Student Bethany Kenison - Levan, Utah  

    Great work Bethany!

"When I signed up for Joe Cummings' mid-September 2007 wood carving class, I had never done any kind of carving at all. I just decided I wanted to learn and Joe gave me that opportunity.  He is easy going, patient, and very complimentary. He gave me all the one-on-one help I needed. After three days in his class, I felt confident to take off on my own. The way he explained and demonstrated things made them easy to understand and visualize. The time seemed to fly by. Since then he has treated me more like a friend than a student. He helped me make the necessary connections to get my own equipment and has made himself available for suggestions and encouragement. I have not regretted my investment in his class at all."

The picture above is of Bethany's first project after taking Joe's beginning class.

Student Jeanie White - Springville, Utah

Here is what Jeanie had to say about Joe...

"Joe Cummings! He’s So Awesome!"

"I’ve been carving about a year but not without the help of some excellent teachers.

At the end of 2004,I had the opportunity of meeting Joe in the very first class he taught. What a great teacher. He is willing to go 200% or what ever it takes to help someone in or out of his classes. He helped me so much with that first class that I had to take another. I so respect and admire him. His patience is remarkable. I should know, he needed plenty with me.

If anyone is thinking of taking one of his classes you don’t have to think hard. His classes were the best time and money I’ve ever spent. He raised my carving passion to a totally new level.

Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know Joe as an awesome teacher and friend."

Thank you so much Joe! Jeanie White.

Before I got here, I didn't think I could do wood carving.  But, after your three day class, I was a lot further ahead than I ever thought possible. I would recommend this wood carving  class to anyone. Thanks Joe. - Harold Mace, Sandy, Utah

   Chad Ruseler - Post Falls, Idaho                Corbin Ruseler- Age 13

Thank you again for the class this past weekend.  Corbin and I had a wonderful time. Taking your engraving class proved to be both educational and exciting.  To be able to ask a question in the midst of an exercise and get and immediate answer or to be shown how to apply the method I was trying out on my project was beneficial.  I found that being able to not only see your work up close, but to also touch it and feel the detail was worth the trip.  The Hone’s Studio was another bonus because of all the displayed items,  which gave me more exposure to the engraving world.  I left the class with enthusiasm and confidence that “I can do this”.

Chad Ruseler, Post Falls, Idaho

 I took Joe Cummings beginning gunstock carving class in February 2006. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their carving skills. Joe is an excellent teacher and his personal work will inspire you to be better. I would recommend getting his DVD's on Fishscale and Basketweave and practicing them before the class - You will progress faster. - Mark O. Gehmlich, M.D.

Joe,

     I couldn't let this opportunity go by without thanking you.  I have been a school junkie my whole life.  College, graduate school. any school the army would send me to, journeyman schools for any industrial construction work I was doing, and any school the Udot beaurocracy would send me to.  It was always hard to stay focused and concentrate on school,  and boring  jobs. But I was focused in your class and just had to rid myself of several bad habits and to learn how to use the tools effectively.  Even with a bumpy start you stayed with me and exerted the required  effort to rid me of my obvious bad habits, and to recognize those that were not so obvious, and you placed a huge emphasis on professionalism  and doing quality work. Taking your class was a good decision, an was  effective educational experience, and one of the top investments I've made.  It established some good carving skills and I can hear your  voice in my ear when I have screwed up.

    Several people in the Monticello area have taken an interest in wood carving and I will certainly recommend your class to them.  Good luck to you Joe, and thanks again. 

Victor Schafer