The first California Wood Carvers Rendezvous has hit the Madera County area this week.  Instructors from all over the nation have come to the area to teach others their amazing wood carving skills.   Classes began last Sunday, but the good news is, that you can still sign up and learn new fantastic skills or refine the ones you currently have.   Many skill levels will be taught in various classes.  Classes will be available through May 4, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Classes are being offered for a $100 registration fee.   You may attend as many classes as you like during the week or attend the same class as many times as you like, which ever your prefer.   There are classes available for all skill levels.   Classes will be taught in cypress knee carving, bird carving, dolphin carving, saddle carving, bark carving, chip carving, relief carving, golf ball caricature carving and beginning carving.   Tool sharpening, air brush painting and pyrography (wood burning) classes will also be available. 

For the spouses who are not interested in learning carving skills, there will be ladies teaching other fun crafting skills like pine needle basket making, tatting, embroidery and geo-caching.  It sound like fun can be had for everyone!

Participants need to bring their own knives, tools and equipment that they will use and purchase wood blanks to participate in the classes.

If you would like more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (559) 683-7766 or Larry Smith at (559) 658-2405