving. Some of the students had never carved before.
We had a discussion on creating an “Alaska” version of ball and claw – maybe a bear paw holding a salmon? Maybe next class…
Several of the students created a fabulous vice to hold the legs solid. Also, check out a Jonathan’s blog – he talks about he class – https://alaskawoodworker.wordpress.com/
My husband, Stephen, flew to Alaska after I finished the class and we had an incredible week traveling around in a rented RV exploring this incredible land. Seeing Alaska in an RV is really the best way to go – they cater to campers and RV travelers everywhere and it really allows you to experience the country close-up. We saw a black bear – fortunately from a distance – walking across a glacier. And on our last day traveling back to Anchorage we saw Beluga whales right along the highway. Absolutely amazing!
Teaching has given me some amazing opportunities to see different areas of the country and meet some amazing people. My hosts, Dave and Franny, were so wonderful and took such good care of us. I am so grateful to be able to teach what I love to do and have these fabulous adventures along the way. Life is good!
Hi Mary,
Thanks again for coming up and teaching us. We all had a great time, and learned so much. So glad you and your husband had a nice time. Hope you didn’t get rained on all week, the weather got better right after you left! I saw the belugas today too. Alaska is a wonderful place.
Thanks again