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BAWA Woodworking Show at Woodcraft, 2026
Step into the 2026 BAWA Woodworking Show held at the Woodcraft store in San Carlos in May 2026. Explore photos of handcrafted furniture, toys, boxes, and turnings by Bay Area makers. Discover woodworking and woodturning opportunities and learn more about the Bay Area Woodworkers Association (BAWA). Click the link to read our article, browse the…
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BAWA Woodworking Show at Woodcraft San Carlos, 2026
The 2026 BAWA Woodworking Show at Woodcraft San Carlos showcased incredible craftsmanship. From Bruce Powell’s intricate tables to Laura Rhodes’ mechanical toys, local makers displayed their skills. Explore the gallery below to see furniture, boxes, and art. Check out the Bay Area Woodworkers Association website to learn about membership and guest opportunities at local clubs.
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Woodcarving at Scout-O-Rama San Jose, 2026
The Santa Clara Valley Carvers demonstrated woodcarving at Scout-O-Rama San Jose on May 9, 2026. Our members demonstrated whittling and displayed unique neckerchief slides, custom Pinewood Derby cars, and various hand-carved ornaments. This recap highlights the creativity shared across the Bay Area scouting community and other activities in History Park.
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Chain Carving Workshop, Intertwined Success, 2026
In March 2026, Santa Clara Valley Carvers gathered for a chain carving workshop. Participants shaped wooden links from basswood blocks, learning to lay out for knife clearance. David Osterlund guided the group. Persistence proved essential when links snapped; Connie’s half-link story exemplified this spirit. Completed chains now display in the lobby of our carving place.
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Chip Carving Demonstration at Woodcraft, February 2026
On Valentine’s Day 2026, our woodcarving club turned Woodcraft San Carlos into a heart-filled carving studio. Debbie welcomed guests and shared the club’s workshops and community projects. Roman demonstrated classic and modern chip carving techniques, then guided attendees on practice boards. Thanks to the Woodcraft staff for providing space and support for our chip carving demonstration.
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Whittling Hearts Workshop, 2026
Our club hosted a sweet-themed Whittling Hearts workshop in January 2026. Roman guided 16 participants through the history of the heart symbol, grain direction, and a step-by-step demo. Everyone carved their hearts with confidence and smiles, to share them as gifts at the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebrations.
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Winter Whittles: A Quick Look at Our Latest Work
As frost glazed the windows, our club members carved basswood blocks into winter treasures. From delicate ornaments to functional items, each piece reflects hours of patient carving and shared laughter.
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Woodcarving Winter Holiday Party, 2025
We gathered for our woodcarving winter holiday party in December 2025. We set up a display table filled with carved ornaments, Santas, Vikings, and decorations. A potluck of salads and sweets complemented the club’s pizza. Each participant received a small prize, and our group photo captured the joy of carving and cheering together.
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Carving Icicles Winter Workshop, November 2025
In November 2025, Roman Chernikov led our Carving Icicles workshop. Participants used just one tool (a gouge or knife) and learned to carve one of two beginner-friendly designs: a swirling icicle and a Tramp art-style piece. Eight ornaments, carved from basswood, poplar, and spalted wood, were finished with eyelets for hanging.
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Walnut Coaster with a Duck Scene Decoration
Gary carved a beautiful coaster from a walnut board. He used a Dremel router with a guide attachment to create a perfectly recessed circular rim for the protective glass. Gary carved the duck over a meadow design and the decorative pattern on the outside border, which gave the coaster a charming touch.
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The Draftsman, Linoleum Block Printing, 1959
One of the most valuable classes I took, besides those in Science, Journalism, and Mathematics at Hunter College, Bronx, 1959, was Drafting. I wanted to visualize my memory about that time, so I decided to carve a linoleum block and make a print. This linoleum block is 4″ x 5″. To try to understand the…
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Woodcarving Display Table, 2025
Every two months, we display our woodcarving projects in the glass display case in the Adult Recreation Center lobby, featuring handcrafted carvings, the tools that shape them, and works in progress. From delicate spoons and festive ornaments to functional items and whimsical figures, our woodcarving display shows how woodcarving can be both creative and approachable.
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Woodcarving Picnic at Oak Meadow Park, 2025
We turned our woodcarving picnic at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos into a lively woodcarving show. A potluck gathering grew into a public show with live demos, a display of carved animals, and hundreds of visitors who learned the craft. Please read about the event and see photos of our woodcarving projects on display.
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Woodcarving at Maker Faire Bay Area, 2025
At Maker Faire Bay Area 2025, three California Carvers Guild chapters joined forces at a single booth on Mare Island, offering live chip-carving and whittling demonstrations, intricate woodcarvings on display, and engaging carving stories. Their collaborative spirit attracted thousands, recruited new members, and set the stage for a subsequent year’s collaboration.
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Woodcarving Training for Local Scouts, September 2025
Our woodcarving club trained local scouts second time this year. We also set up a couple of display tables full of carving projects for scouts and their parents to enjoy.
