Seminar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
We get a lot of the same questions each year about the same things. They're all great questions, so we're going to try to help ourselves and you too by answering them here. We also plan to add them to the seminar list next year, too.
This is going to be one of those things we'll do as time permits. As much as we'd like to get it done and posted quickly, it just isn't going to happen. We'll try to hit the important ones first. Truth is that the guy doing this can't type worth a darn.
Please don't hesitate to send more questions to [email protected]. There are no dumb questions believe me. If you know the answer and just think that other people would benefit by adding it to the list, please send that, too. Don't worry about wordsmithing the questions or answers, we'll manage that. Well, to the extent that we can anyway.
Consider this a work in progress.
Where are the seminars held?
East Berlin Area Community Center (EBACC)
405 North Ave, East Berlin, PA 17316
How much do the seminars cost?
The cost of seminars varies from class to class. A complete list is available at http://www.conewagocarvers.com/2022-seminars.html.
Can I host an instructor? What’s the benefit?
The benefits are many but basically you will be gifted the opportunity to attend the class free of cost. You also have the opportunity to get to know the instructor outside of the classroom. In return you will need to provide overnight accommodation that includes a guest room, convenient bathroom, accommodations for food and see the instructor gets to and from the class on time. In short you will be the host and help the instructor in any way you can while providing a place for them to stay.
Do I get a discount on seminars if I’m a Conewago Carvers member?
Yes, club members are charged at a discounted rate. Many people decide to join the club because the discounted membership rate and the annual cost of a membership can be less expensive than the non-member class cost.
How do I join the club?
Information about joining the club is available at http://www.conewagocarvers.com/membership.html.
Do I have to pay the full amount when I register for a seminar?
No but you need to leave a deposit. Then 60 days before the class you will need to pay the full amount remaining or the class space is lost and the those on the waiting list are given the chance to attend. You will receive a reminder and you will have your deposit returned if you drop out at 60 days.
If I pay the 50% deposit, when is the balance due?
At least sixty days before the class starts.
How do I register for the seminars?
You can register for a seminar by sending an email to [email protected].
What time do the seminars start?Most of them run from 9 am to 4. Class times will vary from teacher to teacher and you will be notified in an email before the class begins.
How long is each seminar?
It depends upon the subject matter and the instructor. Most seminars are held on Saturday and Sunday, although some seminars will last three days. We do offer one seminar that last five days. Check the schedule.
Do I need special tools?
The teacher often has a supply list they recommend. Some teachers bring along special supplies to sell. This information will be sent to you in an email before the class.
What equipment do I need?
A general carving kit may include your knives, a protective glove, gouges, sandpaper, pencil, ruler, etc. Special items will be addressed by each teacher in an email prior to your class.
Where can I get lunch?
There are several options for lunch available. There is a refrigerator in the club room that students are welcome to use, so you could bring your own lunch. Alternatively, there are several restaurants in town.
How many students are in each class?
Class sizes vary depending upon the instructor or the number of people who have signed up. Typically there are about 10 to 12 people in each session, although that may vary depending upon what the subject matter is.
What if I can’t keep up with the instructor?
One of the great things about carving is that it’s self paced. The instructors will work with you whatever your level. Relax, carve, enjoy, and have fun.
What is a roughout?
Simply it is your project roughly cut out. It saves time in cutting away a lot of unnecessary wood.
How much extra are the roughouts?
Each teacher sets their own price.
What are caricature carvings?
It is a caricature or a representation of a person or animal in an exaggerated way to showcase some of their features. An example could be a man with a very large nose and ears.
What is chip carving?
Chip carving is a surface decoration that is cut into the wood.
What is relief carving?
Relief carving is lifting the carving up out of the supporting or background wood. We often see it on church pews or ornamental frames.
What is power carving?
Power carving is using a Dremel or other electric hand-held tool that shapes the wood. This is often used for bird carving or when carving with hard wood.
Why should I take a carving class?
