Getting A Little Mushy...

[brianvanh]

What a great few weeks I've had.  I posted here on TradGang several months back looking for local, Iowa bowyers that I could meet up with and learn a thing or two from.  Anyway, I got a PM from Soap Creek (Greg) who gave me the name of a local retired gentleman who has helped a lot of people out.  Greg suggested that I get ahold of the guy, so I did.

Anyway, I emailed the guy and he very graciously invited me out to his house about 4 weeks ago.  He and I spent a few hours talking bows and I was SHOCKED when he gave me 2 osage staves and 2 hackberry staves (all well seasoned).  He also showed me all kinds of tricks and techniques.  Obviously I was (and still am) pumped up.

I ended up going back out to his house today with one of the hackberry staves and he spent 4.5 hours with me roughing it out and showing me all kinds of stuff.  He's got me working the hackberry before moving up to the osage.  I'm racking my brain trying to remember everything he's told me so I can write it down in my notebook.

This old guy has been building bows for a long time and I just can't say how blessed I feel that he is helping me out.  I like to think that I know quite a bit about making bows, but that's all just stuff I've read on the internet combined with a couple of years of my own mediocre experience.  

There simply is no substitute for a hands on education from someone who knows the craft.  I'm continually amazed at how good people have been to me in my quest to learn this hobby.  The forums, the people...I appreciate you all.

[LittleBen]

Thats awesome. Most days TradGang is the only reason I even turn my computer on. Besides for work that is.

[Roy from Pa]

Yupper, Trad Guys are the best.

[Black Mockingbird]

"There simply is no substitute for a hands on education from someone who knows the craft. I'm continually amazed at how good people have been to me in my quest to learn this hobby. The forums, the people...I appreciate you all."


Ain't that the truth  

[Frosty the Bowman]

Brianvanh, I agree these guys are awsome, glad you found this place.Glad you found a mentor too.
My experience here has been second to none, and that is no exagiration.

I am not an active social media or internet forum type of person. But I have joined a few, But HANDS DOWN THIS SITE TAKES THE CAKE AND MAEKS THE REST PALE BY COMPARISON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have never before experienced such a sense of comradirie, freindship, and family before.

You guys are so wonderful to all us newbies. You put up with our million questions, our crazy ideas, and through it all share your wisdom and experiences and teach us how it is done.

Thanks to all of you,

Kevin

[Roy from Pa]

Ya Frosty Boy, it was a nice site till you popped in.    

LMAO, just joking my friend... It's good to see new folks getting into building bows.

[mwosborn]

Better be careful Roy - frosty is going to have to add you to his list!    :D

[talkingcabbage]

Brian, where are you in Iowa? I'm down here in Ottumwa and don't know any other bowyers anywhere near me.