Instructive morning with three Long Island wood carvers

Three local wood carvers, Don Daily from Huntington Station, Mike Denaro from Oyster Bay, and Bob Schiff from Great Neck displayed their work, spoke about their inspirations, very different techniques, and occasional injuries, presented their preferred tools and materials at an Introduction to Wood Carving event at the store last Saturday.

It was a very instructive and fun morning. All three speakers were generous with their advice in the true spirit of the craft. All three have met with supportive fellow carvers in the past and now like to share their knowledge and experiences.

---

Introduction to Wood Carving

Saturday, March 12th, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Do you know what veiner, fluter, or sloyd? You may have your chance to learn or to show off whichever the case might be.

Three local wood carvers - Don Dailey from Huntington Station, Mike Denaro from Oyster Bay, and Bob Schiff from Great Neck will conduct an Introduction to Wood Carving session at Think Long Island First on Saturday, March 12th, starting at 10 am.

Come join us and learn about the carving materials, tools, and varnishes. Bring your completed or ongoing projects to discuss with Don, Mike, and Bob.

This is a free event open to the public.

Sand pipers by Don Dailey	Ice fishing decoys by Mike Denaro

---

Wood carving by Don Dailey

Photo by Ewa Rumprecht

Don Dailey's carving adventure started with his obsession with Rock and Roll - his first carvings were of electric guitars. It seems quite common for creative folks to develop interests in many branches of art. His involvement with music continued. Don, a composer, Emmy award winner for music for All My Children, creator of a meditation CD Inner Aura (with his long-time friend M.B. Gordy), is still frequently engaged in music post-production.

Photo by Ewa Rumprecht

In his professional life of a cabinet maker he became well acquainted with wood and its qualities. A subscription to Fine Woodworking magazine opened his eyes to other creative uses of wood. He experimented with wood sculpture by so called woodworm method, he drilled random holes in a chunk of wood and then discovered where wood would take him.

As a scout master of a local troop in Huntington he teaches scouts to carve safely. As a demonstration, he frequently makes neckerchief slides for the scouts, the hand grenade shaped one never fails to amuse.

Photo by Ewa Rumprecht

Don creates various figurines like the wizard displayed in the photo on the left. Our store carries his Santas and other Christmas ornaments in season and we currently display his gnomes and birds.

Don carves in basswood and except for the rough work uses mostly hand tools. He strives to have his carving come off the tool. Sharp tools are his mantra.

Don's output increased greatly since he built himself a portable working table allowing him to carve outside his workshop. He now carves while he watches tv or relaxes on his porch on a summer evening.



Don started a blog The Sunday Woodcarver where he describes his creative process, tools, and techniques. He will be one of the instructors at the Introduction to Wood Carving event at the store on Saturday, March 12th, between 10 am and 12:30 pm.

---