Congratulations to the third winners in the 2016 People Choice Contest!

The third category, announced last spring, was Chip Carving and Tramp Art: Painted and Unpainted. The entries we received varied widely in subject matter and all demonstrated creative carving. We’ll be talking to some of these carvers about sharing their patterns in future issues. Plus, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners, with special thanks to our contest sponsor, Flexcut Carving Tools.

Tramp Art: Unpainted

Winner: The Easter Story
Bill Miltenberger of Birnamwood, Wis., carved The Easter Story from basswood. He constructed the project using individual pieces mechanically interlocked without adhesive. There are 1,084 pieces in the frame. The project is 6″ by 13-1/2″ by 16″.

Tramp Art: Painted

Winner: Sailor’s Delight
Angie Dow of Ellsworth, Maine, drew inspiration from the sailing community along the coast of Maine when she created Sailor’s Delight. The project was carved from birch, poplar, and pine and is 2.5″ thick by 12″ square.

Chip Carving: Unpainted

First Place: Butternut Box
Jim Harris of Florence, Ala., carved this box entirely by hand and finished it with five coats of clear polyurethane. The box is approximately 3″ by 12″ by 8″.

Second Place: Ouroboros Releases His Tail
David Steward of Booklyn, N.Y., chip carved Ouroboros Releases His Tail with one knife from basswood board and finished it when shellac. The chip carving is 22″ by 11″ by 3/4″. Ouroboros is the serpent in Egyptian mythology that swallows his own tail while encircling the world. David’s carving imagines the moment when Ouroboros releases his tail and chaos is unleashed.

Chip Carving: Painted

First Place: Koi Fish
Arturo Torres of Carmel, N.Y., carved Koi Fish from basswood. To give the piece extra dimension, Arturo woodburned the details and painted the koi with acrylics. The carving is 8-1/2″ by 12″.

Second Place: Hanging Hand Carved Quilt Pattern
Len Albrecht of Crivitz, Wis., chip carved Hanging Hand Carved Quilt Pattern from butternut wood and finished it with stain. The chip carving is 14″ in diameter.

The post The Votes are in for the Third People’s Choice Contest 2016 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Congratulations to the second winners in the 2016 People Choice Contest!

We are trying something new this year. Instead of running one big competition, we are breaking it into ongoing mini matches. Plus, we are offering cash prizes! Special thanks to our second contest sponsors, Chipping Away.

The second category, announced last fall, was Deep Blue Sea. Although we didn’t receive many entries, they were strong designs that demonstrated creative carving and finishing. We’ll be talking to some of these carvers about sharing their projects in future issues.

Deep Blue Sea: Unpainted

First Place: Sting Ray In Motion

Anthony Gnutek of Roselle, Ill., carved the Sting Ray In Motion from cherry. The body, wings, and tail are one complete piece. The stingray is mounted on a manzanita root. Anthony said he was inspired “after taking a trip to the Cayman Islands where I had a large stingray swim into my arms as I was holding a piece of squid in my hand. It stayed on my arms for a while, giving me a chance to look into its eyes and take notice of this wonderful, gentle creature. The graceful movement this animal possessed was absolutely beautiful. I tried my best to capture this movement in my carving.” Sting Ray In Motion is 7 1/2″ by 11″ by 14″.

Second Place: Pas de Deux

Janet Cruse of Manitoba, Canada, power-carved the 18″-tall Pas de Deux from cherry with glass insets. “Seahorses mate for life and swim in pairs with their tails linked together, the small fin on their back fluttering in a ballet-like dance,” said Janet. “Including inset stained-glass pieces adds
a delightful element of light.”

Third Place: Brook Trout

Mike Janik from McMinnville, Ore., handcarved Brook Trout from cypress that was salvaged from an old water tower.

Deep Blue Sea: Painted

First Place: Octopus

Luis Arturo Torres of Carmel, N.Y., handcarved the 2 1/2″ by 5 1/2″ Octopus from basswood. “This contest reminded me of my scouting days in Puerto Rico when we would go to the ocean and explore the underwater life,” said Luis of his inspiration for the carving.

Second Place: Up, Up, Breathe

Diane Hight of Fredonia, Kan., carved the 8″ by 12″ Up, Up, Breathe from basswood. Diane said her inspiration “came from photos and documentaries of humpback whale mothers pushing their babies to the surface for that crucial first breath. I found myself often holding my own breath as I completed the attachment of the calf to her mother.”

Third Place: Porkfish

Brian Altison of Holden,
Mass., power-carved the 5 1/2″ by 11 3/4″ Porkfish from tupelo and pine. All components are carved. “I started this fish after researching Belize on the Internet,” said Brian. “I saw that the country is home to many different fish; this one caught my eye for its beautiful colors.”

The post The Votes are in for the Second People’s Choice Contest 2016 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Here are the finalists for the Chip Carving and Tramp Art Carving sponsored by Flexcut.

Voting will end on April 30, and the winners will be announced in the Fall issue of Woodcarving Illustrated  (which will be available in July). The results will also be posted online.

Limit one vote per day.

• Click Here to Vote for the Chip Carving Unpainted.
  
