The Stories of Halloween & the Jack-O-Lantern

This month (October) is my annual Halloween Special issue where I’ll be telling some Halloween and Wood Spirit stories.  Long-time subscribers may have seen a couple of these but I’m posting them again for the benefit of all the new subscribers who just joined this year.  However, I’m sure you will all find something new and interesting.

The Story of Halloween

Most people think of Halloween as a night of dress up in ghostly or funny costumes, to have parties, or to go “trick-or-treating” and never consider why or how much a holiday evolved from a serious annual rite in ancient times.  What is actually being celebrated is two customs that have been combined into one.

The first tradition is the observance of a Catholic religious day set aside to honor saints.  Referred to as “All Hallows Day” or “All Saints Day,” this holy day is held on November 1st.  The night before  is known as “All Hallows Eve,” from which the name Halloween evolved.

The second celebration is from Northern France and the British Isles where the Celtic people celebrated the end of the Celtic year known as Samhain (pronounced sow-en) or “Summer’s End.”  This festival was a time set aside to honor the dead.  The Celts believed that the realm of the dead, or the spirit world, and the physical world were closest together during Samhain.

The traditional celebration of Samhain included carving jack-o-lanterns from gourds and turnips, then lighting them with coals or candles to show the way for deceased loved ones.  At the same time, these lanterns were believed to ward off evil spirits.  Another version of the celebration indicates that disembodied spirits of those that died during the year intermingled with the living on that night.  They attempted to possess the living to hopes of being allowed to have an afterlife.  In an effort to frighten away the spirits, people would leave their houses unlit and cold, dress up in ghoulish costumes and parade around town being destructive as possible.  This tradition set the stage for today’s children’s refrain “trick or treat.”  When the Europeans arrived in the New World, they discovered a new fruit that was larger than the turnip and easier to carve: the pumpkin.  The pumpkin has been the symbol of Halloween ever since.

The Story of The Jack-O-Lantern

The story of the name Jack-o-lantern has a history of its own.  It derives from a folk tale about a disreputable drunkard by the name of Jack who, upon learning that the devil had come for his soul, tricked the devil into buying him one last drink.  Having no money, Jack convinced the devil to transform himself into coins so that Jack could buy his last drink.  Instead of buying the drink, Jack placed the coins in his pocket along with a silver cross, thus preventing the devil from returning to his common state.  To be released the devil agreed to leave Jack’s soul alone for ten years.

After ten years had passed, the devil appeared to Jack as he was walking down a country road.  The silver tongued Jack managed to talk the devil into climbing an apple tree before claiming his soul.  While the devil was in the tree, Jack pulled out his knife and carved a cross in the base of the tree, thus trapping the devil again.  Again he struck a bargain with the devil, this time extracting a promise that the devil would never take his soul.

When Jack finally died, he went to Heaven but was not allowed in because of his drinking and dastardly ways.  With no place to go he went to Hell.  The devil, remembering Jack’s trickery, refused him entrance.  Jack then convinced the devil that the way back was so dark and windy that he needed a light to find his way.  To get rid of Jack, the devil gave him an ember from Hell.  Jack placed the ember in a turnip he was eating to shield the flame from the wind and began to wander back in the darkness forever doomed.

The Legend of the Wood Spirit

The Wood Spirit is a 15th Century European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest.  Most often glimpsed as a green man with leaves for his beard and hair, the Wood Spirit is said to be Lord of the forest and natural things.  Seeing one is said to be quite lucky, and European villagers used to go out on regular hunts, hoping to find a Wood Spirit to foretell the future of their village.

On calm days when the wind does not blow, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest.  On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, though, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within.  For centuries the people believed the forests were filled with mystical evil spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirits’ wrath.

During the 15th Century the villagers believed that when the men went into the woods to hunt and didn’t return, that they had been taken by the evil spirits.  They also believed that the tree spirits were the most powerful of all spirits and were good and wise.  Wood Spirits are extremely strong.  They can tear an opponent limb from limb and can tame any wild animal, including ferocious dragons and skittish unicorns.  At the same time, they are gentle with the maidens, children, and men of good heart.  They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from the evil spirits.  So before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on a tree to awaken the sleeping Wood Spirits to protect them.  This is where we get the saying ‘Knock on wood’.

Wise travelers assured their safety by carving Wood Spirit images on their walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark.  These carvings appeased the Wood Spirits, thus the traveler was allowed to enter and leave the forest without difficulty.

