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Nora Hall classes Opinions please



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 22nd 05, 06:59 PM
TomL
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Default Nora Hall classes Opinions please

I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall.
I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The
little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that
differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly
architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but
somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving
was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on
table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her
classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie
carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks.
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  #2  
Old September 22nd 05, 09:26 PM
Brent Beal
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What you have seen, is what you will get. Just sneak a look at one of her
videos.


  #3  
Old September 23rd 05, 02:07 AM
John
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Are you from the detroit area? Nora recently moved there I
think. I took a day long class with her at the Woodcraft
store in maybe Canton MI. Like you, her style is not my
style. She spent much time on basic technique which was
very helpful and informative. The things that I learned
from her are easily transferable to any type of carving you
might do...after all it is all basic chisel and mallet work.
The best part of the class was Nora Hall herself. She is
wise, funny and delightful. I learned a lot and enjoyed the
class immensely. John
  #4  
Old September 23rd 05, 07:50 AM
Jan Egil Sjåstad
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Brent Beal wrote:
What you have seen, is what you will get. Just sneak a look at one of her
videos.


Can be found he
http://norahall.com/video1.shtml

I have her two first videos on DVD. Good stuff.


JES
  #5  
Old September 24th 05, 05:01 PM
Wannabe
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TomL wrote in news:ltr5j1d2bbf5pvc692s77pc86iopjk2j6q@
4ax.com:

I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall.
I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The
little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that
differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly
architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but
somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving
was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on
table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her
classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie
carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks.


I've never taken a class from Nora Hall, but I have done some research
on her videos, type of carving taught and methods.
If you are looking to carve architectural detail on furniture then I
would consider taking her classes.
If it's woodspirits you want, then I would look for classes that are
cheaper than her 4 day sessions.
Why not contact her and ask her if your expectations from taking her
classes will be fulfilled?

Wannabe
  #6  
Old September 28th 05, 11:03 PM
TomL
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On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote:

I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall.
I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The
little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that
differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly
architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but
somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving
was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on
table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her
classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie
carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks.


Thanks Brent and Jan for the video tip. Watched and enjoyed it.
John, thanks for the input on your class experience.
Wannabe, I did just that. Gave her a call and discussed my
expectations and trepidations. She was very straightforward inasmuch
as what I could expect. One of my concerns is that I don't own a set
of carving tools. All that I've done up to this point has been done
with a carving knife. She explained that there would be a set of tools
which I could borrow for the classes.
I've decided to take the plunge. The only downside is the cost. The
classes are not inexpensive but I'm certain I'll walk out with a lot
more knowledge and ability than when I walk in.
Thanks again guys for your comments.
By the way, aside from their lofty price tags, what are your opinions
of the Dastra carving tools that Nora uses and recommends?
  #7  
Old September 29th 05, 02:24 AM
John
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The Dastra tools are good as are many other brands. I kind
of piddle around at carving and find Flex-cut chisels to be
quite nice. I also bought some Chinese chisels from
Woodcarverssupply.com, stock number 401002 and 401001. They
are not like fine german or Austrian chisels but I find they
hold an edge well and have interesting rustic/primitive
quality that I kind of like. Their price is kind as well
  #8  
Old September 30th 05, 06:12 PM
Wannabe
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TomL wrote in news:f94mj152nieptu79btbfmetct35ve3jep6@
4ax.com:

On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote:

I have the opportunity to take 4 days of classes given by Nora Hall.
I'm wondering what the consensus is about her work and methods. The
little I've read is that she does 'european' carving. How does that
differ from plain ol' carving? I've also read that her work is mostly
architectural carvings and seem to my eye very accomplished but
somewhat too ornate for my taste. My reason for getting into carving
was to create woodspirits and some mild architectural carvings on
table/chair aprons and legs. So, I guess what I'm asking is if her
classes in her style of carving are way over the head of this rookie
carver. All opinions will be gratefully considered. Thanks.


Thanks Brent and Jan for the video tip. Watched and enjoyed it.
John, thanks for the input on your class experience.
Wannabe, I did just that. Gave her a call and discussed my
expectations and trepidations. She was very straightforward inasmuch
as what I could expect. One of my concerns is that I don't own a set
of carving tools. All that I've done up to this point has been done
with a carving knife. She explained that there would be a set of tools
which I could borrow for the classes.
I've decided to take the plunge. The only downside is the cost. The
classes are not inexpensive but I'm certain I'll walk out with a lot
more knowledge and ability than when I walk in.
Thanks again guys for your comments.
By the way, aside from their lofty price tags, what are your opinions
of the Dastra carving tools that Nora uses and recommends?


Dastra tools in general are good tools, not sure about how their price
compares to say Swiss or Stubai, which BTW I think (Stubai)are not only
over rated but over priced big time. My choice is Henry Taylor not sure
wether they come sharpened and honed to perfection from the factory now,
this was their only drawback when comparing them to say the Swiss
(Pfeil) for some people previously.
If you are going to follow Hall's suggestions and guidance in your
carving career for any extended length of time, I say use what she
suggests just because she is your teacher...and teacher knows best.(BG)

Good luck in your carving endeavour, I don't think you will ever be
disappointed in your choice of a pastime.(G)

Wannabe.


  #9  
Old October 1st 05, 01:16 PM
Brent Beal
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Wannabe wrote in message ...
TomL wrote in news:f94mj152nieptu79btbfmetct35ve3jep6@
4ax.com:

On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:59:32 GMT, TomL wrote:

compares to say Swiss or Stubai, which BTW I think (Stubai)are not only
over rated but over priced big time. My choice is Henry Taylor not sure
wether they come sharpened and honed to perfection from the factory now,
this was their only drawback when comparing them to say the Swiss
(Pfeil) for some people previously.
If you are going to follow Hall's suggestions and guidance in your
carving career for any extended length of time, I say use what she
suggests just because she is your teacher...and teacher knows best.(BG)

Good luck in your carving endeavour, I don't think you will ever be
disappointed in your choice of a pastime.(G)

Wannabe.

If have purchased most every type of carving tool out there. The Swiss
brand have to be the best to open and use straight from the box. Since
Woodcraft has the sole distributorship in the US, they can control the
prices somewhat. Might hook up with a Canadian vendor with a better price
( would take some searching). The Swiss do have one drawback that I have
found.... they will rust quicker?????

The Taylor brand, the Stubai brand and the Lamp brand all seem to not rust
at all or as quick as the Swiss. I know, I have tried everything to prevent
the rust but this humid area is no help with that.
Good luck and keep the fingers out of the way of the cutting edge.


 




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