• Click Here to Vote for the Chip Carving Painted.
  
• Click Here to Vote for the Tramp Art Carving Unpainted.
  
• Click Here to Vote for the Tramp Art Carving Painted.

Be sure to check out the next contest HERE. Entries are being accepted now.

The post VOTE NOW: Chip and Tramp Art Carving 2016 People’s Choice Awards appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Congratulations to the first winners in the 2016 People’s Choice Contest!

We are trying something new this year with our contest. Instead of running one big competition, we are breaking it into ongoing mini-matches. Plus, we are offering cash prizes! Special thanks to our first contest sponsor, King Arthur’s Tools.

The first category, announced last fall, was Realistic Mammals (not human): Painted or Unpainted. Although we didn’t receive many entries, they were strong designs that demonstrated creative carving and finishing. We’ll be talking to some of these carvers about sharing their patterns in future issues.

Realistic Mammals (not human): Painted

First Place: Zen

Phil Milan of Wentzville, Mo., carved Zen to resemble his daughter’s dog by the same name. He has carved several other dogs for family members, friends, and competition. Some of the live models have since passed away. Notes Phil, “My daughters and others are very grateful to have these loving reminders of their dogs.” Zen is 8″ tall and handcarved from basswood.

Second Place: Rocky

Anthony DeCarli of Eynon, Pa., carved Rocky as a tribute to his own dog, a yellow lab who loved to fetch the morning paper. Rocky was power-carved from basswood.

Third Place: Polar Bear

Jim Willis of Kansas City, Mo., handcarved this Polar Bear, 4″ by 6″ by 10″, from jelutong.

Realistic Mammals (not human): Unpainted

First Place: Running Cheetah

Danny R. Moss of Phoenix, Az., says that his winning piece was inspired by animals in the wild. He created it using a combination of power-carving and handcarving. The cheetah is approximately 3″ by 7″ and made of boxwood with woodburned spots.

Note: We only received a handful of entries in the unpainted category, so there is just one winner.

The post The Votes are in for the First WCI People’s Choice Contest 2016 appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Do you have a great

This is your chance to show it off—and maybe collect some cash!

Presenting the 2016 Woodcarving Illustrated People’s Choice Awards.

Entries are being accepted until March 20, 2016 for: Chip Carving and Tramp Art – Painted and Unpainted.

New This Year:

• Instead of one big contest, we’ll be running small contests all year, one or two categories at a time. You’ll know the deadlines ahead of time and be able to plan your entries in advance.
• Cash prizes! Winners in each category will receive $50 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place. Special thanks to our friends at Flexcut Carving Tools for sponsoring the prizes for Contest 3 Chip Carving and Tramp Art: Painted & Unpainted.

How It Works:

• Submit as many entries as you like during the entry period for the each contest—it’s always free to enter! Then, the staff of Woodcarving Illustrated will choose up to 10 designs in each category.
• The Editors’ Choice Award winners will be posted on our website to compete for the People’s Choice Awards via public voting. Vote for your favorites, and share the contest with your friends so they can vote, too!
• The People’s Choice Award winners will be published in Woodcarving Illustrated and announced on the magazine website. We’ll send those cash prizes and a nice certificate for your wall.
• Plus! All entries will be considered for possible paid publication as projects in Woodcarving Illustrated.

Categories and Deadlines:

The theme for the third contest is Chip Carving and Tramp Art: Painted & Unpainted. We’re looking for your best. Size and shape don’t matter; it can be a miniature bust, a half-size relief, or a full-sized figure in the round.

Chip Carving and Tramp Art not your thing? Start planning your entries for the next contest! (Please help us stay organized by waiting for the entry period for each contest to send your photos.)

Entry Information:

• Please send one high-resolution or professionally printed photo of your entry, along with the following information: Category (Painted or Unpainted), carving name, size, type of wood, tools (hand vs. power), and story/inspiration, if any. Also, include your name, address, and e-mail address. If you do not have e-mail, include a phone number instead. See the Rules for important entry details (visit online, or send an SASE to request a printed copy).

• E-mail your entries to: editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com with a subject of “WCI Contest #ChipCarvingTrampArt16.” Or, mail to: WCI Contest #ChipCarvingTrampArt16, Fox Chapel Publishing, 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg PA 17520. Entries must be received by January 15, 2016.

• All entries must be original designs created by the entrant. They cannot be made from, inspired by, or variations of anyone else’s pattern or roughout; they cannot be class projects; no one else can have helped with the carving. By entering, you verify that your entry is your own creation.

Special thanks to our friends at Flexcut Carving Tools for sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest!

The post Chip Carving and Tramp Art Call for Entries – People’s Choice Awards Contest appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Do you have a great new carving you can’t wait to share with the world?

This is your chance to show it off—and maybe collect some cash!

.

Presenting the 2016 Woodcarving Illustrated People’s Choice Awards.

Entries are being accepted until January 15, 2016 for: DEEP BLUE SEA (fish and sea life) – Painted and Unpainted.