It is said that the forest will stand for as long as the Wood Spirit remains to keep order.  And if you’re lucky enough to see a Wood Spirit, health, happiness, and good fortune will be yours.  However, that does not happen often.  Wood Spirits would rather see than be seen.  Most sightings are by children or by the pure of heart.

Wood Spirits were carved to bring luck to a household, ward off undesirable spirits and keep the household safe.  Still today Wood Spirits are being carved into pieces of wood and bark, and are often given as gifts.  The Wood Spirit should be given a special place within the home in order for its presence to bring wisdom, prosperity, humor, good health and good luck to all who live there.  Any house which is home to a Wood Spirit will stand protected and be blessed with good luck, health and happiness.

Photo Shop

“Photo Shop” is the section of Wood Chip Chatter where carvers can send in photos of their wood carvings for display. It’s your chance to show off your work…sort of a show and tell. The photos will only be displayed and no comments or critiques will be made.  For critiques on your carvings send them in to the “Carver’s Corner.”  Send your photos to carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com

September was a fantastic month for the “Photo Shop”…our best month ever!  We received loads of contributions from many  of my friends, and that really helps make Wood Chip Chatter fun and interesting.  Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their photos!

Our first entry to the “Photo Shop” this month comes from my good friend, Dean Stewart who has been busy practicing his Santa faces.  Here are some examples of his work:

Those are great Santa faces, Dean!  You’re really getting the facial expressions down and every one is different.  Nice work!

Our next entry comes from my good friend, Geir Larsen who sent in several photos of some of his recent work:

Excellent work as always, Geir!  I really like your little men, and your ducks and pelican are super.  Your hooded pumpkin man is amazing as is you caricature ear of corn, and your signature chicken, Olaf, is always a treat to see!

We also have a special entry from my friend, Jack Proceilo who took the challenge and carved the Extreme Ball-in-Cage from my article in the Woodcarving Illustrated Fall 2023 issue #104.  Jack writes:

“A couple of times I thought about defriending you Bob, but that would be giving up?  A great little challenge my Friend!”

Wow!  Amazing job, Jack!  Well done…nice clean work.  Congratulations!

Anyone else want to take the challenge to carve my Extreme Ball-in-Cage?  If you do, we’d like to see a photo.

Our next entry comes from my good friend, Dick Bonewitz from Carmel, Indiana.  Dick writes:

“This piece was from a roughout blank from Pat Moore.  Basswood and sealed with Briwax.  The hands were a little harder to do than I originally thought but turned out OK and my wife was well pleased.

Dick Bonewitz

Carmel In”

Hands are hard to do but you did a real nice job on them.  Thanks for the photo!

I received another entry from my friend Elise Hartnagel from Palm Harbor, Florida who send in a photo of the cutest pickleball player she recently carved.  Elise said:

“Hi Bob,

This is a carving that I did for my nephew who is a  pickleball player. 

Here in Florida, it is a very popular sport, especially with seniors.

The carving is 5 inches tall, 3 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches thick.  The wood is basswood with the exception of the wiffle ball.

The ball is a white bead that was painted to resemble the pickleball.

It is obviously a play and literal interpretation on the unusually name of the sport. 

I very much enjoy your blog post. Thank You.

Elise Hartnagel

Palm Harbor, FL”

Another great entry came in from my new subscriber and friend, Paul Flatt from Norfolk, England.  Paul wrote:

“Hi Bob

My name is Paul Flatt, I live in the county of Norfolk in England.

Attached are the photos of the peanuts you requested and also some acorns.

Will send some more projects later, love the blog by the way

Kind Regards

Paul”

I‘ve been looking forward to getting your photos, Paul.  I love your peanuts and have to try a few myself.  Your acorn men are terrific also.  I especially like how you added the stems to the caps, they really dress things up.  I greatly appreciate the photos and more future photos are always welcome!  Thanks!

Our next entry comes from my good friend and frequent contributor, Jim Babcock from Columbus, Indiana with a photo of what he calls a “quick carve.”  Jim writes:

Bob:

I am attaching an image of a carving that I have done a few times.   A  fairly quick carve that only requires a couple tools.

Jim Babcock

Columbus, Indiana

Very nice carving, Jim, and I can see where it would be fairly quick to carve with only a few tools.  Thanks for sending it in.  Always appreciated!

