FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do you meet?

A: Meetings are every Tuesday, unless otherwise stated. Please see the Events page.

Q: Where do you meet?

A: We meet at Buena Ventura Mobile Home Estates Clubhouse, 11405 Darling Road, Ventura, Ca 93003

Q: Does it cost anything?

A: Beginners pay a one time fee of $15 for 4 week introductory class. This includes 2 blanks, 2 patterns, instruction for those projects, and club membership for one year. An additional $1 is collected for each meeting you attend after completion of class. Membership is $10/year for continuing members. Fees are used to cover the cost of materials the club agrees on for projects and hosting a woodcarving show.

Q: I'm a beginner, do you give lessons?

A: Yes! We welcome all levels of skill, including beginners. All beginners start with the Otter and the Mouse. It is a 4 week class that includes the blanks, patterns, and guided instruction through the completion of both projects. Class begins the day you join.

Q: Do I need to bring anything?

A: We recommend you bring a 1(1/4) to 1(1/2) inch fixed blade carving knife, a pencil, thumb guard and/or carving glove is recommended (but not required), and bandaids (just in case). The club does have a small number of "loaner" knives, but they do not leave the meeting space.

Q: Do you sell your carvings?

A: All carvings are the property of the individual carver. If you are interested in commissioning a piece, we are happy to accommodate requests, provided there is a carver able and available to do the work. We have a few Master Carvers and many accomplished carvers among us. Please contact us for more information.

Q: What is the difference between whittling and carving?

A: Whittling is when you make wood chips without controlling the knife. Think of sharpening the end of a stick with broad strokes, or making chips for the purpose of fire kindling. Carving is controlled cuts into the wood for purpose of making a desired shape.