Driftless Spoon Gathering

[Mike the Blacksmith]

Driftless Spoon Gathering - 5th Annual
Date: Sept 22-24, 2017 (optional arrival Friday, Sept 22 for camping)
Time: Registration and coffee at 9:00am, demos at 10:00am and throughout the day
Cost: $15/individual or $25/family
Location: La Farge Village Park, La Farge, WI (separate $10/night fee for camping payable to La Farge Village)
In this two day skill-sharing event, spoon carving instructors and carving hobbyists gather together to carve, learn and share techniques. All levels of experience are welcome, and beginners will be well cared for.
Listen to the sound of hatchets hewing and help fill the floor with wood shavings. Enjoy the tradition of a Spoon Pass and the opportunity to purchase spoons, bowls, and tools from artisans. Basic carving knives and sharpening supplies will be available on loan to beginners and also available for purchase. Bring spoon blanks and green wood if you have them, and don’t forget a lunch and snacks to keep you going. Coffee and tea will be available. Bring something for a potluck gathering Saturday evening. Camp in the park Friday and Saturday night, if you like, for community campfire and stories.
And the Facebook address is https://www.facebook.com/Driftless-Spoo ... 916180857/
Having recently joining APT I wish it would be easy to attend the great gatherings you have . I have one that is close to me . Know that the love of green wood is strong in South West Wisconsin.
Mike the Blacksmith

[Mike the Blacksmith]

I apologize for taking so long to report on this event.
It was a extremely hot weekend 96F. Didn't drink enough fluids and ....the old kidney stone attacked.
After recovering from that I had to get to work to finish a forest stand improvement project that had to be finished by years end....it was.
The event was my first Driftless Spoon Gathering. Numbers vary but a close guess is that around 50 people attended, from WIsconsin,Minnesota, Illinois and Nebraska.
A troop of Boy Scouts and parents attended and participated in a beginners class carving a spreader and then a spoon. Many small demonstrations and tool instructions were exchanged both days. At the end of the second day a spoon circle was formed . The carvers all started with a blank , each carving and then passing the spoon to the next in the circle . We all took turns on each spoon till they looked done. Time was called and you ended up with the spoon in your hand.
This is a great local home grown event held in a nice park with great accommodations. I definitely will attend next year.
Mike the Blacksmith