Carver’s Corner

“Carver’s Corner” is the section where you can send in photos of your carvings to have me critique them and offer you my truthful opinions on what you did right and what you might improve on next time.  It’s an excellent opportunity to improve your carving skills!  Send your photos to: carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com

I received a request from my friend, Jon Gledhill of Hurricane, Utah who would like an opinion on the two beautiful rosettes he recently chip carved.  Jon wrote:

“Bob, I’ve been enjoying your emails, with their insights, suggestions, and ideas. I do a lot chip carving, so especially liked the pattern you shared this month. Thought I’d send a couple of photos, showing it transfered a trivet board and after carving it. Would love your input on it. Best wishes, Jon Gledhill Hurricane, UT”

“Since the first email, I carved another version, taking bigger chips. I look forward to your input. Jon”

First of all, thank you for sending in the photos of the beautiful rosettes you chip carved, and secondly, I’m thrilled to see that someone is using the free patterns I post in Wood Chip Chatter.  

I am by no means a chip carver.  Just the thought of trying it makes my head hurt.  I’ve always been in awe of the amazing work that chip carvers do though, and yours is no exception.  I’m glad you showed us a photo of how you laid out the pattern on the wood.  That alone is totally confusing to me.  Both of the rosettes are excellent and very cleanly executed, and it amazes me how you were able to take the same pattern and create two distinctly different designs.

Although I appreciate them both I’m partial to the second one with the bigger chips, but that’s only because my 72 year old eyes are shot and don’t see detail very well anymore.  You know, I’m one of those who uses a magnifying glass when trying to read something!!!

Great work, Jon.  I’m glad you liked the pattern.  Look for more chip carving patterns in future issues of Wood Chip Chatter and I hope we will see more of your terrific work here down the road.

Pumpkin Carvings

Last month I asked if you would send in photos of your pumpkin carvings.

Our first response comes from my friend, Greg Meece who submitted a photo of the terrific Halloween carvings he has done.  Greg writes:

Hi Bob.

Great idea about sharing our pumpkin carvings. For some reason, I enjoy carving pumpkins and anything with a Halloween theme. When I took my first woodcarving lesson for beginners the task was to carve a sphere out of a square block. I took it a step further and completed the pumpkin in the front of this picture. I can’t take credit for the other designs shown here. I wish I could give proper credit to whoever did them first. I just did my best to imitate pictures I saw in various internet postings, such as Instagram and Pinterest.

Thanks for writing such a great blog!

Greg Meece

I don’t know what to say, Greg, every single one is fantastic!  The carving is clean and the painting is neat.  Well done, and thanks for sending in the photo!

Our next pumpkin entry comes from my friend, Paul Flatt from Norfolk, England who send in some photos of the terrific pumpkin men he’s carved recently.  Paul writes:

“Hi Bob

Read you were after pumpkin photos, hope you don’t mind me sending these.

These are based on Doug Linker’s 1 x 1 hillbillies and scarecrows. The tall one based on Dan Carpio’s scarecrow.

Kind Regards

Paul Flatt”

Those are, as they say “Great Pumpkin” men, Paul!  I love the variety and how you made all of the expressions different.  Excellent work.  I look forward to seeing more of your carvings!

Two New Books from Fox Chapel Publishing

Fox Chapel Publishing has just released two amazing new woodcarving books just in time for the holidays! 

How-To Book of Christmas Carving

The first publication which was released this past August is the terrific 144 page book called How-To Book of Christmas Carving which contains 32 projects all geared to the Christmas holiday.  It’s a compilation of past articles written by some of the country’s top wood carvers which appeared in Woodcarving Illustrated over the past 10 years.

How-To Book of Christmas Carving even includes three of my projects on carving my Chimney Santa, carving my Pinecone Ornament, and carving Norbert the Elf.  I highly recommend you add this book to your carving book library!

How To Carve A Great Santa

The latest new publication is the fabulous 160 page book called How To Carve A Great Santa.  The book which was just released in mid-September, just in time for your Christmas carving is a comprehensive compilation of articles from expert wood carvers on how to carve 30 different Santa figures ranging in all skill levels from beginner to advanced.

How To Carve A Great Santa includes two of my projects on carving my Chimney Santa and carving my Frostbite Santa.  It really is a fun book and a must-have for every Santa carver’s library.

Order both books directly from Fox Chapel Publishing today!

Woodcarving Tip

Creating Eyebrows

Many times it can be a challenge to carve eyebrows on small wood carvings because the wood often crumbles and breaks off.

Painting them on is always an option, but here’s another idea to try:

Use 3D fabric paint to build your eyebrows. Apply the paint directly from the nozzle of the bottle.

You can find 3D fabric paint on Amazon or in your local craft store.

Source: carvingjunkies.com

Pattern of the Month

Here is a Halloween challenge for all you face carvers out there!

