[Woodcarver] need help for class

[OLD JOE]

Alex, the problems with this sort of carving class with a beginner can be 
time constraint and over-kill. It is easy to throw out a lot more stuff than 
she can not retain or apply to her carving.

Since she expresses a desire to learn face carving, that's a suggested 
starting project like:

http://www.oldjoe.org/KeyChainSpirit.html

You can stress and teach safety, carving techniques and sharpening as the 
carving progresses. This gives each issue proper perspective as she learns.

Remember to have her relax frequently and perform the hands hanging down, 
shake your fingers and hands exercises.

Beginners like to have finished projects early into the carving experience, 
and their friends or family all enjoy the simple carving gifts, which gives 
them confidence.

You can easily progress from the simple little face projects to larger bark 
faces. It seems to speed up their learning if you have several bark planks 
peeled and ready to carve. My preference is to have step one, step, two, 
etc. demo carvings prepared for them to study and follow.

See additional beginner projects at:

http://www.oldjoe.org/BeginnerProjects.html

I like to have a few of the blanks for these beginner projects and a 
finished sample for a new carver to take home so it is easy for them to 
continue on their own.

Good luck, and congratulations on the class.  Old Joe

Old Joe (Joe Brott), Plattsmouth, NE USA
www.oldjoe.org
for Len Dillon basswood roughouts and basswood turnings, click: 
www.diamondd.org