The chance to learn a skill from a person who is experienced and willing to teach is priceless. To see the skill taught and to have the opportunity to have carve what you see really reinforces the skill.
Where can I stay?
East Berlin is about 10 miles from Hanover, 20 miles from Gettysburg and close to various campgrounds. Google is your friend here and a search brings up over 70 motels or hotels within 30 miles.
Is there available parking at the community center?
There is ample parking available the East Berlin Area Community Center. The entrance to our club room is on the right hand side of the building, so it’s easier to park on that end of the building.
How do I get into the building?
The entrance to the building is on the right hand side of the building. The door should be unlocked, however if it is not there is a doorbell button and someone will come let you in.
As soon as you come Into the building take the stairway on the left to the lower level. The club room is the first room on the left.
Will I have a completed piece at the end of a seminar?
It depends upon the subject matter and the ability of the carver. Many carvers do complete their project during the class.
How do you decide who to bring in to teach?
We try to have a variety and the seminar coordinator is always open to suggestions. If you have an idea or would like to see a specific carver, send an email to [email protected].
How do I know what seminars are available?
The seminar schedule for the following year is typically available at the Conewago Woodcarver show each Fall. Many people sign up at the show. The club provides an up-to-date list of available seminars with a number of available slots on its website at
How do I know if there are openings in a seminar?
Club provides an up-to-date list of available seminars with the number of available slots on his website at
http://www.conewagocarvers.com/seminar-availability.htmlwww.conewagocarvers.com/seminar-availability.html
If a seminar is full, can I get on a waiting list?
Yes, send an email message to Conewago [email protected]. You will be notified that you have been placed on a waiting list and when or if a slot becomes open.
How will I know if I have moved from the waiting list into the seminar?
As soon as a slot becomes open in the specific class you will receive an email message with instructions on how to register.
Can I withdraw from a seminar?
Sharpening?
Power tools?
Who can take a seminar?
Anyone who has an interest in Carving can take a seminar. There are many different types of ...
Are there any age limits?
How do you get considered to be an instructor?
This is going to be one of those things we'll do as time permits. As much as we'd like to get it done and posted quickly, it just isn't going to happen. We'll try to hit the important ones first. Truth is that the guy doing this can't type worth a darn.
Please don't hesitate to send more questions to [email protected]. There are no dumb questions believe me. If you know the answer and just think that other people would benefit by adding it to the list, please send that, too. Don't worry about wordsmithing the questions or answers, we'll manage that. Well, to the extent that we can anyway.
Consider this a work in progress.
Where are the seminars held?
East Berlin Area Community Center (EBACC)
405 North Ave, East Berlin, PA 17316
How much do the seminars cost?
The cost of seminars varies from class to class. A complete list is available at http://www.conewagocarvers.com/2022-seminars.html.
Can I host an instructor? What’s the benefit?
The benefits are many but basically you will be gifted the opportunity to attend the class free of cost. You also have the opportunity to get to know the instructor outside of the classroom. In return you will need to provide overnight accommodation that includes a guest room, convenient bathroom, accommodations for food and see the instructor gets to and from the class on time. In short you will be the host and help the instructor in any way you can while providing a place for them to stay.
Do I get a discount on seminars if I’m a Conewago Carvers member?
Yes, club members are charged at a discounted rate. Many people decide to join the club because the discounted membership rate and the annual cost of a membership can be less expensive than the non-member class cost.
How do I join the club?
Information about joining the club is available at http://www.conewagocarvers.com/membership.html.
Do I have to pay the full amount when I register for a seminar?
No but you need to leave a deposit. Then 60 days before the class you will need to pay the full amount remaining or the class space is lost and the those on the waiting list are given the chance to attend. You will receive a reminder and you will have your deposit returned if you drop out at 60 days.
If I pay the 50% deposit, when is the balance due?
At least sixty days before the class starts.
How do I register for the seminars?