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Tri-Valley Carvers Woodcarving Show, 2025
The Tri-Valley Carvers’ annual show, held in Pleasanton’s Veterans Memorial Building, gathered woodcarvers to display hundreds of carvings, ranging from intricate reliefs and pyrography to chip carving and hand-carved animals. Dozens of pieces competed under judges’ scores for composition, technique, and finish, while a soap-carving station allowed children to try carving with wooden tools safely.
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Woodcarving at Cars in the Park, 2025
Santa Clara Valley Carvers presented woodcarving at Car in the Park in History Park, San Jose, on September 13, 2025. Scouts and visitors learned about woodcarving and whittling from our club members. From left to right: David Osterlund, Xiaohan Ma, Dan Brady, Roman Chernikov, and Nitin Varshney. Thank you to the volunteers for welcoming the…
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What We Carved this Summer
We’re carving pumpkins for Halloween and planning winter‑holiday ornaments, including Santas. The new carvers are completing their personalized name badges, while other club members carve classic whittling projects such as wooden chains and ball-in-cages. Some enjoy carving utensils and exploring chip carving. Visit our meetings and give whittling a try.
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SCVC Woodcarving Library – Open Now!
Thanks to the recent generous donations of woodcarving books, we’re excited to announce that the SCVC club has created its very own woodcarving library, and it is available for SCVC members. We’ve arranged the checkout process so you can get your hands on a book with just a few clicks. Browse the library catalog and…
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We carved this summer…
We carved utensils, practiced chip carving, and whittled fairy doors.
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Woodcarving at Saratoga Blossom Festival 2025
Join us as we reflect on the Saratoga Blossom Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration of community, craft, and creativity. Our woodcarving club was thrilled to participate in this annual event, presenting our latest projects and sharing our passion for woodcarving with festival-goers of all ages.
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Woodcarving at Scout-O-Rama 2025: A Day of Adventure
The Scout-O-Rama 2025 event at History Park in San Jose, CA, was a huge success, with over 2,000 scouts participating in archery, knot tying, and woodcarving. The Santa Clara Valley Carvers’ booth was a standout attraction, featuring intricate woodcarving projects and demonstrations that inspired many to try their hand at this traditional craft.
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Chip Carving Demonstration at Woodcraft in San Carlos, 2025
The chip carving demonstration in April 2025 was a successful collaboration between the Santa Clara Valley Carvers and Woodcraft in San Carlos, highlighting the shared passion for woodcarving and commitment to education. Woodcraft hosted the event, and the SCVC members shared their expertise with the local community, introducing about twenty attendees to chip carving.
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Wood Carving Merit Badge Class for Local Scouts, 2025
The Santa Clara Valley Carvers hosted a Wood Carving Merit Badge class for the local Scouts, teaching them the fundamentals of woodcarving and inspiring a new generation of carvers. The scouts learned essential skills such as safety practices, tool handling, and basic woodcarving cuts with expert instruction and hands-on practice.
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Oakhurst Woodcarvers Rendezvous, April 6-12, 2025
Learn about the Oakhurst Woodcarvers Rendezvous, a week-long celebration of woodcarving excellence, where experienced and novice carvers gather to share techniques and learn from experts. With classes, demonstrations, and exhibitions covering various aspects of woodcarving, this annual event in Oakhurst, California, is an unforgettable experience that combines camaraderie, creativity, and a passion for woodcarving.
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Alan Huntzinger passed away on Jan 8, 2025
Friends, we just learned that Alan Huntzinger passed away this morning (1/8/2025). This is shocking and extremely sad. He will be missed. He was a huge part of our club. Visit Alan’s woodcarving library.
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Woodcarving at Maker Faire Bay Area, 2024
Discover the art of woodcarving at Maker Faire Bay Area 2024, featuring hand-carved works, live demos, and insights into traditional craftsmanship.
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Woodcarving Picnic at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos
Santa Clara Valley Carvers hosted a delightful woodcarving picnic at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos, CA, in September 2024. With tables displaying various wood carving styles, live demonstrations, and generous community engagement, the event was a resounding success. Club members and visitors alike enjoyed the beautiful park setting while celebrating the art of woodcarving.…
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Bird Roughouts Available
We have dozens of bird roughouts looking for a new home! If you’re interested in acquiring a few bird roughouts, please contact the club…
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Whittling Demonstration at Saratoga Blossom Festival, 2024
The Santa Clara Valley Carvers brought their passion for woodcarving to the Saratoga Blossom Festival, delighting visitors with live whittling demonstrations and stunning hand-carved decorations. Relive the highlights of this successful event and discover the joy of woodcarving!
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Woodcarving Display Table 2024
The Santa Clara Valley Carvers’ display table at the Adult Recreation Center returns for 2024, continuing the monthly-themed showcase that was popular last year. From January’s chip carvings to February’s love spoons, March’s Celtic motifs, and upcoming tributes to Al Furtado, each vignette celebrates woodcarving and invites visitors to explore the craft firsthand.