New This Year:

• Instead of one big contest, we’ll be running small contests all year, one or two categories at a time. You’ll know the deadlines ahead of time and be able to plan your entries in advance.
• Cash prizes! Winners in each category will receive $50 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place. Special thanks to our friends at Chipping Away for sponsoring the prizes for Contest 2 Deep Blue Sea (fish and sea life): Painted & Unpainted.

How It Works:

• Submit as many entries as you like during the entry period for the each contest—it’s always free to enter! Then, the staff of Woodcarving Illustrated will choose up to 10 designs in each category.
• The Editors’ Choice Award winners will be posted on our website to compete for the People’s Choice Awards via public voting. Vote for your favorites, and share the contest with your friends so they can vote, too!
• The People’s Choice Award winners will be published in Woodcarving Illustrated and announced on the magazine website. We’ll send those cash prizes and a nice certificate for your wall.
• Plus! All entries will be considered for possible paid publication as projects in Woodcarving Illustrated.

Categories and Deadlines:

The theme for the second contest is Deep Blue Sea: Painted & Unpainted. Fish, whales, dolphins, anemones, leafy sea dragons … you name it. We’re looking for your best fish and sea life. Size and shape don’t matter; it can be a miniature bust, a half-size relief, or a full-sized figure in the round.

Realistic animals not your thing? Start planning your entries for the next contest! (Please help us stay organized by waiting for the entry period for each contest to send your photos.)

Entry Information:

• Please send one high-resolution or professionally printed photo of your entry, along with the following information: Category (Painted or Unpainted), carving name, size, type of wood, tools (hand vs. power), and story/inspiration, if any. Also, include your name, address, and e-mail address. If you do not have e-mail, include a phone number instead. See the Rules for important entry details (visit online, or send an SASE to request a printed copy).

• E-mail your entries to: editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com with a subject of “WCI Contest #DeepBlueSea16.” Or, mail to: WCI Contest #DeepBlueSea16, Fox Chapel Publishing, 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg PA 17520. Entries must be received by January 15, 2016.

• All entries must be original designs created by the entrant. They cannot be made from, inspired by, or variations of anyone else’s pattern or roughout; they cannot be class projects; no one else can have helped with the carving. By entering, you verify that your entry is your own creation.

Special thanks to our friends at Chipping Away for sponsoring the cash prizes for the contest!

The post Deep Blue Sea Call for Entries – People’s Choice Awards Contest appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.

Do you have a great new carving you can’t wait to share with the world?

This is your chance to show it off—and maybe collect some cash! Presenting the 2016 Woodcarving Illustrated People’s Choice Awards.

New This Year:

• Instead of one big contest, we’ll be running small contests all year, one or two categories at a time. You’ll know the deadlines ahead of time and be able to plan your entries in advance.
  .
• Cash prizes! Winners in each category will receive $50 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place.
  .
  • Special thanks to our friends at Chipping Away for sponsoring the prizes for Contest 2 – Deep Blue Sea (fish and sea life) – Painted and Unpainted.
    .
  • Special thanks to our friends at King Arthur’s Tools for sponsoring the prizes for Contest 1 – Realistic Mammals (not human): Painted & Unpainted.

How It Works:

• Submit as many entries as you like during the entry period for the each contest—it’s always free to enter! Then, the staff of Woodcarving Illustrated will choose up to 10 designs in each category.
• The Editors’ Choice Award winners will be posted on our website to compete for the People’s Choice Awards via public voting. Vote for your favorites, and share the contest with your friends so they can vote, too!
• The People’s Choice Award winners will be published in Woodcarving Illustrated and announced on the magazine website. We’ll send those cash prizes and a nice certificate for your wall.
• Plus! All entries will be considered for possible paid publication as projects in Woodcarving Illustrated.

Categories and Deadlines:

The theme for the first contest is Realistic Mammals (not human): Painted & Unpainted. Deer, cats, dogs, bears, wolves, monkeys, giraffes … you name it. We’re looking for your best realistic mammals. Size and shape don’t matter; it can be a miniature bust, a half-size relief, or a full-sized figure in the round.

Realistic animals not your thing? Start planning your entries for the next contest! (Please help us stay organized by waiting for the entry period for each contest to send your photos.)

Entry Information:

• Please send one high-resolution or professionally printed photo of your entry, along with the following information: Category (Painted or Unpainted), carving name, size, type of wood, tools (hand vs. power), and story/inspiration, if any. Also, include your name, address, and e-mail address. If you do not have e-mail, include a phone number instead. See the Rules for important entry details (visit online, or send an SASE to request a printed copy).

• E-mail your entries to: editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com with a subject of “WCI Contest #Mammals16.” Or, mail to: WCI Contest #Mammals16, Fox Chapel Publishing, 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg PA 17520. Entries must be received by October 15, 2015.

• All entries must be original designs created by the entrant. They cannot be made from, inspired by, or variations of anyone else’s pattern or roughout; they cannot be class projects; no one else can have helped with the carving. By entering, you verify that your entry is your own creation.

Special thanks to our friends at Chipping Away for sponsoring the prizes for Contest 2.

Special thanks to our friends at King Arthur’s Tools for sponsoring the cash prizes for the first contest!

The post Call for Entries – Woodcarving Illustrated People’s Choice Awards appeared first on Woodcarving Illustrated.