[Woodcarver] copyrights

[larry]

I am pleased with the reaction to the question and the replies given by all.
Here are the facts as they relate to me.
I retired recently and was looking a hobby to spend some time with. I 
had the opportunity to take a carving class and figured, heck it will be 
fun and
I may find something. I purchased a Barlow knife and went to class. In 
this class we learned the basics. I never considered the fact that I had 
any abilities along these lines.
I really enjoyed the class and kept making serious efforts and purchases 
of tools from time to time. I purchased books, purchased mags., became a 
sideliner to this list, to see what I could learn.
I have given some of my stuff to friends and relatives because they 
admired it  and they have encouraged me to keep working. Much of my 
stuff makes very fine fire wood.
 Last summer I entered a local show with a few of my walking sticks and 
won second best in show ( competition was not a big issue) . I have sold 
3 or 4 of them, one a commission. This has become, for me, a great hobby 
and in no way do I intend to make a living carving and selling. Many 
appreciate what I do. I always carry two walking sticks when I go sit on 
the river bank and carve. One complete and one that I am carving .  If  
a passer by takes  interest and wants to purchase the completed stick, I 
am very happy to accommodate.
Recently I have been ask to enter a local craft show with a good friend 
of mine. He makes Bird Houses. Looking around the house for things I 
could display, many were attempts from magazine articles or purchased 
cut outs. For me that was a problem, Not my original work. I guess I 
need to get busy on some more originals and get a  quantity of carvings 
I can proudly display. As a side I am trying to develop a small carving 
which i can sit and work on as people walk and look. One I can finish 
while people are watching. I Know, practice, practice, and did I say 
Practice .
 Thank You guys and Gals for your response to my question , keep up the 
great work and a special thank you for the part you have played in  
helping me with  this very rewarding  Talent you are assisting me to 
develop as I attempt to age gracefully. It is really great when someone 
looks at what you are doing and says wow.............
                                                                        
                                                        Larry