You can register for a seminar by sending an email to [email protected].
What time do the seminars start?Most of them run from 9 am to 4. Class times will vary from teacher to teacher and you will be notified in an email before the class begins.
How long is each seminar?
It depends upon the subject matter and the instructor. Most seminars are held on Saturday and Sunday, although some seminars will last three days. We do offer one seminar that last five days. Check the schedule.
Do I need special tools?
The teacher often has a supply list they recommend. Some teachers bring along special supplies to sell. This information will be sent to you in an email before the class.
What equipment do I need?
A general carving kit may include your knives, a protective glove, gouges, sandpaper, pencil, ruler, etc. Special items will be addressed by each teacher in an email prior to your class.
Where can I get lunch?
There are several options for lunch available. There is a refrigerator in the club room that students are welcome to use, so you could bring your own lunch. Alternatively, there are several restaurants in town.
How many students are in each class?
Class sizes vary depending upon the instructor or the number of people who have signed up. Typically there are about 10 to 12 people in each session, although that may vary depending upon what the subject matter is.
What if I can’t keep up with the instructor?
One of the great things about carving is that it’s self paced. The instructors will work with you whatever your level. Relax, carve, enjoy, and have fun.
What is a roughout?
Simply it is your project roughly cut out. It saves time in cutting away a lot of unnecessary wood.
How much extra are the roughouts?
Each teacher sets their own price.
What are caricature carvings?
It is a caricature or a representation of a person or animal in an exaggerated way to showcase some of their features. An example could be a man with a very large nose and ears.
What is chip carving?
Chip carving is a surface decoration that is cut into the wood.
What is relief carving?
Relief carving is lifting the carving up out of the supporting or background wood. We often see it on church pews or ornamental frames.
What is power carving?
Power carving is using a Dremel or other electric hand-held tool that shapes the wood. This is often used for bird carving or when carving with hard wood.
Why should I take a carving class?
The chance to learn a skill from a person who is experienced and willing to teach is priceless. To see the skill taught and to have the opportunity to have carve what you see really reinforces the skill.
Where can I stay?
East Berlin is about 10 miles from Hanover, 20 miles from Gettysburg and close to various campgrounds. Google is your friend here and a search brings up over 70 motels or hotels within 30 miles.
Is there available parking at the community center?
There is ample parking available the East Berlin Area Community Center. The entrance to our club room is on the right hand side of the building, so it’s easier to park on that end of the building.
How do I get into the building?
The entrance to the building is on the right hand side of the building. The door should be unlocked, however if it is not there is a doorbell button and someone will come let you in.
As soon as you come Into the building take the stairway on the left to the lower level. The club room is the first room on the left.
Will I have a completed piece at the end of a seminar?
It depends upon the subject matter and the ability of the carver. Many carvers do complete their project during the class.
How do you decide who to bring in to teach?
We try to have a variety and the seminar coordinator is always open to suggestions. If you have an idea or would like to see a specific carver, send an email to [email protected].
How do I know what seminars are available?
The seminar schedule for the following year is typically available at the Conewago Woodcarver show each Fall. Many people sign up at the show. The club provides an up-to-date list of available seminars with a number of available slots on its website at
How do I know if there are openings in a seminar?
Club provides an up-to-date list of available seminars with the number of available slots on his website at
http://www.conewagocarvers.com/seminar-availability.htmlwww.conewagocarvers.com/seminar-availability.html
If a seminar is full, can I get on a waiting list?
Yes, send an email message to Conewago [email protected]. You will be notified that you have been placed on a waiting list and when or if a slot becomes open.
How will I know if I have moved from the waiting list into the seminar?
As soon as a slot becomes open in the specific class you will receive an email message with instructions on how to register.
Can I withdraw from a seminar?
Sharpening?
Power tools?
Who can take a seminar?
Anyone who has an interest in Carving can take a seminar. There are many different types of ...
Are there any age limits?
How do you get considered to be an instructor?