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Timeless Tradition: Winter Woodcarving Party 2023
Gathered in the spirit of our 50+ year tradition, our woodcarving club ushered in the winter season with joy and camaraderie at our annual December gathering, known as the Winter Woodcarving Party. This year marked a special occasion as we celebrated in our new venue, Adult Recreation Center in Los Gatos, CA. As members, both…
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Free Chip Carving Workshop: Learn How to Carve a Coaster
Join our regular free chip carving workshop and explore the world of this intricate art form. Led by our club member Roman Chernikov, a skilled chip carver and experienced instructor, you’ll master carving techniques, learn to use chip carving knives, and craft beautiful projects. At the workshop, each participant receives a basswood chip carving practice…
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Wooden Pumpkin Carving Workshop – October 2023
Discover the art of woodcarving at our exciting free introductory workshop throughout the month of October 2023. Join us every Monday at the Adult Recreation Center in Los Gatos, CA, and embark on a creative journey into the world of woodcarving. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this pumpkin carving workshop is perfect…
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Recap of Tri-Valley Wood Carving Show, 2023
We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our recent adventure at the Tri-Valley Carvers show in Pleasanton, CA. Our Santa Clara Valley Carvers club was back in action this year (2023), and it was a wood carving extravaganza! First and foremost, a big shoutout to the awesome folks at the Tri-Valley Carvers club for making…
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Presenting Art of Whittling and Wood Carving at History Park, 2023
Last weekend (9/9/2023), Santa Clara Valley Carvers proudly joined the vibrant atmosphere of the Antique Autos event at History Park in San Jose, CA once again. Amidst the gleaming chrome and classic curves of hundreds of vintage cars, our woodworking enthusiasts found their niche, showcasing the timeless art of whittling and wood carving. As visitors…
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Wood Carving Picnic 2023
Recap of Our Wood Carving Picnic at Oak Meadow Park: On August 26th, 2023, we embarked on a thrilling wood carving journey at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos, CA. Despite the scorching sun, the sprawling redwood trees lent us their shade, creating the perfect setting for a day of creativity and connection with nature.…
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Wood Carving Display Case 2023
Each month, our woodcarving club rotates a display of woodcarving and whittling projects in the lobby of our meeting place. From winter Santas and snowmen to Halloween pumpkins, Celtic motifs, love spoons, and Easter bunnies, every case pairs the finished pieces with the knives and gouges that made them.
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Wood Carving Booth at History Park, 2022
Our club, Santa Clara Valley Carvers once again took part in the Antique Autos event at History Park. Amidst vintage cars, we setup a wood carving booth and showcased the art of wood carving, captivating visitors with live demonstrations. Our members engaged attendees, sharing insights and sparking curiosity. It was a celebration of creativity and…
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Woodcarving at Saratoga Blossom Festival 2022
The Santa Clara Valley Carvers participated in the Saratoga Blossom Festival in April 2022, sharing their woodcarving skills and passion with the community. Club members demonstrated various woodcarving techniques, answered questions, and inspired visitors to try their hand at this traditional craft. With live demonstrations, beautiful displays of handmade woodcarvings, and a scenic garden backdrop,…
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SCVC Winter Party, 2019
We celebrated winter holidays in a lovely settings. Our annual winter party was a success. The party included a dinner, celebrations, and a gift exchange. We also celebrated Jack Thompson’s birthday with 101 candles that time.
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Day on the Bay event
Our club again participated in the Day on the Bay event at Alviso park, San Jose, CA. Alan and Roman setup a table full of wood carvings and enjoyed another sunny day in California. Thanks to the organizers: Day on the Bay 2019
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SCVC Annual Picnic 2019
We have enjoyed our club picnic again this year in the Rainbow Park, San Jose, CA. The weather was a little windy but it helped to blow chips away while we were carving under the huge redwood threes. We setup a table to show our carvings to the park visitors. Many people stopped by near…
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The Evolution Of a Carver
Dave Osterlund recently conducted a Soap Carving class for students at a local elementary school. This reminded me of the way my father started his carving hobby. He was a tradesman who worked 16 hours a day, 6 days a week. Every morning on the seventh day, he did artwork. He was a self-taught artist,…
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Participating in Antique Autos in History Park
Our club participated again in the annual Antique Autos event in the History Park in San Jose, CA. We showed our best wood carving projects to the park visitors, demonstrated carving techniques and answered questions about wood carving. Our booth got a lot of attention. Dave Osterlund, Roman Chernikov, and Alan Huntzinger met many people…
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Chip Carving Patterns For Beginners
If you have never tried chip carving, or think chip carving is too hard, carve these Supernova chip carving patterns (108 chips each). Great for beginners
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Carving Demonstration at the Los Alamitos Elementary School
In May 2019 Santa Clara Valley Carvers brought the art of wood carving to life at the Los Alamitos Elementary School, San Jose, CA. From delicate ornaments to intricate figurines, our members showcased their talents while engaging children and parents alike in hands-on activities. Read on to learn about the highlights of this enriching event!