Upcoming Workshop & Seminars

Woodcarving Santa

Teacher: Dave Stetson

Dates:  October 21,22,28,29 Nov  4,5

Times:  Sat, Sun – 9:30am-11:30 Pacific /11:30am-01:30pm Central / 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern

12 hours (6 sessions – 2 hours each day)

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

 For details and to sign up email Dave Stetson

Contact Dave

Horse Head

 Teacher: Janet Cordell

Dates:  NOT YET CONFIRMED – Potentially – November  3,6,10,13,17,20 

Times: 2-4 p.m.  Pacific Time 3-5 p.m.  Mountain Time 4-6 p.m.  Central Time 5-7  p.m.  Eastern Time

12 hours ( 6 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up email Janet Cordell 

Carving Light the Way Santa (5″)

Teacher: Dale Green

Dates: December2,3

Saturday & Sunday  9:30 am-11:30 Pacific / 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Mountain /
11:30 am- 1:30 pm Central / 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern

4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

Cost: $95, includes class, rough-out and shipping in the US 

(International students $115)

Pay for registration  with Dale here:  https://paypal.me/DaleGreenWoodcarving

Sign up With Dale

Online Classes With Chris Hammack

Teacher: Chris Hammack 

Chris Hammack is offering a new series of online classes to help students learn and sharpen their woodcarving skills.  Individual and Group Classes are available through his web site chrishammackart.com/groupclass

Whittle Wednesdays

Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell  

Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Wednesdays

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

To sign up contact Dwayne Gosnell via email dagwood_76@gmail.com

Woodcarving Academy

Established in 2020, the Woodcarving Academy offers dozens of videos and seminars created by some of the country’s top level instructors.  More videos are added regularly as they are created by the instructors.

With a paid subscription to the Woodcarving Academy you can view any videos you like for as many times as you like.

Subscription rates:  Monthly = $19.95   Quarterly = $49.95   Annual = $139.95

There is even a Free level which allows you to tour the website and watch the sample videos and content, and receive email updates as new content becomes available.

Check out the Woodcarving Academy and learn with the masters right in the comfort of your own home!  Go to: www.woodcarvingacademy.com or Email: support@woodcarvingacademy.com

News & Announcements

The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Woodcarvers will be hosting a two day seminar/class with CCA member Kevin Applegate at the Montgomeryville Community Center in Montgomeryville, PA on November 4-5.  Cost is $100 for members and $125 for non members.  For information contact: Maxine Ernest at 267-316-8969 or Wade Huggins at 215-531-0238.

The International Association of Woodcarvers has upcoming Zoom meetings on the following Saturdays at 3PM EST with special guest presenters.  Check them out…

Zoom:  310-460-3575

Presentation Schedule:

10/7 – Tom Wilkinson

10/14 – Live from the Sevierville Show

10/21 – Chucky Ducky Schuck

10/28 – Ashton Brown of Badger State Blades

11/4 – Live from the Mid-South Alabama Show

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS

COME JOIN US!!!

The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing time, knowledge and joy of woodcarving.  The JHWC generally meets from 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month (when school is in session) at the Jefferson Township High School wood shop classroom.

Membership is “FREE” and open to anyone interested in woodcarving regardless of their ability.

JHWC’s Upcoming Meetings and Events

2023

October 19th

November 2nd, 16th and 30th

December 7th and 21st

2024

January 4th and 18th

February 1st, 15th and 29th

March 7th and 21st

April 4th and 18th

May 2nd, 16th and 30th

June 6th and 20th

For more information contact:

Al Santucci  alsantucci4@gmail.com  President

Bill Brunner  billbrunnerdesign@gmail.com  newsletter/website editor

Or visit:

Website:  https://www.jerseyhillswoodcarver.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/736479646821641/

AML Wood Carving Knives

AML Wood Carving Knives are handmade by Andy Loughlin in Monroe, New York.

The blades are made from 1095 high carbon steel sharpen easily and hold an edge well.  The variety of handle styles are all made from diverse exotic woods from all around the world.  The knives are all available for auction on EBay under “AML Knives.”  Bidding usually starts at $22 and most knives sell for between $40 and $100.

Every knife comes carving sharp right out of the package and each one comes with a custom made magnetic wooden sheath (see below) at no extra cost.

I now own two AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality.  These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy, himself.  The knives are very sturdy, well made, and will stack up well to the big boys.  These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability.  Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold:

The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on November 3, 2023.

Keep a sharp eye out for it.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!

Funny Bone