Learn to carve at the woodcarvers' roundup

HONESDALE, PA — Nearly 200 woodcarvers, from novices to experienced carvers, are expected to gather this summer for the 20th annual Northeast Woodcarvers Roundup at Cherry Ridge Campsites & Lodging.

The roundup, which runs from Sunday, July 17 through Thursday, July 21, gives crafters the opportunity to immerse themselves in honing their skills.

About 20 instructors are scheduled to teach classes ranging from beginner carving to caricatures, whimsical bark houses, chip carving, pyrography (wood-burning), marquetry and other projects.

“The idea of the roundup is to get people together to share their ideas and allow their creative side to come out,” said Bob Muller of Cherry Ridge Carvers, who helped create the first Northeast Woodcarvers Roundup in 2003. The roundup is not a show or judged competition; it’s purely a learning and sharing event, Muller said.

Signups begin the evening of July 17. There is no preregistration; simply show up that evening, sign a waiver and receive a name tag. Then you can sign up for the classes you wish to attend during the event. “Some of the more popular instructors, there’s a stampede to them,” Muller said.

Registration for the event starts Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Sign-up for classes starts at 7 p.m. The instructional classes start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day. Participants can attend one day or attend all four days of instruction.

There is no charge for the instruction or registration; attendees pay for the cost of materials, which is dependent on the workshop.

Raffles, an ice-cream social, and sales of apparel, tools and merchandise will be available during the event as well.

Accommodations will be available for rent at Cherry Ridge Campgrounds and nearby hotels.

Reach Cherry Ridge Campgrounds at 570/488-6654.

For information about the roundup, visit cherryridgecarvers.org or the NEWR page on Facebook, or email Muller at rmuller@nepnet or call him at 570/470-2736.

Click here for photographs and a story from last year's woodcarvers roundup.