The Legend Of The Wood Spirit
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest. On calm days when the wind lays low, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest. On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within. For centuries people believed the forests to be filled with mystical spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirit’s wrath.
During the 15th century they 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. They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from evil. So before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on the tree to awaken the sleeping spirit to protect them. This is where we get the saying ‘Knock on Wood’ or ‘Touch Wood’.
Wise travelers assured their safety by carving wood spirit images on walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark. These carvings appeased the spirits, thus the traveler was allowed to enter and leave the forest without difficulty.
Catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures is said to be a lucky thing, for if you are fortunate enough to actually see one, your health, happiness and good fortune are guaranteed.
Wood spirits are still being carved into pieces of wood 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 that live there.
Any house which is home to a wood spirit will stand protected and be blessed.
The Wood Spirit has always been a symbol of good luck and good fortune to those he travels with on the path of life. Nobody knows when the Wood Spirit Legend began because it was near the beginning of time but the old ones believe it began right here in the Great Northwest Forest. Some however, claim it started in Europe where it is called Green Man, Wildman, Savage Man, or Woodwose.
The ancient legends of the Wood Spirit continue to emerge with each new generation of Storyteller. Most of the people in tribal groups and cultures of the world believed in Wood Spirits in one form or another. Many still do. The people believed they lived in the trees that nourish life in the wilderness.
The Wood Spirit is said to be Lord of the Forest and Natural Things. Seeing one is said to be quite a lucky thing, and European villagers used to go out on regular hunts, hoping to find a Wood Spirit to foretell the future of their village.
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. 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: rwkoz51@gmail.com
My first entry to the Photo Shop this month comes from my very good friend, Dick Bonewitz of Carmel, Indiana who writes:
"Here is a hummingbird in a nest I recently carved with instructor Josh Guge at the Ozark Woodcarving seminar in Springfield Mo.
The bird and nest are power carved from one piece of Tupelo. The beak is a piece of bamboo skewer. It was challenging as it is so small, but was a rewarding experience.
Dick Bonewitz
Carmel,In"
Excellent job on your hummingbird, Dick! Very life-like looking.
Dick Bonewitz also send in a photo of a Pronghorn he recently carved:
Another life-like carving, Dick, great job! The fur texture is spot-on. Was this also power carved?
My very good friend, Jim Babcock send in a photo of a terrific flower he recently carved. Jim writes:
“Bob:
Hope all is well with you. It has been a long Winter for most of us, but there are
a few signs that Spring may soon arrive.
Northern basswood, finished with an oil based stain.
Jim Babcock
Columbus, Indiana”
Thanks for the photo, as always, Jim! You did an outstanding job on your flower.
Woodcarving Tip
Deep Cuts
Deep cuts create dark shadows, which make your carvings really stand out. Don’t be afraid to cut deep. There is usually more wood there than you think. Also, wherever there is a corner, cut a deep triangle into it to create a nice dark shadow and make it stand out.
Pattern of the Month
Biscuit
Upcoming Workshops
Ellender’s Window 10.5″
Teacher: Janet Cordell
Dates: May 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 2025
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)
Cost: $175 (includes one large roughout)
For details and to sign up email Janet janet_cordell@yahoo.com
Beach Attire Tom
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
May 13,27 – 6PM Eastern
Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
2.5×2.5×7.25 basswood block needed for pattern
For details and to sign up click on Dwayne’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/
Maximus
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
June 10,24 – 6PM Eastern
Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
2.5×2.5×7.25 basswood block needed for pattern
For details and to sign up click on Dwayne’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/
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
Twhitling Tuesdays
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Tuesdays
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
Some timely show information from my good friend, Jim Carlson from Boone, Iowa:
“Hi Bob,
For anyone who is looking for some great in-person classes in combination with a competition and show, plus some great vendors, I would like to recommend the International Woodcarvers Congress. A wide variety of classes are available from one day to five days. Living in Iowa, I am fortunate to be within 3 hours of the quaint small town of Macquoketa, but instructors and students attend in June every year from all around the USA. If you have any room, I will attach some information and registration forms for the Congress.
Jim Carlson
Boone, Iowa”
Cottonwood Bark Class
The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Woodcarvers will be hosting Cottonwood Bark Carver Harold Kaltenbach, May 3rd & 4th in Suburban Philadelphia. If interested contact Wade Huggins 215-531-0238.
Tri-State Woodcarvers Club 2025 “Show and Sell”. October 25 and 26th 9am to 3pm daily. Vanderburgh County 4-H Center 201 E. Booneville New Harmony Rd, Evansville In. Exposition Hall in the activities Center Bldg. contact Danny Conley 270-314-5895.
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:
5/3 – Joe Savarese
5/10 – Joshua Walters
5/31 – Karla Harman
6/7 – Dale Kirkpatrick
6/14 – Greg Wymer
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS
COME JOIN US!!!
The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing their 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
2025
May – 15th, 29th
June – 5th
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.
Each blade is meticulously crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel, ensuring easy sharpening and long-lasting edge retention. The diverse exotic woods used for the handle styles are sourced from around the world, adding a touch of elegance to these knives. You can find these exceptional knives for auction on eBay under ‘AML Knives,’ with bidding usually starting at $22 and most knives selling for between $40 and $100.
Unpack your AML Wood Carving Knife and experience its razor-sharpness right out of the package. Each knife comes with a custom-made magnetic wooden sheath, a thoughtful addition at no extra cost.
I now own three AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality. These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy himself. The knives are sturdy, well made, and will stack up to any other knife on the market. These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast, so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability.
Andy has recently begun making knives with handles made from exotic woods and colored epoxy, creating some stunning and unique handle designs. Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold:
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Email address change
It has recently come to my attention that my Wood Chip Chatter email address (carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com) has become unreliable, and I may not have received all of your emails. If you have sent me emails but have not seen your messages published in my blog, it’s purely because I never received them. As a result, I have decided to stop using that email address and ask you to send all future correspondence (messages, comments, photos, etc.) to my personal email address, which is rwkoz51@gmail.com
I appreciate your patience and understanding.
The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on June 6, 2025.
Keep a sharp eye out for it.
Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!
Funny Bone
Wood Chip Chatter 