I began carving in 1988 at the request of my wife. We were at an art show and she was looking at a hand carved Santa and decided that I was going to carve one for her. It didn't seem to matter to her that I had never carved anything before. She was very insistant in the weeks to come, and finally, I gave it a try. I carved one (we still have him), and then another, and another...and I'm still trying to get one right! Maybe some day I will get the hang of it. --John Starkey

My Carvings

     I am facinated by Old World Santas, and I carve a lot of them. I think they reflect a much simpler time before Christmas became so commercialized and hectic. I also carve angels, witches, Uncle Sams, wizards and ornaments.

     I also enjoy carving whimsies, those one peice carvings such as a ball in a cage. My wife says I have too much time on my hands when I carve whimsies.  Whimsies are a challenge to the carver and serve to amuse his audience.

     I am a self-taught carver, which, while making many mis-steps along the way, has allowed me to develop my own unique style. 

     I try to produce a carving that not only am I proud of, but one that you will be proud to own also.

     I enjoy the time I spend carving and I hope you enjoy the results.

        THE WOODSHED CARVING SHOP is a licensed business in Roanoke County, Virginia.

    "Psst...ya think he's done yet?"

FAQ's

Q:What kind of wood do you use? 

A: Basswood is the wood of choice and unless otherwise noted, the carving will be from basswood.

Q: Do you do the painting?

A: Yes, I use acrylic paints and mix a lot of shades used.

Q:What tools do you use?

A: I rough out with a radial arm saw and a band saw. Most of the actual carving is done with a power carver, with the detailing done with hand tools. I have 6 hand tools that do almost all of the detailing.

Q: Where do you get the ideas for many of your carvings?

A: My wife is always telling me "You know what you need to carve?" And usually soon after that, one will show up.