One thing our hobby needs is an infusion of younger scrollers. Our demographics tend to skew toward the more mature crowd. It's important that manufacturers know that new people are entering the hobby so they will continue to support us with new products. It's also just wonderful to see young people enjoy them selves in a creative art.
I received this email from Gaylen the other day and I wanted to share it with you all. Gaylen had a great opportunity to share our craft with several middle and high school children. He also sent along a few pictures. We received permission to share the pictures and I knew you folks would love to see them. It's also fun to read Gaylen's comments about how rewarding it was to work with these young men and women. If any of you have a chance to mentor a child please take the time to show them our wonderful hobby.
Thanks Gaylen.
Hi Steve,
I want to share with you an opportunity I received
because of your much appreciated review on your blog 10-14-14 of Mr. “M’s”
Workshop in Branson, Missouri. Your information
and kind words inspired John DeBey (Heritage Middle School teacher in
Liberty, Missouri) to call me a few days after your
review came out, and he arranged for me to present a Workshop at
MWSU (Missouri Western State University) in St. Joseph,
Missouri on April, 17, 2015, just completed.
John and the NW Missouri Industrial Technology
Teachers Organization offer both Middle and High school students the
opportunity to present a project they have made in one of their technology
classes to be judged in competition. Over 100 Items
including everything from miniature laser work to a large yard shed were in
competition. Also all types of tables, cabinetry, chairs,
wood turnings, etc., and yes many scroll saw projects.
Steve, you will be pleased to know that one item in the judging was a
vase from you pattern collection.
During the time of the project judging, the students
have an opportunity to watch demonstrations and/or participate in workshops. I
was very pleased to be invited to share my Scroll Saw Workshop with two
groups.
We had 10 middle school students and 13 high school
students each in a 90 minute session. I shared with them a “point to point”
style of cutting that I have developed, which helps students be able to cut
much smoother, with no sanding of the edge needed when you are
finished. An added result of this system is they are much
less likely to miss the pattern line. I also included a
blade selection chart that I have developed and use in my instruction. Other
items covered were blade tension, blade types, and blade ‘Drift’ .
We worked on cutting a” USA” shelf-sitter using an
OLSON #7-DT blade. (Great smooth cut using ¾” select pine)
Because of the large number in the sessions, we had two students sharing a saw
so we were able to cut only about 1/3 of the project, but we talked through
the cutting process and the techniques to use for the rest.
They now have “homework”. I am a great believer in sending projects
home for cutting after the workshop is over, because they now have a reason to
keep cutting.
Everything we covered I published in a take home
‘booklet’ so they could re-read and review what we did whenever they
wish. I also sent home blade analysis charts on all types
of blades. I believe the blade you select is 90% of your
success. All of these tips I learned from Jim Adam, the
master toy cutter at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri on a visit back
in 1991.
I must compliment all of the students for being
extremely courteous, attentive, and very interested in the traditional style
of scrolling I offer. Their parents, teachers, and schools should be extremely
proud of them. My experience working with them was
outstanding.
Along with the teachers organization, MWSU, and your
blog, for helping us make the connection, I also wish to thank ‘The Wooden
Teddy Bear’ Catalog for their support in providing the literature to help me
to explain the types, sizes, and styles of blades for these students, as well
as all of my other Workshops.
I would like to say this was one of the most
rewarding experiences I have had in my 23 years of scrolling and teaching.
My wife Karen and I both appreciated the opportunity and
enjoyed the day very much.
Steve, I thought you may want to share this, or
parts of it, in one of your future blogs. I wish to thank both you and John
DeBey for making this day a great success.
Enjoy your creativity and your scrolling, because we
enjoy the results.
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