This class is designed to be an introduction to carving skills and would be perfect for any furniture maker or just a hobbyist who wants to take his or her work to the next level. Alexander will introduce the students to the design process and ways to embellish their furniture or simply decorate a home and give it character. He will start by sharing his sharpening techniques which he calls “sharpening on steroids.” This production style of sharpening that is fast and precise, which he uses every day he carves. Demonstrations will also include how to use carving gouges the old-fashioned way – by hand. This class will cover tool selection, how to work with grain issues in the wood, planning the cut, ways to carve safely, how to clamp the wood without damaging the carving, and subtle tips and tricks for getting the best use out of your gouges. Students will work on a traditional style of wood carving. Alexander will explain how to think through a carving project to make the carving process the most efficient.