Mom, Paleontologist, Woodworker, Cat-hoarder
My name is Becky Barnes – I joined the Flickertail Woodcarvers in 2017 after trying to find a group of woodworkers to hang out with. I do a style of woodwork called “Intarsia” which uses different colors of wood to create pictures.
I began focusing on woodwork as a hobby in 2010 by accident, really. That year I became engaged and wanted to work up favors for close family and the wedding party, and was looking for ideas. Previously, I had taken a stained-glass class, and enjoyed it immensely, but decided against pursuing it because at that time I didn’t have a place to keep it separate from the house. I didn’t want to risk getting glass shards in kitty paws. Then I remembered my Grandpa Bud’s woodshop. I used to spend tons of time working in it with him when I was younger – I wondered – was there a way to combine the look of stained glass with wood? I sent my Uncle to find me different colors of wood, while I drafted up potential patterns. I jumped in with both feet, purchased a scroll saw and sanders, and started creating. I worked up the simplest pattern first – I figured if I couldn’t do that one, then why continue? Well, it turned out ok, and I learned a lot. So, I decided to jump on the most difficult pattern next. Why bother working through the rest, only to fail at the end? That one turned out ok too! I love the sawing and sanding, and nature’s selection of wood colors.
I only started carving after joining the Flickertails. They are such a joy to spend time with. I was impressed with how much they tried to give back to the community – through carving hearts for cancer survivors, or snow-snakes for elementary classes. Involving scout troops for intro carving, and hosting beginner carving classes for the public in general. I was worried at first my woodworking wouldn’t be accepted by these traditional carvers, then found out that some of their members also do intarsia! It was great – I found my people! There is such a diversity of carving styles there – and we all learn from each other.
