Woodcarving is a fun hobby

Janice Polletta spoke to Kiwanis about the joy of wood carving. Her enjoyment of that art began 30 years ago when she attended wood carving classes at a business called The Wooden Apple. Her father, Don Kordes, also took up the hobby, and they enjoy working together.

Polletta explained there are various types of carving and several ways to do it. Relief carving is making the projection of a figure from the wood. Chip carving is cutting a design into the wood. Three dimensional carving is refereed to as in-the-round. A variety of tools may be used from knives with different types of blades to chisels. Some carvers even use electric tools.

Polletta often teaches others to carve at a Tuesday class which meets at the Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. She also participates with Tehachapi Mountain Carvers, a group that meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 to 4 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Carvers wear gloves and thumb guards while they work. Safety is stressed, but she warned anyone interested in carving to bring band-aids. She confessed she has experienced cut fingers several times.

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at Big Papa's where lunch is purchased. After a brief business meeting, there is always a guest speaker who provides an interesting talk.

Guests and prospective members are encouraged to attend. Call (661) 822-5379 for more information.