Here are some very cool spoons from a fella named Gordon. I am not sure I meet him, but cool none the less. I am definitely going to try and carve one of these.

Here are Tom's spoons. I really like is style of carving. I have tried to emulate a few spoons, but they just do not measure up. He follows a more pure form of Scandanavian design and is another great knowledge base of green wood carving.

Here are pictures of what Harley Refsal brought to the gathering. He is pretty well known in the carving world and a great person. The wooden cup in the bottom right was very nice. I hope I can carve something like that some day.

Here are spoons and bowls from Jarrod. He is a great guy and one of the friendly people I have meet in my short 40 years. I would like to call him a friend, but that may be a bit brave since we have only met twice. Jarrod turns bowls on a Spring Pole Lathe that he built himself. Turning bowls and carving spoons may be enought for some, but he also builds birch canoes. His wife April makes beautiful baskets. Someday I hope to own one for myself.

Jarrod and April help to organize the Traditional Ways Gathering happening in WI in August. I hope to teach there this year. I plan to focus on wooden spatulas as I think there are under represented. I took the time off from work, but now need to fill out the paper work - something I am not too good at....

I left this year with a bowl and a spoon from Jarrod. I will post a picture later.

Here is a link http://www.traditionalways.org/

Here is a link to Jarrod and Aprils site. http://www.woodspiritgallery.com/

Here are spoons from Yuri. I managed to get him to trade me the 4th spoon on the right (counting from the large center spoon) for some tools and misc carving gear. I also scored a few Buckthorn eating spoon blanks. Yuri's spoons are beautiful and some of my favorites.

Ok. Time to post some pictures. I was fortunate to attend the 5th Spoon Gathering in Milan Mn the first weekend of June. I think attendance was around 70. More carvers then last year which was great. It was also great to see some younger carvers and first timers in general. The event continues to grow each year.

Here is my set up. I photo'd all the spoons on display. I did not get to meet every carver, but there was some great variety and talent as always.

Annual Spoon Gathering

We have come to that point again in the year.  June 3rd and 4th in Milan MN people from all walks of life and locations will gather to share their love of spoon carving.  This will be the 5th gathering and my 4th.  It is one of the highlights of the year.  If you have not considered attending do so.  You will learn a ton about carving, and not just spoons.  I will take plenty of pictures to post when I get back.

I also have several almost finished spoons to post about and a review of a new sanding system I finally broke down and purchased.  Too much to get done in order to leave Thursday morning, but will make posting a priority when I get back.

http://www.milanvillageartsschool.org/spoon_gathering.html