Welcome to Issue 6 of Year 16 of Woodcarver Online Magazine.

Our Front Page photo this issue is:

Fred Zavadil's

Santa

Hello carving friends -

Welcome to the final issue of WOM for 2012. The Christmas season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate then the 2012 Santa Gallery. There are some great carvings in the gallery this year, with a lot of first-time entrants, like Fred Zavadil and his wonderful Santa. As a bonus, you'll find downloadable patterns and instructions for two ornaments designed and carved by Joe Dillett. Thanks to all those who submitted photos; please plan on sending photos of your favorite Santa or seasonal carving for the gallery in 2013.

2012 has been a year of tremendous change, not the least of which is my very recent retirement after over 38 years of service at the University of Michigan. I'm looking forward to 2013 and more time with family, much more time at the carving bench, riding my Rambler tadpole design recumbent trike, working on improved skills with clay and drawing, updating the Carvers Companion web sites, and not getting up at 5:30 am. (Most particularly the last!) Retirement will also mean I'll finally have time to attend more events like the International Woodcarvers Congress and visit with friends, to which I am also looking forward.

If you are a Facebook member, take time to visit the Carvers' Companion/Woodcarver List Facebook group. This provides a place on FB for carvers to post carving photos and to chat about carving, ask questions, etc; it also serves as a companion to the Woodcarver Listserv. Come on by for a visit with the 239 current members! Click HERE or on Facebook search for "Woodcarver List"

In this issue:

Santa Gallery 2012

Part 4 of Finding and Collecting Cottonwood Bark by Alex Bisso

Ho, Ho, Ho by "Ol' Don" Burgdorf

Pete LeClair's Santa

Events, Happenin's and Going's-on updated with lots of 2013 events

Call For Front Page Carving Photos We're always looking for great photos of great carvings for the front page of WOM. If you'd like your photo to be considered, send it on in. Please include the back story, material and finish info, size, etc. Send to womeditor AT comcast.net

Articles and suggestions for articles are always welcome. Feel free to send suggestions and requests. For information on submitting articles for publication, click HERE.

Carve On! -

Matt Kelley, Editor